http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/rss/feedsWe offer a variety of services in the Texas Hill Country areas, including custom home building Wed, 09 Oct 2019 05:03:12 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/advice-to-ignorehttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/advice-to-ignoreWe’ve all received advice on how we could make things better in our home. Sometimes it’s advice on how to clean, and sometimes it’s advice on things much bigger such as renovations. Unfortunately, it’s not all good advice. Here are five pieces of advice that you should NEVER listen to!Your granite (or marble or limestone) countertops are virtually indestructible. WRONG! They are strong, but not indestructible. Marble is especially fragile and very porous making it susceptible to liquids sinking into their surfaces. (Think red wine or purple Kool-Aid on your countertops…forever.) You must be quick to clean those spills to keep the liquids from forever changing that beautiful countertop you love so much. Additionally, all rocks will break if hit hard enough. Be careful with heavy objects landing near edges on any of your countertops to avoid chips and scratches. Also, be aware of acidic liquids and foods which can stain or cause etching, or dullness, on your stone countertops.Clean your garbage disposal with lemons. Wrong again! While it does make your garbage disposal smell clean, the acid from the lemons can corrode the metal parts of your disposal. If you’ve been told that coffee grounds are the next best thing, think again. They may be great at getting the gunk off the blades without causing corrosion, but they can accumulate in your pipes causing them to clog. The best cleaner you can use is the age-old cleaner many of us know – baking soda. Your bank account, and your septic tank if you have one, will thank you!A trendy kitchen remodel will increase the value of my home. Be careful here! How many of us remember the avocado green and mustard yellow kitchen appliances from the 50’s? Exactly. Trends are just that…trends. They will eventually go out of style. The easiest way to have a trendy remodel without breaking the bank is to use trendy paint colors. Then select the timeless updates like shaker cabinets, subway tile, and wood floors which, by the way, have never gone out of style.Paint hides everything. No, it doesn’t. If there are any dings in the drywall, any signs of mold, or any termite damage, you’ll need to fix the problem before painting over it. Otherwise, it’s like using gum to plug a hole in a dam. The problem will still be there and could get worse if not addressed.Wallpaper works anywhere. No, wallpaper does not work anywhere. Wallpaper is one of those trends that has come and gone and come back again. When used in the right space, it can give a room the perfect touch. However, be careful where you put the wallpaper. If used in the wrong room, it may be prone to fading or condensation. Also, try to pick a style you think you’ll love for years to come. Because once you’ve put in the work to get your wallpaper in the perfect spot, you won’t be looking forward to removing it and replacing it anytime soon. Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/troubleshooting-tips-for-your-septic-systemhttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/troubleshooting-tips-for-your-septic-systemIf you have a septic system, it’s important to watch for signs of trouble. Here are some hints for troubleshooting some of the issues that may arise with your system.• When water backs up in a sink or tub or toilet, there might simply be a blockage in the pipe. A single clogged drain isn’t anything to panic about. This can be easily taken care of with a plunger or small amount of drain cleaner. However, if all your sinks, tubs, or showers are draining slowly, you may have a damaged pipe, or your septic tank may be clogged.• If you have standing water in your yard and it hasn’t rained for a while, your drain field may not be functioning properly. There could be a crushed or clogged pipe causing water to back up.• Take precaution if you notice odors in your yard or home. Odors in your yard could be a sign that your drain field may be damaged. Any odors that come from the inside of your house could be an early sign of a sewage backup. Do not ignore sewer smells in your house as a sewage backup could cause serious water damage and cost thousands of dollars to clean up!• Aerobic units, those adapted for home or small business use for flows up to 5,000 gallons per day, have two alarms. One alarm is for the air pump, and one is for the irrigation pump. If the alarm sounds, first mute it and check the dlectrical breakers. Then check the air pump to make sure it is running. Once confirmed the breaker is fine and the air pump is working properly, check the small hose going from the air pump to the electrical box for holes. The next step is to check the pump in the pump tank. If the water level is at the mid-point or higher, your pump is not working properly. You can also turn the power off and check the wiring for any signs of breakage.• Any odor in the irrigation spray is probably due to your air line being broken or the filter in the air pump clogged thus restricting the correct amount of airflow.If you notice any of these signs of trouble, contact Billy Jack’s Construction at 512-755-2870.Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/septic-care--maintenancehttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/septic-care--maintenanceWastewater treatment is essential to protecting our fresh water sources, and statistics from the US Environmental Protection Agency show that more than 20% of households in the US depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Septic systems that are properly maintained can provide excellent wastewater treatment which is not only cost effective but will also help preserve water resources.A typical septic system consists of a septic tank, which breaks down organic matter and separates solids from the wastewater, and a drain field, which properly disposes of the liquid matter either into the soil or through sand filtration. Here are some important things to remember to care for your septic system:• Do not park or drive over your septic tank or your drain field.• Do not dig post holes or trenches over your tank or around the drain field area.• No sprinkler systems over your drain field.• Avoid planting soft wood trees, such as the willow or cottonwood tree, near your drain field.• Toilets are NOT trash cans! The rule of thumb is only flush human waste and minimal amounts of toilet paper.• Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain and try to avoid using your garbage disposal. This will reduce the amounts of solids that enter your tank.• Limit the amount of harsh chemicals you use like bleach or drain cleaner. This will help properly maintain the balance of bacteria in the tank.• Try to spread washing machine use throughout the week. Doing all of your laundry in one day can actually be harmful to your septic system by overloading it.• Using high efficiency toilets, showerheads, washing machines, and other plumbing fixtures will not only help the environment by conserving water but will also reduce the water entering your septic system.• The average household septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years by a septic service professional. This process is necessary whether you use additives or not, so you can save money by skipping the additives.It’s easy to forget about your septic system. You know, “out of sight, out of mind.” However, it’s important to properly care for and maintain your septic system. Neglecting to do so could hurt the environment, potentially risk your health, and even result in thousands of dollars flushed down the drain!If you have any questions about your septic system or just need to schedule your regular maintenance, contact Billy Jack’s Construction at 512-755-2870.Thu, 14 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/improvements-with-high-returnshttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/improvements-with-high-returnsWhen you invest money into the stock market or mutual funds, your goal is to make a return on your investment. This same concept should also be used for home improvement projects. Whether you’re looking to update your home strictly for your enjoyment or trying to prepare it to sell, make sure to choose the updates that will add value to your home and not simply cost you more money with nothing in return.The most common home improvement projects with the highest return are ones that visually change the look of your home. A fresh coat of paint both inside and outside can really give your home an updated look without a big hit to your bank account. Additionally, spending money on landscaping almost always provides a large return on your investment. You can purchase sod to give your yard an instant improvement. Then add a few colorful flowers and a charming focal point like a walkway or fountain to give your home added curb appeal.Minor kitchen and bath remodels will cost more out of pocket, but they can provide a great return on your investment. Sanding and painting existing cabinets and updating the walls with a fresh coat of paint is one way to give your kitchen or bath a quick facelift. You can change out cabinet hardware and faucets for a simple updated look. The same goes for light fixtures. Adding recessed can lights and/or updating current light fixtures can make these rooms brighter and more appealing. Add new flooring, replace countertops, and possibly upgrade to energy efficient appliances in the kitchen and you have yourself a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom.An upgrade that many don’t even think about is replacing vinyl siding on your home for stone veneer. This will be a big aesthetic improvement that will provide a large return on your investment.It’s easy to get carried away with home improvement projects. This is how a minor remodel ends up turning into a major one, which doesn’t always provide a major return on your investment. The biggest thing to remember is to know your budget and stick to it. Thu, 07 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/to-build-or-to-buyhttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/to-build-or-to-buyA home is typically one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. As most people consider this large purchase, the same question always seems to come to mind: Do we build, or do we buy? There really is no wrong answer, but it’s important buyers understand some of the pros and cons of each before deciding which path is the right one for them.The greatest advantages to buying an existing home are convenience and cost. With an existing home, you can find something move-in ready in a relatively short period of time. Of course, you will have the process of viewing homes and trying to find one that includes enough of the items on your wish list, but a realtor can help you streamline this process to make it much more convenient for you. Additionally, on average, you’ll end up paying less for a home that’s already constructed.The biggest disadvantage to buying an existing home, however, is that you may not be able to get exactly what you are looking for. You may not love the floor plan, or you might find the perfect floor plan in a home that hasn’t been updated in 20+ years. Because these homes weren’t built specifically with you in mind, you may find yourself having to spend additional money on remodeling or repairs.Building a new home doesn’t have the same convenience factor that buying an existing home does. Custom home building is a process, and you’ll spend time finding the right piece of land and working with an architect to find the perfect layout for the home. The next step will be meeting with custom home builders to find the right builder to build the home you’ve put so much of your own time and thoughts into. The beautiful thing about building your custom home is that you have input in the entire process. You are much more likely to get exactly what you want when you build.Another big advantage to building over buying is that your home will be built to the latest energy codes which can make it more efficient than an existing home. You can also add energy star appliances and green appliances and fixtures to make your home more efficient, as well as add in home automation and prepare for future technological upgrades that older homes may not be equipped for.It is important to note that the ability to completely customize your home does come with a cost. You may need to prepare to pay more for a custom home than for an existing home. However, you’re less likely to have to deal with big maintenance issues, like heating and cooling system repairs or roof repairs, for the first few years in a custom home versus the possibility of an existing home needing these issues addressed sooner.Every buyer is different, and you are the only one who can decide which is best for you. The easiest way to start is by prioritizing the things you want and categorizing what you can concede and what you just can’t live without. This is a great first step in answering the question: Do I build, or do I buy?Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:57:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/2019-color-of-the-yearhttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/2019-color-of-the-yearPantone’s Color of the Year selection has been influencing decorating styles for many years. In fact, many manufacturers and fashion buyers wait for this announcement each year to begin their purchasing for the next year. Just this week, Pantone released the Color of the Year for 2019, 16-1546 Living Coral. It’s described as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” It’s a vibrant color yet still has a warm and comfortable feel. Pantone expressed their desire to choose a color that is found in natural surroundings while also symbolizing both optimism and joy.How do you decorate with the color of the year?1. Use it as an accent wall. You can place a large piece of art or furniture against the wall to really accent the wall color. When mixed with the right balance of whites and complementary colors, you can get a beautiful harmonized look. Your accent wall doesn’t have to be a solid color, either. Get creative with a design or fun wallpaper pattern in a bathroom.2. If an accent wall is too bold of a statement, use this color on a piece of furniture or as chic window treatments in a guest room perhaps. Color your built-in cabinets for a large impact in a small room.3. One of the easiest ways to use the color of the year is to use it in accessories such as art, candles, pillows, etc. You can add a stylish touch to any room with a pop of color here and there.The color selection does not stop there. Pantone offers different palettes to coordinate other colors with their color of the year.Behr also released their 2019 color of the year, Blueprint S470-5, which is a beautiful, soothing color that would be great to complement with Pantone’s Living Coral. Whatever color palette speaks to you, do not be afraid to make bold choices. Sometimes those bold color choices turn out to be the most elegant spaces in your home!Sat, 08 Dec 2018 06:30:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/protect-your-plants-this-winterhttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/protect-your-plants-this-winterIt’s that time of year again when the air is a little crisper and you wake to frost on the ground. We have officially had our first freeze, but never fear Texans! Our weather never stays the same for too long. We’ll be looking for a slight increase in temperatures during the day which can give us the time we need to focus on caring for our outdoor plants before it gets too cold again.You may be aware that you should cover your in-ground plants with sheets or heavyweight row cover to protect them from a freeze. What you may not know is that the cover isn’t what is keeping your plants warm. It’s really the heat coming from the ground that is being held in by the cover. You’ll want to make sure to cover your plants all the way to the ground. You can secure this cover with something heavy like rocks or bricks. It’s important that this cover is draped over and secured at the ground and not actually tied to the trunk. Tying around the trunk actually keeps the ground heat from getting to the plant. If you have plants that cannot handle the weight of a cover, use a large box or build a frame around them with tomato cages to hold the covers. When temperatures rise above freezing, make sure to remove the plant covers to allow them the ability to absorb heat and recover before the cold nights.For your plants in containers, you can use move them all together against your house and use the same covering methods above. Another method is to move them to your garage. Just make sure they have an adequate amount of sunlight and try to give them some fresh air occasionally if you can stand to open your garage for a little bit during the day.Lastly, make sure not to overwater during the winter. Some of your plants may go dormant while being stored in the garage to reserve energy for the next spring, so they will not need as much water as they do when they are out in the elements.Don’t hesitate to call your local nursery for tips to care for your plants during the winter so you can enjoy their beauty next spring!Thu, 15 Nov 2018 06:33:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/care-for-your-concrete-floorshttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/care-for-your-concrete-floorsWe absolutely love stained concrete floors. They are such a stylish choice for indoor floors, and there are so many choices from colors and textures to finishes and decorative overlays giving you the opportunity to have a floor like no other! The best part is they are durable and incredibly easy to clean. Here are a few things you need to know about caring for stained concrete to keep your floors looking amazing for a very long time.Most often, you just need to use a dry dust mop even a damp mop to get rid of any dirt or grime on your floors. This is the least abrasive thing you can do. Those of you with children or pets, however, know that there are just things that sometimes not even a damp mop can tackle. For those harder to clean items, you can use a couple drops of Dawn dish soap in your mop water. The Dawn is gentle enough to keep from harming your floors, but it has the germ and grease fighting capabilities to give you peace of mind that your floors are clean. Another great item to have is a steam mop. As long as you stick with water, your steam mop can disinfect your floors without any worries.There are a few things you DO NOT want on your stained concrete floors. There are so many products that are great for cleaning other places around your home, but make sure you don't use any product on your floor that contains ammonia. Ammonia can leave a film on your stained concrete floors, and it can even strip the sealer and ruin your floors. The same goes for any colored cleaners. Those cleaners with a yellow tint to them will actually end up yellowing your floors in time. There are also those who will tell you that vinegar is great for cleaning floors. It's been our experience, however, that vinegar will also strip the sealer thus potentially harming your beautiful floors. It's also a good idea to have rugs or some type of floor covering near sinks and stoves as that is usually where the biggest enemies of stained concrete floors tend to be. Grease can be your worst nightmare followed closely by eggs, wine, and carbonated soft drinks. If any of these items find their way onto your floor, take immediate action to clean the spill so that they don't penetrate the sealer. Lastly, try to avoid using anything with an adhesive on your stained concrete floors. The adhesive can be just as abrasive to the seal as the other items mentioned above. Because your floors will last for so long, you may find yourself in a situation where you are repainting walls and/or baseboards in your home. If you do, make sure you only use the blue Painter's Tape and remove it immediately when you have finished painting. In the end, stained concrete floors are always a great choice. They are cost effective, durable, versatile, and when you take care of them properly, they will last an incredibly long time.Sat, 10 Nov 2018 12:51:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/no-place-like-homehttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/no-place-like-home“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” – Jane Austen“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” – George A Moore“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe“Home is where one starts from.” – T.S. EliotThere are a million quotes about home. In fact, do a google search on home quotes and one of the first links you’ll find is one with 1,692 quotes about home. It’s one of the main components of the American Dream, and it is much more than just walls and a roof. Home is a feeling…it’s emotional, and it has a way of providing a sense of safety and contentment.There is also a sense of pride that comes with building your home. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you can take the picture of home you’ve always had in your mind and are able to make it a reality.If you are considering a new home or a second home, consider building a custom home. Building a custom home allows you to select the features you want and need. It is a creative journey between you, your architect, and your builder. In the end, you will know you have put together the house that meets your needs and lifestyle in every way you want it to.And remember,“There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy from Wizard of Oz Fri, 02 Nov 2018 09:20:00 -0700http://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/the-hill-country-lifestyle-customizing-your-dreams-one-house-at-a-timehttp://www.showcasebuilders.com/blog/post/the-hill-country-lifestyle-customizing-your-dreams-one-house-at-a-time One of the great things we get to do while working with a variety of clients, is building for different lifestyles. When they come to us at Showcase Builders, we sit down and specifically ask them what they would like in their new custom-built home if they have not engaged an architect at this point. Knowing their intentions and helping them manifest a lifestyle of their dreams makes our dedicated team smile. It is our great privilege to add many special features for homeowners. In fact, consider this custom home that was among those in the Hill Country Builders Association 2014 Parade of Homes. For this hilltop home we added a car collector’s dream garage and shop with several bays and a beautiful garage floor coating. Among other features of the home are a separate casita for guest accommodations, covered RV storage with complete utility hookups, a custom utility room with a dog wash and kennel, an electronic pet door and a custom lap pool with a spa overlooking Lake Buchanan. Other features we commonly add to a waterfront or Texas Hill Country home are large game rooms, home theaters, wine bars, large patios with relaxing pools, and fire pits for entertaining the family or weekend guests. These homes may also have custom boat docks with slips for boats and personal watercraft. Providing many of these unique elements to custom homes makes our day. We can make yours, too, when looking for a wonderful place to reside. Showcase Builders (www.showcasebuilders.com) provides custom home building services throughout the Texas Hill Country, whether it is in Austin, Marble Falls, Kingsland, Granite Shoals, Horseshoe Bay or Burnet. Our talented and qualified team brings over 35 years of experience into each project. Led by Ryan Haberer, President, Showcase Builders subscribes to the philosophy that communication is the key to our success. We guarantee, as our clients, that you’ll love the special attention that you and your home receive. For more information, contact us at (512) 745-7241.Mon, 15 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0700