Author: alien

10 Facts About Living in McAllen

Posted on March 22, 2022 by alien - Home construction, Rio Grande Valley

McAllen is a city in Texas, US. It is one of the cities evolving at a great pace and has become one of the first choices of many new home buyers. It is also the second-largest city in Rio Grande Valley. But what is it like to live in McAllen?

If you are thinking of buying a new home in McAllen, you should know about the city better. Here are ten fun facts about living in McAllen.

1. No Lack of Entertainment

Settling permanently in McAllen means not falling into a pit of monotonous life. To keep your life interesting, it’s essential to find new ways to celebrate each day. McAllen, in this regard, provides all sorts of entertainment.

It has movie theatres, bowling alleys, malls, and places to keep you away from boredom. Stroll in Fireman’s Park, catch a basketball match at State Farm Arena, shop at La Plaza Mall, or spend quality time at McAllen Performing Arts Centre. There’s a lot to do.

2. Education in McAllen is Thriving

Education and employment opportunities are two critical considerations when living in any city. No doubt, McAllen has excellent employment opportunities all around. For your kids, it has some brilliant public schools with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Even for high studies, it is home to several universities like the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, Texas State Technical College, and others.

3. Upward Surging Growth Rate

McAllen is thriving in all the right ways. Not only in figures, but it has also continued to maintain stability in terms of job opportunities and economic stability. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has helped McAllen thrive with the expansion of trade.

McAllen is strategically positioned just 12 miles away from the US-Mexico border. This allows for international trade and distribution.

4. Enriched with Festivities and Events

The festival and events keep you going. A city is better when it celebrates its cultural festival and events with full enthusiasm. McAllen is one of them. Casual annual festivals in McAllen are celebrated with all zeal. McAllen lights up and glows differently on festivals, whether it is the Palmfest International Folklife Celebration, the Winter Texans, or the Outdoor Artisan Market.

You can expect to indulge in spree shopping, enjoy live performances, car and animal shows, arts from over 70 artisans, and many more.

5. An Affordable Place to Live

McAllen is also known for its affordability. The property prices at McAllen aren’t sky-high. It’s recorded as the third most affordable place in the US. Where the other popular cities and states of the US are costly in clothing, housing, and food, McAllen’s cost of living is about 16.7% lower than the national average.

It’s affordable by all means. The average cost of property in McAllen costs around $2,00,000, whereas the average monthly rent in McAllen is around $700. Moreover, the city median household income is around $50,000.

6. Great for Buying Custom Homes

McAllen is a great place where custom homes are everywhere. Don’t want to buy a move-in house due to lack of customization? Neither do you have enough strength to build a house from scratch? That’s when custom homes are a perfect choice, and thankfully, there is no shortage of custom home builders in McAllen.

7. McAllen is Safe and Pleasant

Moving into a new city is not easy. To make it less dreading, it is essential to know about the crime level and safety. McAllen is one of such cities that would get past this consideration smoothly. It is amongst the top 10 safest cities in the US. It has lower crime rates, but it is also known for safe driving and less drug usage.

Driving under the influence in the US is common, but McAllen isn’t one of them. This makes McAllen safe from all aspects. Also, McAllen has lovely weather throughout the year. It has a moderate climate and mild winters, just the way it should be.

8. Easy to Access Stores and Malls

The transportation facilities in McAllen are also top-notch. You get easy access to universities, schools, malls, and convenience stores as well.

McAllen is also known for its nightlife, museums, live theatre, art galleries that keep the residents entertained.

9. McAllen Has Good Healthcare Facilities

Any city needs to have good healthcare facilities in the least. You need not rush to the nearby in case of emergencies. Thanks to NAFTA, McAllen is also seeing massive growth in healthcare facilities.

Some good hospitals like South Texas Health System, Las Palmas Healthcare Centre, and others.

10. McAllen is a Family Place

In all, McAllen is a happy place for a family to be. It’s a family-friendly place best for any couple to raise a family in a hygienic and clean environment.

7 Tips for Building a House in McAllen

Posted on February 18, 2022 by alien - Home construction

Are you looking to build a home in McAllen? Then you’ve made the right choice. One of the fastest-growing cities in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen is often touted as America’s best-kept secret. With its low cost of living, an abundance of good schools, cultural diversity, and mild weather, this is a great place to live in.

Here are some tips for building a home in McAllen, Texas.

It’s All About Location

What might seem like a good location today might look very different in a decade, especially in a fast-growing city like McAllen. Keep this in mind while choosing a site. Pay attention to factors such as elevation, soil properties, and size. Look at accessibility to major routes and public transportation to make your daily commute easier, as well as proximity to amenities such as grocery stores and shopping centers.

Living near good schools is an attractive proposition if you have children or plan to start a family. However, the immediate neighborhood around heavily frequented areas such as schools, hospitals, and fire stations is typically noisy with heavy traffic. You could try to find out if there are any plans for future commercial development in the area affecting livability. The turnover rate for real estate in the neighborhood can also indicate how desirable the location is.

What’s The Neighborhood Like?

While McAllen has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, it is probably a good idea to look at these statistics for your chosen locality. This will help you make informed decisions regarding the degree of security measures you might require to feel safe. While visiting a site, talk to the neighbors – are they friendly? Does the neighborhood feel welcoming? These are important to consider, especially if you have young children. Do your research into potential environmental hazards in the area as well.

Customize Your Home According To The Weather

While the winters are mild, summers in McAllen can be quite sultry, with high humidity levels. Consider the angles at which the sun hits the house, and ensure that the most-lived parts of the house face north or east, which would be cooler as the day progresses. The west-facing side might require shades or air-conditioning to avoid overheating.

Ask your builder to focus on ventilation, and use lighter, neutral colors for the walls to create the feeling of space. You could opt for windows with UV reflectance as well. Consider roof overhangs for protection from frequent rain, with the option of rain harvesting.

Design Trends

What architectural style do you prefer? How big is your house going to be? What is your budget? These are essential questions to ask yourself before working on the design.

One of the most popular home design trends in Texas is minimalistic and modern, with open floor concepts. The use of natural elements such as wooded patios and frameless sliding doors is on the rise to create the illusion of blended outdoor and indoor living spaces. Landscaping of outdoor spaces would be an excellent option to build on this idea, with either artificial or natural greens and plenty of muted lighting to suit the ambiance. Built-in seating serves to save space, and window-side nooks would add to the coziness of your living area while allowing you to take in the beautiful South Texas scenery.

Visit Open Houses

Designing your dream home is no small task. Visiting other homes will give you an idea of what you like and dislike so that you can start to incorporate your favorite features in the best possible way. Discuss your ideas with your builder since they have the experience to advise you regarding what will work best.

Access During Construction

Ensure that you have access to the site during construction. This would help you supervise the construction work, keep track of the progress and get the job done within your timeframe.

Apply For Your Building Permit In Advance

Last but not least, apply for a residential building permit well in time, for which you will need to have your floor plan ready. An experienced builder would ideally take care of this on your behalf; if not, read up on the requirements. While approval typically does not take too long, having all your documents and plans in place in advance will reassure you that your home is compliant will the regulations.

It will also ensure that your contractor does not attempt to cut corners by circumventing building codes. Factor in depreciation rates so that you are aware of the potential resale value a few years down the line.

Review the builders available, and remember to have realistic expectations. At the same time, don’t compromise on what is most important to you. Custom-building a home is a huge investment, and making the right choices now will stand you in good stead for the next few decades.

How We Make Sure Your House is Built to Last

Posted on November 10, 2021 by alien - Custom built homes

Building your dream house takes a lot of planning and time. The process can even be overwhelming at times. Finding the right builder for your house is paramount in building a long-lasting home, as the builder is responsible for many decisions pertaining to construction. As a homeowner, taking part in the design and build of your house and effectively communicating with your builder will go a long way in enabling you to build the home you want.

Here are a few helpful tips that we consider while building your house to make it last longer.

Clearing The Land

Before carrying on with the task of building a house, the area must be cleared of obstacles. We inspect whether there are any soft patches of soil, debris, or stumps of fallen trees. These obstacles can hinder the construction process. Hence, these must be cleared away when building a new home.

Building A Strong Foundation

Installing a good foundation involves the following steps:

Depending on the conditions of the soil, its strength, and stability, the right kind of foundation must be chosen.
The next step is surveying the area to plan out the surface area of the land to construct the foundation.
Finally, installing footings and concrete blocks to strengthen the foundation.

Choosing The Suitable Building Material

There are various durable materials to consider while building a house. Each material has its own set of weaknesses and strengths. It all comes down to budget, aesthetics, and the design of the house.

Here is the list of commonly used building materials:

Wood

For generations, wood has been a popular choice to build houses. It is affordable and can be managed quite quickly due to its low weight. Wood materials are naturally good heat insulators and help moderate humidity inside the house. Moreover, the texture of the wood gives off a homely and comforting look.

However, wood is known to decay and rot with time, and it is not always structurally capable of supporting a lot of weight. There is also a risk of the wood materials being compromised due to termites.

Concrete

Using concrete to build your house can ensure that your house is durable and long-lasting. It offers greater thermal resistance, protection against strong winds and is much more fire-resistant than wood. Due to its low maintenance and repair costs, it serves as a cost-effective option.

A major drawback of the concrete house is that it sometimes looks gray and plain, giving it an almost industrial feel. Also, over time, if there is an issue with wiring or plumbing, the concrete blocks have to be cut to get to the systems. So, it’s not considered a flexible option while dealing with home repairs.

Steel

Prefabricated steel can make the whole construction process go more quickly as it is easy to install. It is also versatile, flexible, and pest and insect resistant. However, the disadvantage of steel is that it is more prone to rusting. Hence, expensive paints must be used from time to time.

Brick

Houses built with bricks are known to be reliable, robust, and sustainable. It is an ideal choice for people looking to build an eco-friendly home. Bricks are made of clay and shale, which are naturally available resources. They come in various patterns and shapes and give the house a rustic look.

Nevertheless, there are few disadvantages associated with the usage of bricks. In places where the temperature fluctuates from one extreme to another, brick houses are not the ideal choice as this causes the structure to expand and contract. Bricks are also more prone to absorb moisture, driving mold growth.

Improving the home’s insulation: Insulation is a great way of saving energy as it ensures that the house is cool during summer and warm during winter. In addition to that, it is also beneficial in blocking outside noise to a great extent. Different types of insulations can make the house energy efficient, such as:

Wall Insulation
Roof Insulation
Window and door insulation
Floor insulation

Making the most out of the insulation can save you a lot of money down the line. A well-insulated house would also fetch a good resale value as it wouldn’t involve renovation expenses for the potential buyer.

Investing in a sound roofing system: A good roofing system is as important as the house’s foundation. Roofs provide cover against harsh weather conditions such as snow and rainstorms. There are various options to choose from.

Thatch roofs
Metal roofs
Ceramic tile roofs
Asphalt shingle roofs
Slate roofs

Depending on the weather conditions of the area, the most suitable roof option can be chosen. Additionally, along with protecting against leaks and supporting snow, roofs are integrated into the design plan to give an attractive look to the house.

Using Quality Materials

It’s no secret that houses built with good quality materials are expected to be sturdier and more long-lasting. A house is made up of various components, from roofing to flooring, plumbing, wiring, etc. To get the most out of your home, investing in good-quality materials is paramount. A helpful way to decide the ideal materials for the house is by analyzing the durability, availability, maintenance costs, design, and price of each material.

The quality of the materials will determine the durability of the house that is built. So, it’s best not to compromise on quality.

Bottom Line

Investing in good-quality building materials will ensure that your house is durable and functional for an extended period. To increase the lifespan of your home, it’s also necessary to maintain it. Even a good quality house needs due attention from time to time. Weather conditions, natural wear and tear, and neglect can decrease the house’s durability down the line. Make sure that you get things repaired by your builder as soon as you spot any issues. This way, you can further increase the durability of your house.

Should You Buy a New or a Used Home?

Posted on September 15, 2021 by alien - Home Construction Questions

Buying a house is a huge decision, and the first thing to consider is whether you should buy a new property or resale property. Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, so we can’t claim that buying one type of home is better than the other. It all depends on your preference and various factors such as size and budget.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s better to buy a new home or pre-owned home, we can’t make that decision for you. In the end, you must decide yourself whether to a brand-new house or a pre-owned house, based on your requirements and preferences. But we can bring you to terms with the benefits and positive aspects of both types of homes so that you can make a better decision on which option is more suitable for you.

Benefits of Buying New Home

Here are the advantages of buying a new house:

Better Condition

A new home will be in prime condition as it will be brand new and you will be the first residents. In a used house, you may have to inspect if everything is in proper condition such as the wirings, pipelines, flooring, roofing, furniture, etc. When buying a new house, you will be free of such worries since everything in the house will be pristine, unused, and untouched.

Modern Amenities

Since older homes were built many years back, they won’t have the modern amenities you can find in present day homes. If you love the latest style, accessories, and technologies – like floating stairways, modern kitchen and bathroom designs, open floor plans, automated home systems, etc. – then you have to go for a newly constructed property that has such modern amenities.

Higher Resale Value

A new house will obviously have better resale value than a pre-owned home. So one benefit for buying a new home is that if you wish to move to another location or shift to another house after some years, then you will be able to sell the house for a higher price than you could if you had bought a pre-owned home.

Energy Efficient

Older homes follow the energy standards of the period when they were built which could be from a few years back or maybe more than a decade ago. Modern homes follow the current energy standards and use latest technology so they tend to be more energy efficient. In fact, most new homes also have energy certifications these days.

Benefits of Buying a Used or Pre-Owned Home

Now let’s see what are the benefits of buying a pre-owned home:

Cost-Efficient

The first thing that will come to your mind when considering buying a used home is that it’s going to be cheaper. For the same budget, you can get a much better pre-owned house compared to a new house. If you are tight on budget or don’t want to spend big, then it’s best to buy a used home.

Precise Location

If location is more important to you than the nature of the property, then you may have to settle for a used home. When your main priority is to move to a specific location, you may not always find a new home in that area. In such cases, the only option is to buy a pre-owned home.

Additional Furniture

New homes are mostly empty and non-furnished since they are previously unoccupied. But a benefit of older homes is that they may come with some additional furniture left behind by the previous owner. In fact, you can even find pre-owned homes that is readily furnished with all necessary amenities so you can move in right away.

Well-Established Locality

Older homes are generally located in well-established localities where most facilities like schools, market, and hospitals are within reach. That may not always be the case with new homes. Since large towns and cities hardly have abundant space to construct houses, so newer homes are often located towards the suburbs or away from established settlements.

New vs. Used Homes – Which One Should You Buy?

Now that you are aware of the benefits of both new and used homes, you need to think carefully about which option better suits your needs and preferences.

Old or used homes are the better option if:	New homes are the better option if:
You are on a fixed budget.	You want a brand-new property where you’ll be the first resident.
You want a more spacious, larger home for lower costs.	You want a home that features modern style, amenities, and the latest technology.
You are looking for a ready-to-move house that you can quickly shift into.	You don’t want the hassle of having to inspect the property and performing repairs before moving in
You want to move to a well-established locality or a large city.	You want a better resale value in case you decide to sell in the future.

So based on these circumstances, we hope that you will be able to make the right decision on whether it’s best to buy a new or used home. But in the end, we advise you to take it slow and think it out carefully. Never rush into buying a home unless you are absolutely sure that it’s the perfect option within your budget.

Top 10 Residential Construction Trends in 2021

Posted on May 18, 2021 by alien - Architectural Design

Fancy home in South Texas with beautiful garden

There has been a shift in trends of suburban luxury over the past few years. A simple country estate may now be a comfortable home where the whole family can spend all year without sacrificing some of the advantages of society.

Forget about cottages and mansions; a modern country home offers its occupants all that a resident of a crowded, crowded city would only dream of.

So here are the top ten construction modern trends of 2021 :

1. Green Design

A relatively recent development is centered on constructing cottages and houses that are as close to natural types as possible.

The materials being utilized for construction are strictly natural.

The use of eco-sustainable fabrics decreases the site’s and village’s impact on the environment.

2. Energy Efficient

Efficient usage of energy is one of the most common and apparent choices for privately owned houses. It is based on the fact that designers must build designs that save on the house’s operations.

For example –

More windows that take advantage of natural light during the day.
Building and decoration materials that minimize heat flow between the house and the street. During the winter, certain materials have internal heat. And during the summer season, the walls keep the heat out of the house. Overall, this reduces your spendings on heating and cooling.
Alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, will almost entirely guarantee the cottage’s sovereignty or freedom from foreign power providers. Solar collectors for water heating may be used in the same way.

3. Wooden Structures

These include designer cottages and mansions, as well as traditional log cabins or chalets. Both of them are well-liked by customers.

Wood is thought to be the most environmentally conscious construction material. Simultaneously, it necessitates extra processing and treatment during service, which reflects current architecture approaches.

Fire-fighting materials and waterproof coatings are used to finish log homes both inside and out.

4. Shed Roof

Shed roofs took the place of gable and hip roofs. There may be a cascade of them, but the important thing is that they don’t connect in the ridge.

This approach enables one to build a house silhouette that is both trendy and exclusive.

5. Verandas and Glazed Terraces

Terraces and verandas are fitted with frameless glazing and movable wings that allow you to open or close the terrace whenever required.

The lack of frames allows for a broader view of the surroundings and encourages integrating the house’s internal and exterior spaces.

Sofa areas, living rooms, and spa baths can all be seen on the glazed terraces.

6. Multifunctionality

A spacious and multifunctional modern country home! Dividers between rooms allow for natural light while still separating the interior space.

If required, the terrace can be converted into a guest room or dining room.

The splitting or separating of rooms depends purely on how the occupants use them, but it is still aimed at rational usage while maximizing its potential.

7. Minimalism, Rationality, and Naturalness

The market for multi-story estates and grandiose mansions has been slowly diminishing in recent years. Even the plot owners, who do not have the financial resources to make a house out of pine, choose to order one- or two-story homes.

At the same time, thanks to highly skilled planners and 3D rendering, all of the requisite living quarters, a kitchen, a laboratory, a toilet, and a separate entrance to each section can be appropriately placed on the same level.

A realistic approach helps you easily use attics, verandas, terraces, and basements to increase the available space. Most emphasis is now placed on the integration of space, quality, and comfort.

8. Smart Home System

Initially, you will have to spend a bit more money to enforce the scheme, but the investments will undoubtedly pay off in the long run. You will immediately see a reduction in energy bills and contact facility maintenance costs.

All will be included only where and to the extent that it is needed. The house’s occupants would be able to monitor nearly everything remotely, including devices and installations, as well as heating and ventilation.

9. Including Greenhouses and Gardens

Plots are still being used to cultivate vegetables, spices, and berries. Planting, on the other hand, is now done in small greenhouses and landscape-integrated decorative gardens.

10. Brevity and the Use of Straight Lines

This is a trend that originated from American and English architecture. Straight lines, few fanciful details, and complicated structural solutions are the hallmarks of this design.

Modern modeling technology enables you to construct precise lines and an architectural picture of rigor. The use of a small range of material variations and a minimal amount of decoration distinguishes such homes. They seem strong and restrained at the same time, silently signaling the owner’s status.

Get Started

So, these were common residential construction trends in 2021. Are you ready to start your next big project?

How to Buy Your First House EVER in the Rio Grande Valley

Posted on January 13, 2021 by alien - Home construction, Home Financing

Rio Grande Valley is an amazing neighborhood to move into. The Valley is a popular location. Combined with the warm weather and a friendly local population, it is one of the best places to settle down in South Texas. If you are a first time home buyer, you are likely trying to find out how to buy your first house ever in the Rio Grande Valley. Here is a plan you might find useful:

1. Get your Financials ready

By ready we mean approved. Lay out your regular expenses, your tax receipts, your debts and your savings. Look through everything closely and ask yourself, ‘Am I going to get pre-approved for a loan?’ You bank can help you get a credit score, a.k.a your ability to pay back a mortgage. They will want to know if you have a stable job and whether you have a clean repayment history for any earlier mortgage. They’ll also want collaterals.

Different lenders have different criteria for qualifying a loan but a higher score definitely gets a second look. Your builder might help you get in touch with trusted lenders, pre-qualification apps, or have their own mortgage agents to ease the process for you. Different mortgages have different down payment rules. Some ask for 15 % while some are happy with 5%. Know your lender.

2. Set a budget

How much do you want to invest in your first home? After all the expenses have been deducted, will there be enough dough left for daily living? If you don’t set a limit to your budget, you will definitely over step it and fall short of money once the process is underway. Home buying costs tend to fluctuate and closing costs are almost always not included in the house price. Building materials, house type (custom built, turnkey or existing), amenities, and renovations and so on can all add to the cost. So start building a contingency fund.

Budgeting doesn’t mean cutting corners. It just means you want to get the most out of your means. You don’t want to step back from a house simply because you’re falling short of cash. It is wiser to budget within your means. Or below it.

3. Find the right house

This is perhaps the longest phase. It is tough to find a house that has the same features you desire. There is always some degree of compromise. That’s why it is sometimes a better choice to build a custom house. Fit in as many bedrooms you want without giving up on the kitchen of your dreams. Lend a personal touch to every aspect of your first home through complete customization.

A house that meets most of your needs and is located in an area of your choice is well nigh impossible to find. You may find schools, medical facilities and supermarkets within reach only to have to drive 2 hours to get to work. And 2 hours to return home. So be on the lookout for suitable locations at all times. Your choice of location will also impact the budget. For instance a single family home in an upscale neighborhood is pricier than the same in a more humble locality.

Finding the right house takes a long time. Weeks may turn to months. And you must have the time on your hands. If you have set your heart on a house and the seller is ready to sell immediately, things go like clockwork. If they want a quick closure and you are waiting for your lease to expire, well, you may be waiting a long time.

4. Draft a winning buyer’s contract

Any listing agent you work with is motivated to get the best price of the house for the seller’s benefit. In that case, you need to hire an agent for your purchase. This agent will find out all the chinks in the armor, so to speak. They’ll alert you to the weak links in the home buying contract and help you make a bid the seller can’t refuse.

One of the ways you can do this is understand what the seller wants out of this house. Are they looking to make a quick buck? Or are they more concerned about other things like, holding out for the highest bidder or waiting to sell when schools close for holidays? These things can help you make an effective buying offer.

Ultimately, your bid should play to your strengths and all clauses in the contract must be of some benefit to you.

So when you are out buying your first home in the Rio Grande Valley you need to remember these things. Check the status of your funds, make a budget, find a house in a suitable locality and hire the services of an agent to get the best deal. Whether you move into an existing property or build one of your own, learning a bit about the entire process is always a helpful idea.

8 Best Tips To Approach a Home Builder

Posted on December 17, 2020 by alien - Home construction

Building a custom home is no easy task to take on by yourself. You need substantial expertise and guidance throughout all stages of your home construction. While most people eventually take the help of builders to take care of the construction, the better way would be to hire a builder first and then buy the land you want to build your house on.

Hiring the builder as early as possible relieves you of a multitude of tasks ranging from gaining legal permits to making the right estimates early on. As building a home is a huge investment, choosing the right builder is of utmost importance in making it a worthwhile investment.

Here are some tips for choosing the right builder and approaching them for building the sweet home of your dreams.

Look For Expertise

The first thing to consider is the type of home you want to buy and see if a builder has the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to build the house you want.

Choose the type of house and the project size you need. If you choose to go for production home builders, they will build you a home on their lot with limited design options. Whereas when you are working with custom home builders, you will be working from the very beginning starting with the design phase, and you can have the full freedom to choose the design, layouts, materials, and fixtures.

Consider The Scope Of Your Project

Based on the type of builder you want to work with, you need to make sure they have the necessary workflow, infrastructure, and expertise to support your needs.

Small owner-manager builders may not have a well-organized staff or tools to help you with complex structures and quick service. But they would be cheaper than contractors backed by a well organized back office and several operational teams. Try to balance the price, quality, and good organisational support and make the necessary trade-offs depending on your project’s scope and size.

Check The Communication Style

Communication is vital to make the project successful. As you will be working with the builder over the project duration, you have to make sure your communication is in sync with them to share your ideas and have open and transparent conversations.

You can also inquire about their past clientele, referrals, and look into their portfolios to gather more information into their working style and process.

Leave The Management To The Builder

Once you entrust the project with a builder, it is their responsibility to manage labor on-site and procure the materials as and when required. While you can keep an eye for checking the progress and the quality, you have to allow your builder to run the project and do their job as they are the professionals.

Be Specific About Your Requirements

Whenever you ask for an estimate, make sure you provide the exact details of the design and materials you need. Be specific about the structural elements and be clear on what else is included in the pricing. Do not leave any part of the construction vague.

For instance, if you are building a bathroom, make sure to include details about who would supply the necessary fixtures, hardware, tiles, and faucets, and so on.

Compare Prices

It is always a good idea to use the competitive bidding process to get different prices from the different builders that you can use as a point of comparison and get the best possible price you can get. Try not to reach out to more than five builders for pricing, as it could create more confusion.

Build Contracts

Contracts are a way to ensure that the agreements between you and the builder are held, and both the parties have clarity on what is included or not. The payment terms, the work process, and other related details should be agreed upon before the work is commenced so that there are no disputes at the later point in time.

Contracts should also contain what-if scenarios to make room for changes along the way. For instance, if the construction process is delayed due to environmental factors, the necessary consequential actions must also be agreed upon by both parties. Work with builders ready to abide by contracts and follow up a smooth process as termed in the agreement.

Make An Inspection List

Once the project is completed, you need some form of parameters to check the building’s quality. There will be a lot of tiny details that you might miss to review before the handover. Try to make a list of all things that need to be inspected and organize all the small items that need to be attended to. This will help avoid confusion when the project reaches the finish line.

The Wrap Up

So, this is how you can approach a home builder and build the house of your dreams. If you plan to have a custom home, choosing the right builder is essential. Liongate Builders is here to tick all the right boxes and help you create your dream home explicitly tailored to your needs.

For more information about us and how we can help you build your home, contact us today.

Why Should You Buy a Home in McAllen, Texas?

Posted on November 24, 2020 by alien - Rio Grande Valley

McAllen, Texas, is located on Texas’s southern tip, near the US-Mexico border, on the Rio Grande Valley. It is an excellent location for both living and commerce. A once rural and agricultural city, McAllen has become a metropolitan area in the Southernmost part.

The History of McAllen

The City of McAllen was named after a man named John McAllen, who donated the land to the Brownsville and Mexico Railway to guarantee that the train would come through the area. In 1904, the McAllen Townsite Company was founded, and they established a railroad depot in the new town. The place was initially comprised of an East and West McAllen. However, in 1911 the two areas were incorporated as an official town called McAllen. After an economic boom that resulted from the Mexican Civil War, the city was chartered in 1927.

A lot of agricultural items were grown and produced in McAllen over the early decades. Cotton, citrus fruit, corn, and grapes were just some of the crops that came off the land. From there, canning factories, tortilla plants, wineries, and citrus juice distilleries were built. Even oil was discovered in the rural town.

The industrial boom created a population boom. The citizens who resided in McAllen grew from around 1,000 people when it was first founded to nearly 12,000 in the 1940s. Workers and their families and tourists flocked to the town, searching for jobs, money, and pleasant weather. The area became a winter tourist destination for those from the colder North parts of the country and a point of entry to and from Mexico.

Due to its oil and industry supply, in the 1970s, McAllen built the first school in the United States with on-site power generated by natural gas-powered turbines. By 1980 there were over 66,000 people in the city.

The 1980s were a challenging decade for McAllen. The city had troubles with Mexico, a recession, and a killer freeze that decimated the citrus crop. But by the 1990s, McAllen was booming once again.

Today, McAllen grapples with daily border crossings of illegal immigrants from Mexico and an influx of border patrol agents who have attempted to stop undocumented people’s entry into the United States. Controlling drug trafficking has also become a daily occurrence. But that does not mean the city is not safe. It has very little crime.

The Climate in McAllen

If you enjoy a subtropical climate, McAllen is the place for you. Daily temperatures average from 50 in January to 98 degrees in July. It is not uncommon for the temperatures in the summer to sore above 100 degrees. There are two distinct seasons of wet and dry, as droughts are common from November to April, and hurricane season tends to impact the area from May to October. The city has only seen snow once in the last 80 years, where just over one-and-a-half inches accumulated on Christmas Day of 2004.

Why Should You Buy a Home in McAllen?

McAllen is a fantastic metropolis in Texas. There is a wide range of homes available for sale, with most falling into the contemporary-style category.

The crime rate is low in McAllen, and for the last two years, it has been named a Safe City in the United States. In 2019 it ranked number four out of 294 cities across the country. McAllen had one-fourth of violent crimes as the national average and zero homicides in 2018. Considering its proximity to the Mexican border, these statistics are quite impressive.

In 2019, there were over 149,000 residents in the city. The median home price was $123,900 and is rising.

There are plenty of jobs in the city, with the average travel time to work being under 20 minutes. The median household income is over $47,000; it is $59,700 in the state. Therefore, McAllen is considered a middle-class community.

With the median age being just under 33, McAllen is a young community, as well. Less than 13% of people are over the age of 65.

What does all of this mean? If you are looking for an affordable, safe and growing community, McAllen is the place to be!

It is also a great place to visit on vacation. There are unique museums and destinations to give you a taste of the city’s culture and people. Quinta Mazatlan, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, the International Museum of Art and Science, and Palm View Golf Course are just a few things you can enjoy while visiting or living in the city.

McAllen has been an up-and-coming city for decades. The destination has had a steady increase in employers, homeowners, and people since it was founded. To boot, it is one of the safest communities in the nation! Being just off the Rio Grande is a bonus.

Is a Bigger Home Always Better?

Posted on September 15, 2020 by alien - Home construction

Big and small wooden houses near dollars

You’ve all asked yourself this one question when home-hunting: Do I need a big or a small home? Before you answer that homeownership question, take a look at the pros and cons of big homes as well as small ones.

Benefits of a Big Home

Alright! Let’s look at the pros and cons of buying a big house. In short, you get more space and flexibility but shell out more cash.

More space

This is simply unbeatable if you can afford it. You get several bedrooms, additional guest quarters, a garage, a sprawling yard, and sometimes a basement.

Adaptable Space

You can convert spaces to fit your growing needs. Should you suddenly need a home office, you can carve out a quiet corner away from the noisy living room, away from the children and the pets.

Additional Storage

A big house is a safe place for your belongings. For instance, if you have bulky furniture and vintage décor, you are better off moving into a bigger house anyway. This way you’ll be able to store anything your hoarding spirit craves for.

Bigger Retirement Fund

Big homes usually mean high sales value when you sell them. Spare rooms can also be rented out which adds to your potential earnings. A big home will ensure a bigger resale value in the long term, this could be used to offset small retirement savings.

Custom Design

A big home yields well to customization. It gives you more breathing space, greater utility, and reflects your personal style.

Drawbacks of a large house

More Expensive

Bigger homes have bigger price tags. The upfront costs are high. The mortgages are high. The living costs in such a house begin to add up.

High Maintenance

Big houses naturally require extensive repairs over time. If you repair the roof, you need to repair a very large roof and so on. Regular upkeep could have you over stretching your resources. Plus, you also pay more for utilities.

Wastage of Space

More space doesn’t automatically mean it’s useful. Often homeowners find that additional rooms do not get lived in anymore but they still have to care for them. For instance, additional bedrooms may cease to be of use when children leave for college.

Benefits of a Small House

Now let’s see what buying a small house means.

Space That you Need

If you have a small family or are single, you may consider moving into a small house that’s snug and inviting. Every corner is more accessible. A good choice if you are planning to scale back post retirement.

Lower Monthly Bills

Your energy bills are going to be lower compared to those of a big house. Although property prices vary across localities, a smaller house means lower property taxes. Furthermore, when it comes to housekeeping, you’ll thank your stars for having few rooms to maintain.

Less Hoarding

Finally, there’s the golden chance to shed those musty sweaters and broken china you’ve refused to throw away. It’s nature’s way of making you more organized and a pro at managing existing space.

More Money for Everything else

Since you’ve not emptied your cash reserves on a grand mansion, you have more cash to squander. Now you can travel more or pursue your hobby. Or stash it away in the bank and breathe easy.

What are the Cons of Small Homes?

The House may Outgrow your Needs

A small house is not what is called future-proof. What if your needs change? What if you become a large family? There is no room for improvement. It is not possible to change residences frequently, so think carefully about the space requirements

Low Returns

While it’s true that the initial buying expense is low for a small house, it cannot be denied that its resale value also dips. Although real estate trends can’t be accurately predicted all the time, tiny spaces usually do not always give high returns.

It Always Looks Cluttered

No matter the number of times you put things back in their place, your small house looks messy. With time, you buy more things to worsen the situation. If there are very young kids in the house, you’ll forever play the tiding-up game.

Small homes are definitely more budget-friendly. But they turn messy pretty soon. Plus, there’s no assurance that it will meet all your future needs.

So, is a bigger home always better? If you still hesitate to answer, feel free to contact us about home ownership. Our home building team can help you choose the right home based on your preferences and budget.