The Best Areas to Stay in Texas

People in Texas are famous for friendliness and patience as supersized as the state. This is one of the reasons there are so many visitors to the Lone Star State.

Whether you want to travel to San Antonio, Austin, the Hill Country, or surrounding communities, you'll find the best areas to stay. Not only that, you'll meet kindhearted folks to answer all your questions.

Here are three descriptions of areas to stay in Texas that introduce you to a mix of culture, heritage, food, and music, so you get the most out of your visit to Texas.

San Antonio 

San Antonio is a big city but feels like a small town. Some people say the San Antonio neighborhoods are hidden gems of Texas. Neighborhoods such as Alamo Heights, Southtown, Stone Oak, Helotes, Mahncke Park, and Olmos Park are safe and lovely places to visit or purchase a home.

Places to Stay

According to U.S. World News 2021 rankings, the five best hotels in San Antonio include:

• Hotel Emma
• Mokara Hotel and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
• Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

You can also find lodging off the beaten path. One example is Bandera located about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio. Many summertime visitors go there to enjoy campgrounds, dude ranches, dance halls, and rodeos.

Good Eating

This friendly city is famous for its delicious food, especially the tacos at Las Palapas. Also, the Mi Tierra Cafe has authentic Mexican food that makes it a destination for locals and visitors.

For more upscale dining, check out the Chart House. It's located 750 feet up in the Tower of Americas. The view of the city through the glass walls is incredible as your seat rotates 360 degrees as you're eating.

Outdoor Life

If you'd rather spend your day enjoying nature, Op Schnabel Park in San Antonio has mountain bike and hiking trails that go on for miles. It's dog-friendly and appropriate for beginners and advanced hikers.

City Sites

Taking a stroll along Riverwalk beside the San Antonio River is a big draw for tourists and locals. If you're a history buff, you won't want to miss visiting The Alamo and animal lovers can enjoy a day at the San Antonio Zoo.

Seasonal Festivals

Depending on when you're visiting San Antonio, you can enjoy art events, cultural festivals, art workshops, and music presentations. Many of these events have free admission.

Austin 

Although Austin is the capital of Texas, it's a relatively small city. It has the relaxed atmosphere of a college town. Big draws for visiting Austin are its live music concerts and nightlife. From the Texas State History Museum to the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin has something for everyone.

When visiting Austin, rest your head at one of the top five places to stay:

• The Driskill
• Archer Hotel Austin
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin
• JW Marriot Austin
• Lake Austin Spa Resort

If you want to get the most out of your stay in Austin, check out the tours available. No matter what your interests, Austin has a tour you'll enjoy. Here are several tours available:

• Cultural
• Self Guided
• Landmarks
• Walking
• Ghost and Vampire
• Theater and Art
• Historical
• City
• Bus
• Mountain Bike

After a day of touring Austin, you'll have a hard time deciding on where to eat. Austin has upscale dining, as well as BBQ, budget eating from food trucks. You can even take a food or brewery tour.

Houston 

You might know Houston as the Space City, the Bayou City, or the Clutch City, but whatever name you call it, Houston features robust eateries, booming nightlife, and prosperous art making it a destination for travelers.

People flock to Houston's parks, bayous, niche boutiques, and thriving urban neighborhoods. If you're looking for a diverse place to stay in Texas, Houston could be the place.

You'll find great wines along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. As you're sipping the local wines, you'll also experience stunning views of the Texas countryside.

Of course, if you're a science buff, the Space Center Houston is a place you won't want to miss. In addition to all of the eateries and museums, Houston has a variety of comfortable lodgings.

The top five places to stay in Houston include:

• The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
• The Lancaster Hotel
• Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City
• Four Seasons Hotel Houston
• The St. Regis Houston

No matter how many times you visit Houston or even if you own a home there, the size of the city is hard to grasp. The mild winters and affordable housing makes it one of the country's fastest-growing cities.

Start Your Adventure in Texas

San Antonio, Austin, and Houston offer some of the best areas to stay in Texas. You can find unique accommodations, natural beauty, delicious eateries, and historical sites. 

6 Warning Signs It's Time To Call A Plumber For Your Kitchen

You can use your kitchen area without hesitation if your plumbing is in good operating order. When your plumbing fails, however, it can feel like you're dealing with the most inconvenient situation you've ever encountered. Plumbing expenditures are something that most people, including yourself, are unaware of. It's the last thing on your mind, and you're more likely to get a plumber after the harm has been made.

Many other plumbing-related repairs should be left to the pros, primarily for safety reasons and to ensure the task is done the first time correctly. There are numerous warning indications that a plumbing problem is about to begin. Knowing what to look for can help you save time and money. Here are a few indicators that it's time to call your kitchen plumber:

1. Decrease Of Water Pressure

One of the more obvious symptoms that your plumbing system has gone bad is a decline in water pressure. A leak or an obstruction is the most common cause. Water pressure is lost in proportion to the degree of the leak or obstruction. Consistently lower water pressure over time indicates that you have a problem that is becoming worse. 

It's most likely a tiny leak or a buildup of limescale. An abrupt loss in water pressure, meanwhile, is often a sign of a pipe burst and should be addressed quickly. In any case, this plumbing problem symptom should never be overlooked. Check out fergusonsplumbing.com.au/about-us/ and other similar companies to help your water pressure get back to normal. 

2. Rust-Colored Water

Rust indicates the presence of iron in your water. It frequently suggests that you must replace parts of your home's plumbing pipes. It could also signal that you require a new water heater. Likewise, it may indicate a concern with the water's safety in rare situations. In any event, don't take risks. If your faucet starts to leak rust-colored water, call a professional plumber right away.

3. Slow Drainage Of Sinks

While there are several possible explanations for your sink problems, the truth is that your plumbing is clogged. Anything, from children's toys to food waste and even small rodents, can clog your pipes, and you won't know unless you peek down your clogged drain. A plumber can clear any stubborn obstructions using specialized equipment known as an auger. He may also use a drain snake, which is a long, flexible gadget that is 10 times more efficient than your ordinary wire coat hanger. Make the call rather than wasting time chipping away at it and maybe damaging the interior of your pipes.

4. Constant Running Or Dripping Water

Running or dripping water is one of the telltale signals that it's time to call a plumber. One of the earliest evident symptoms of a leak could be this. If you hear the sound without running your faucet recently, take extra measures. It could indicate a leak beneath the floor or behind the walls. Hidden leaks are inconvenient and, if ignored, can cause significant damage. If you hear running or dripping water where there should be none, it's a good idea to call a plumber to be safe.

5. Smelly Gas Leaks

Gas leaks aren't the same as a trickling pipe under your kitchen sink, which can be easily fixed. Fortunately, obtaining expert help from a plumber is simple. The most frequent and well-known odor associated with a gas leak is rotten eggs. This odor is overpowering and unappealing. The distinct smell may emanate from within or beyond your home, depending on the location of the leak. Open your windows and ventilate as much as possible if the leak is from the inside. If feasible, leave the area until the leak is fixed. 

6. High Water Bills

Water bills will undoubtedly fluctuate with a faulty plumbing system throughout the year. If your water costs continue to rise month after month despite not using significantly more water, you should have a professional check your plumbing system. Water seeping from your plumbing system, which is still considered water usage and contributes to your increased rates, may be the cause of unusually high monthly water bills.

Turn off all of your home's plumbing appliances, then check your water meter to determine if this is the source of the problem. There is probably a leak somewhere in the system if the meter continues to run. A professional plumber should assess the situation to establish the exact location and severity of the leak.

Takeaway

There are several signs that you should contact a plumber immediately. Seek help if you see rust-colored water, an increase in your water bill, or clogged drains. Do not hesitate to contact a professional and experienced plumber if you are experiencing severe issues with your plumbing system.

Is Power Washing Better Than Pressure Washing? (Pros & Cons)

Towards the end of fall, you probably noticed that your home and patio areas have become dingy and dirty throughout the season. Like any homeowner, you want to keep your home clean, and you start thinking about doing it yourself or hiring a professional to get rid of stains and algae growth. When having the outside of your home cleaned, there are two main types of cleaning methods people choose: power washing and pressure washing.

Did you know that power washing and pressure washing aren't the same things? If not, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The two are often used as if they are, even in marketing campaigns. They are very similar as they both use high pressure to clean surfaces; however, there are a few differences for one power washing uses a heating element to heat the water and pressure washer doesn’t. 

Many people wonder about the differences between the two and if one method is better than the other. If you’re interested in learning more about pressure and power washing services, click here annarborpowerwashingpros.com.

Power Washer vs. Pressure Washer

The main difference between the two is how they clean and what they clean. Power washing is best for cleaning algae, moss, mold, stains, and dirt. Because of the heat, it is better at killing bacteria and mold spores, so it doesn’t spread. Pressure washers are a bit more powerful than power washers. They are great for doing large jobs and blowing away moss, weeds, dirt, and debris.  

Pros and Cons of Power Washing

Pros 

• High pressure - power washers have higher pressure than pressure washers. A power washer typically has a PSI between 500 to 4,000, so you know even the dirtiest areas are easily cleaned. For example, vehicles, sidewalks, stairs, fencing, driveways, and garage doors need heavy-duty pressure from 3,330 PSI or above, so a pressure washer is perfect for them. 
• Weeds and moss - power washers heat up to roughly 150 degrees, effectively killing weeds and moss. It limits their regrowth due to the heat that it puts out. For weeds, the spray's power eliminates the weeds' roots. 
• Deep cleans - power washing is an excellent choice for cleaning large areas that are hard to clean. The heat quickly cleans stains, oil plus quickly breaks down and removes dirt and debris.  
• Best for large jobs - if you’re cleaning the outside of a commercial building or a stadium, a power washer is the best choice. You’ll finish the job quicker. The heated water ensures that stains and other chemicals are removed, so you won’t have to redo the job. 

Cons

• The cost - power washers are more expensive than power washers. The heating element in these machines makes them expensive, and you can expect to pay thousands for one. 
• Can cause damage - Water can get into the surface, increasing the chance of mold growth. This generally only happens if the surface being washed has not been treated. Another thing is that because of the heat. It can damage some surfaces. The best surfaces to power wash are concrete and cement. If you have other areas washed, you need to test a small area or talk to a professional to ensure it holds up under the heat. 
• Best for specific jobs - These aren't as versatile as pressure washers because of their high pressure and heat. These are best at certain jobs and not a good idea for small jobs with very little debris. 

Pros and Cons of Pressure Washing

Pros

• Versatile - pressure washers come in a wide range of PSI, so you can easily choose the one that works best for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to wash your car, bike, or second story. You’ll be able to. 
• Options - You can choose if you want gas or electric powered pressure washers, although gas usually is stronger than electric powered ones. We recommend electric-powered ones for home use. 
• It fits easily into your budget - pressure comes in a wide range of prices, so you can easily choose one that will work for you. 
• Difficult to damage your property - Because of the vast choices of PSI, you can clean many surfaces without damaging them. You can use it on your house, siding, garage floors, and paving stones without worry. 
• Easy of use - pressure washers are easy to use, and once you read the instructions and get the basics down, you’ll be cleaning your dirty patio in no time. 

Cons

• Damage - while it is more difficult to damage surfaces, it can still happen. They still go up to 4,000, and if you choose the wrong one, you can still damage certain surfaces. 
• Potential for injury - Pressure washers are powerful and, if not used properly, can cause injury to you, your pets, or your family. This is especially true depending on whether you are using a high PSI.
• Cleaning limitation - because it uses cold water instead of hot water, it doesn’t do well when getting rid of stains, moss, mold, and chemicals.

Is Power Washing or Pressure Washing a DIY project? 

It’s important to remember that both of these machines are very powerful and can cause damage to your property or your family. Before deciding if you should attempt it on your own or hire a professional, there are things you should consider. Some things to consider are what you should and should not wash, the size of the area you need to be cleaned, plus ask yourself if you know the suitable soaps and chemicals to use. 

The most obvious pro of DIY power washing is to save money. They are relatively inexpensive to rent, and it’s very cost-effective for smaller jobs. The cons of doing it yourself are it can be time-consuming and dangerous. Most homes have hard-to-reach areas, and if you have a two-story house, your first instinct is to grab a ladder. This is a bad idea because the high pressure will likely knock over the ladder leading to injury. 

Is Power Washing or Pressure Washing Better?

One is not better than the other. However, you need to know which is better for the job you need to do. Most of the time, a pressure washer is the better choice for homes unless you have stains, moss, algae, or mold growing. When in doubt, make sure to talk to a qualified professional pressure washer. 

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Increase Your Home Value in Boston?

Do you walk into your kitchen, and your first thought is how drab and dull it looks? If so, it may be time to consider remodeling your kitchen. If you live in Boston, a mid-range kitchen upgrade can increase the value of your home, and you can expect an ROI of around 57% of your cost. When it comes to how happy homeowners are with the results on a scale of 1-10, those who did their renovations themselves rated their score as 8.9, while when having a professional do it, their score was 10.   

Interested in learning more about your kitchen remodel Boston. There are three different kitchen remodeling cost tiers: minor, mid-range, and major renovations, distinguishable by the cost and how extensive the project is; when deciding which of these renovations you want to tackle, consider factors. 

• Where you live
• Cost of remodel
• Your budget
• Desired updates

Will A Kitchen Remodel Increase Your Boston Homes Value?

Yes. Zillow reported that 58% of buyers who purchased homes said having an updated kitchen factored into their home-buying decision. Over two-thirds of buyers are willing to pay more for homes with recent kitchen and bathroom updates. Of course, how much you spend factors into how much is spent on the kitchen upgrade.  

Cost of Remodeling Your Kitchen

This varies based on what you plan on updating. If you choose to fully update your kitchen with new wood cabinets, an island, laminate countertops, and a standard sink and faucet with all new appliances is roughly $68,000. Of course, depending on the type of cabinets, flooring, backsplash, and appliances, you can spend much more or much less. 

A simple upgrade such as updating hardware, choosing less expensive countertop hardware, and new low-cost flooring can save you a lot of money and cost around $18,000. In contrast, a complete renovation with high-end flooring, countertops, and appliances can run you $130,000. In 2018 homeowners budgeted between $5,000-57,000, with only 1 in 10 going over $100,00. 

Types of Kitchen Remodels

As touched on above, a few factors should be considered when choosing how extensive your kitchen remodeling project in Boston, MA should be. 

• Where you live - if you live in cities such as Boston, San Diego, Seattle, or San Jose, you can expect a kitchen renovation to increase your home's value extensively. You can expect an ROI of  92.9. 
• While many costs are worth it, you need to watch how much you spend on the remodel. If you pay too much, you’ll have trouble getting a decent ROI. There comes the point when spending money becomes a waste. 
• Your Budget - when determining your budget, you’ll want to decide which updates are the most important and are worth the investment. You’ll want to make sure to factor in at least 10% for unexpected expenses. 
• Desired updates - if you choose personalized updates, it doesn’t bring a good return for your money. Instead, focus on cabinets, countertops, and appliances. When determining the updates you want, you should contact the best contractor in the Boston area. 

Kitchen Updates That Increases Home Value the Most

Certain features in your kitchen influence the home value more than in other areas. Below you’ll find the most critical areas.

• Cabinets
• Countertops and backsplashes
• Appliances
• Flooring
• Hardware

Cabinets 

Outdated cabinets make your Boston kitchen look old and cause prospective buyers to pass on your home. While replacing the cabinets is likely to be the most expensive project in the remodel, it’ well worth the cost. While not hiring a professional may be tempting, it’s easy to tell if the upgrade is by a professional or a DIY project and will affect the value of your home.

Countertops and backsplash

This can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your countertops, like not going right to costly options like granite, marble, or quartz but instead investing in laminates, granite remnants, tiles, or Formica. Each of these will give your countertops an updated, beautiful look. 

Backsplashes come in a wide variety of colors and geometric shapes to easily complement your new countertop. They are relatively inexpensive but contribute significantly to your kitchen's overall look. 

Appliances

When choosing appliances, you want to look for ones that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll also want to make sure they all match, such as all black or all white, not only to save money but also that it doesn’t make your kitchen look only partly upgraded. Double ovens, while not essential, are one of the most popular appliance upgrades for kitchens in Boston, MA. 

Flooring

If you are refinishing existing wood floors, you’ll get a 100% ROI, which is unheard of for the most part. People love hardwood floors because they are beautiful, long-lasting, and highly durable. The biggest downfall of hardwood floors is they aren’t water-resistant, so you’re probably better off choosing another flooring type. Many types of wood flooring look like natural wood, are water-resistant, and don’t cost a lot. 

Hardware

You’ll want to look for hardware for your kitchen. You’ll want to match them with the overall style. You’ll want to decide if you want knobs, pulls, or a combination of both. Each of these has different benefits depending on what you want. 

• Knobs are smaller and less expensive. It works well with both draws and cabinets and is easy to install. 
• Pulls are larger than knobs, stand out more, and are easier to grip. These are typically more expensive than knobs and work best with large drawers and linear cabinets. 

Once you decide the type of handle you want, you can choose your finish. Some people decide to have their hardware blend in and be inconspicuous, while others want it to stand out and make a real impact. 

Is Remodeling Your Boston Kitchen Worth It?

Yes, remodeling your kitchen in Boston is worth it. Not only does it increase your home’s value it also is a great way to make you fall in love with your home all over again. However, when you decide to make these renovations, you want to make sure you create and stick to your budget and hire a professional for complicated changes such as installing new countertops. 

Planning a Home Renovation: A Guide

Photo by Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash

Home renovations are a fantastic way to put your own stamp on a property in the US, make it the most comfortable and functional place for your lifestyle, and can even add value to your property. However, one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when trying to upgrade their home’s interior is failing to plan. These projects can be incredibly complex and costly, especially if you get halfway through before realizing that you have forgotten to consider a key factor. Whether you are considering an extension, an attic conversion, or remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, this article outlines the key steps to take when planning a home renovation. 

Check the ‘bones’ of your home

Not every property has the structure to support a significant renovation, so before you get too far in your planning, you need to check what you are working with. You may need to get basic issues like damp walls or ceilings, cracks in the walls, or bowed floorboards. 

Request some estimates

Before you request exact quotes from tradespeople, you can ask them to provide an approximate figure to give you a sense of the costs you will be facing. They will also be able to give you an indication of which parts of the project will be the costliest and where you could reduce costs.

Work out your budget

When you know roughly how much the work is going to cost, you can work out a budget for the entire project. You might need to move into rented accommodation for a period if the work is particularly disruptive. If you will be buying new furniture, you should include those costs in the budget as well, and then allow an additional 10% to cover any unexpected costs that might arise. If you are working with a budget that will restrict how much you are able to do and have to make compromises, don’t let your dream goals disappear. If you want to achieve your goals sooner rather than later, you might want to consider a personal loan to fund the project and make it a reality. 

Consider managing the project yourself

You will be able to save money on the project by managing it yourself. This will involve organizing all the individual tradespeople and companies to a schedule and ensuring they are paid on time. You should also be on the site every day to oversee the work and will be responsible for interpreting any architectural plans and managing health and safety. Alternatively, you can hire a contractor to manage the project on your behalf and reduce your stress. 

Get quotes from multiple tradespeople

It is important to source and compare quotes for the work from multiple tradespeople and companies so you can be sure that you are paying a fair price. During the comparison process, you should also look into the credentials and background of the tradespeople and request references from their previous customers. In some cases, you might want to agree to withhold 5% of the final bill until six months after the project has been completed. That way, if any problems emerge in that time, they will be obliged to take care of them.