Why You Should Consider Living in Austin

Austin commonly referred to as “The Heart of Texas” or “The Live Music Capital of the World” is an amazing place to live and work. Over the past one decade, the city’s economy has been on the rise, and that doesn’t seem to change any time soon. The steady economy has opened a wide range of opportunities for various sectors that continues to attract more people to the city.

Located in the heart of the State of Texas, the city is hustling and bustling with lots of activities, art, and awesome people who are always ready to welcome visitors and show them around. So, have decided to move or you have started to contemplate moving to Austin? Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider living in Austin.

The Economy Is on the Rise

As mentioned earlier, the economy of Austin has been steadily rising since 2008, and it looks like, and it isn’t going to slow down any time soon. The city has recorded 22% growth in its GDP over the past ten years and a 3.2% gross metro product growth in 2016 and 2017.

According to Milken Institute, Austin is among the best performing cities in the country, and it is one of the backbone cities of America’s economy. Today, the unemployment rate in this beautiful city stands at 3.3%, and it is steadily decreasing compared to the national average unemployment rate of 5.8%. Austin is also enjoying a job growth of about 3%. What is even more exciting is the fact that the job opportunities are distributed across many sectors.

Low Cost of Living

Austin also offers its residents low cost but a high-quality lifestyle that can’t be compared to other cities in the country. For instance, the price of Austin homes for sale is much affordable compared to the cost of homes in other cities such as New York, Colorado, and California. The city was named the fifth most affordable urban center in the United States in 2016, and everything in Austin tends to cost less than the price of the same commodities in other major cities around the country.

If you are looking to construct a custom home, you can purchase land and contract Milestone Home Builders who will help you build your dream home. It is also among the best performing metros in the US Metro Clean Tech Index. The average annual income stands at $74, 900.

Enjoy Warm Weather throughout the Year

If your idea of a perfect day is warm and sunny, then Austin is the ideal place for you. The locals here enjoy warm weather almost throughout the year with an average of 70 degrees annually. However, the summers can sometimes get a little hot, and you might find it uncomfortable if you aren’t used to 90+ degrees, but there is no need to fear since there are plenty of swimming pools and air conditioners to keep you cool.

The Music Scene

Austin has been nicknamed the live music capital of the world, and it is for a good reason. If you love music, then this is the place to be since the city has more live music venues than any other place in the United States. With more than 250 venues of live music that play all types of genre, you will never miss something to enjoy. People from all over the world come here to check out the live music shows, and it will only feel good if you are part of the community.

Is It Time to Have Your HVAC System Cleaned?

If you plan on getting your new home in Austin TX, consider getting the services of Milestone Home Builders. It is the largest privately-held homebuilder. As a new homeowner, your HVAC system needs constant maintenance services to stay in good working condition and to prolong its lifespan. Many new homeowners do not pay attention to their HVAC systems until when something goes horribly wrong. This does not only force them to spend a lot of money on repairs but also affects the effectiveness of their systems. Cleaning your HVAC system regularly may help to improve your indoor air quality and to keep your system working in good condition. The following are some indicators that your HVAC system needs to be cleaned.

Increased Energy Bills

If you notice that your energy bills have gone high without any apparent cause, your ducts may be clogged with dirt and debris. This causes your air conditioner to work harder than it has to cool your home. Contact our air condition repair service for an inspection. The technicians will clean your ducts and restore your unit to a good working condition.

Presence of Dirt Around Your Vents

Your vents cannot work if they are clogged. If there is dirt or debris around your vents, it is a good sign that the vents have been blocked. This does not only affect the working of your system but also causes respiratory problems. This is because it leads to the circulation of dirt and pollutants around the home.

Recurrent Respiratory Problems

If you or members of your household suffer from unexplained and recurrent respiratory problems, sinus, or allergies, the problem could be with your HVAC system. There may be a circulation of excessive dirt and debris going through your duct. This means that you need to get your ducts cleaned.

Presence of Mold on Your Ducts or Vents

If there is a visible growth of mold around your vents or ducts, you need to call your air conditioning service for cleaning. Mold grows where there is humidity. It can lead to problems such as eye irritation, skin irritation, chronic lung illnesses, and throat irritation. It is important to deal with a mold problem as soon as you notice it. If you take too long, the growth of mold may spread leading to worse problems.

Signs of Infestation

If you notice signs of rodent or insect infestation, you definitely need to get your system cleaned. You can detect the presence of insects of rodents by their smell or seeing their droppings, shells, or husks. This means that the pollutants will be circulating in your home and possibly causing respiratory diseases.

Dusty Air Filters

Presence of dust on your air filters may be an indication that your ducts are clogged. You may also notice return grilles with thick layers of dust. If this happens, you need to contact your air conditioning repairs service for professional cleaning.

Do not attempt to clean your system without professional help. Get the help of professionals who have the right tools and training for the job. They can clean out dust even in areas that you may not be able to reach on your own.

Warning Signs that you picked the Wrong Builder

If you are reading this, then let us be the first tell you how sorry we are. You most likely have your doubts about your just completed construction job and are here to confirm your fears. Alternatively, you are probably having second thoughts about the person you want to hire for your construction job. Are these some of the warning signs you are seeing? click here.

No References

You can never take a person at his word without references. If the person you hire has no references, then you need to run. Ask yourself why the builder will not allow you to speak to their previous clients; there is something that they are trying to hide from you. It could mean that the builder is a newbie in the industry or the previous clients were unhappy with the job they did.

When the deal is too good, cancel it.

If the good seems too good to be true it is because it’s not good. If the builder is making promises which no other builder has offered, then he is only setting you up for a rude shock. Do your due diligence and get different builder to give you their quotations. This way, you will weed out the all-too low bid that promises heaven but delivers hell. Ask the builder why they are able to offer heaven at a discounted price and if he has trouble answering or if he gives you an implausible answer, cancel any negotiations pronto.

Upfront Payment

Be wary of a builder that will ask you to pay the entire cost upfront or a large deposit. A reputable builder will sit down with you and draft a payment plan that will be satisfactory to both of you. If you are asked to fork out a ridiculous amount in deposit, you can be assured that you are getting yourself into a scam. Run.

No known associations

Do not settle for a ‘freelance’ home builder. If your builder is serious about their profession, the least they can do is register with a recognized association such as National Association of Home Builder or Better Business Bureau.

Their take on permits

If your builder is loose or tries to skirt building permits, then you need to be wary. It may seem tiresome ensuring that your building is set up to code, but rest assured it will save you a major headache in the future. A building that does not meet the required standards will get you fined, demolished, or you will find difficulties putting it up for sale in the market. At that time, your ‘scheming builder’ will be long gone, leaving you to bear the consequences alone.

No man is immune to mistakes. However, there are mistakes that are avoidable such as getting an unqualified or suspicious builder. You want your home or premises to serve you for years to come and one of the things you can do to guarantee that happens is hiring a professional builder. Watch out for these warning signs, better yet, ask friends and family for referrals to avoid disappointments.

Everything You Need to Know About Inground Pool Designs

Summer is the favorite season for most people. But the temperatures can also get extremely high during the day. The scorching summer heat has every homeowner in the US wishing they had an inground pool to swim or just float around in the raft. Amazing, right? But building an inground pool can be a nightmare if you don’t do your homework right. It’s a huge investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A lot of time needs to go to research and planning.

With proper research, you will be able to make educated decisions vis-à-vis the type of pool you want to build in your home. Research does not mean going with whatever the contractor says. You need to ensure that the pool has all the features and functions that meet the needs of your family. If you’re looking to purchase a home or build an inground pool in your home in Austin Texas, Milestone Home Builders can help you out.

What Are Your Goals?

Your goals are very important when it comes to designing an inground pool in your backyard. Do you want to use the pool for entertainment purposes or exercise? Some homeowners want to build a pool so that their family members and friends can have a place to relax during the hot summer months. Your goals will determine the design of the pool. For instance, if your goal is to build a pool for swimming exercises, the most important factor to consider is the shape of the pool.

A rectangular or square shaped pool may be your best option if you are looking to do water aerobics or swim in laps. With such a pool design, you can swim straight back and forth. Depth becomes the most important factor when you are looking to build a pool where friends and family can relax and hang out. Lastly, if you want to install a pool for you the curb appeal, several factors come into play. The landscaping design, as well as the shape of the pool play an important role.

Pool Features

What features are you looking to incorporate into the pool? This is one of the most important questions to consider when selecting an inground swimming pool design. There are numerous elements or features you may want to include that can affect the style, size, and shape of the pool. The most common features that people incorporate in their pool designs include wading pool elements, bench sitting, tanning ledges, slide or diving boards, and open swim lanes.

Some of these elements and features have a great impact on the design of the pool. Always let the pool designer know ahead of time if there are specific elements that you want to incorporate in the design. Note that some elements cannot be added at the latter stages of the construction. Your yard also affects the size, shape, and style of your pool. Therefore, take note of factors such as the slope and the amount of space in your yard when designing an inground pool.

Austin Homes for Sale: What It’s Like To Live At Austin

Among the neighborhoods of Austin, South Austin is definitely among the most preferred. It is a hip, unique and very family friendly place to live. There is a slogan in Austin, ‘Keep Austin weird,’ which is largely associated with South Austin. You should definitely live here if you are artistic, a musician, bohemian or a creative simpatico. Buying a home in South Austin is a big investment. It is quite expensive, but the resale value is rewarding. If you are new in Austin, then Milestone Home Builders is the place to start.

South Austin is centrally located hence providing a good neighborhood vibe. This makes it the best place to live and enjoy all the goodies of Austin. It is a short drive to the hill country and downtown. It is the perfect place to take your stroller and your dog down for food trucks on Fridays, for lobster rolls and ice cream. It is the ideal place to have outdoor evenings and outdoor playscapes for families.

Amazing places to visit.

South Austin is home to the Travis Heights, which has good old homes with enormous oak trees on rolling hills along beautiful bungalows which are the most expensive in South Austin. There is also Boudin Creek, which is a funky and hip neighborhood around South Congress. It has smaller as well as ultra-sleek modern McMansions. Zilker is close to Zilker Park and also a good place to live. Barton Hills, on the other hand, has some ancient ranches that are located along Barton Creek greenbelt as well as amazing schools for kids. There are many hills here and the right place for a family to settle down.  ACL and SXSW are Zilker park festivities worth your time. Additionally, summer events such as Blues on the Green and the Barton springs are within reach in South Austin.

The social life of South Austin

South Congress makes South Austin famous for live music, shopping and the stream of restaurants. Jo’s coffee, Continental Club and Home Slice Pizza are some of the places that make South Austin so interesting. You can find entertainment, and local small businesses such as Alamo Drafthouse and Broken Spoke in South 1st and South Lamar.
The drive downtown for live music shows, amazing dinners on South Congress and bat cruises on Lady Bird Lake make South Austin amazing for date nights. The uber services are also very affordable for those days you just want a silent ride after having a few cocktails. It is less than 20 minutes to the airport thus very convenient.

While Austin has experienced amazing growth, the city still has a low average crime rate, state of the art public services, and a variety of affordable housing from Milestone Home Builders. All of these opportunities are mixed with a friendly atmosphere, with hospitality and community spirit being a part of the lifestyle. Just keep an open mind about this amiable city you just might like it. The scenic beauty, tolerable climate, and first-class facilities are hard to beat anywhere in the world.

When is the Best Time to Purchase New Homes in Leander?

Normally, the home selling season starts in the middle of spring. When “for sale” signs appear in neighborhoods and on the road side, it is official. The home market is booming just before Memorial Day Weekend and continues remains active through the month of August. By mid-August, families have already purchased their houses and moved in.

The most appropriate time of the year to purchase a new home is probably during the spring time or before schools get back in session. However, there a lot of variables that influence the purchase of a new house, therefore the best time in the year to buy a home mostly depends on you. Apart from the seasons, the perfect time to purchase a new house is when you’re feeling comfortable and able.

Fall may be the best time to buy a new home in Leander, Texas

Nowadays, when looking at the home market in Leander, it seems that fall may be the new spring. There are loads of reasons why purchasing a house in the fall seems to be a great decision. It’s a lovely season and the following are the reasons why it may be advantageous to make a house purchase during the Fall in Leander:

1. Reliable Home Building Services available

Milestone Home Builders has over 100 employees, and they have constructed multiple homes for people in Central Texas. Garrett Martin, who is the CEO and co-founder of the company believes that the citizens of Austin need uniquely-made homes, constructed with high quality materials and located in the best neighborhoods in the area. Whether you are interested in a modern or traditional house layout, there’s a home available from Milestone Home Builders just waiting for you.

2. Less competition for new houses in the fall than in spring

During spring, the housing market is flooded with many buyers and sellers, so the competition is high. On the other hand, during fall, the competition is lower as fewer people are looking for new homes. Actually, the amount of buyers drops significantly and its mainly because schools have opened. The housing market in the fall is made up of new listings and those listings that were left unsold in spring. Getting the perfect house might be easier in this season as real estate agents, mortgage givers and home inspectors have more time to avail their services better to fewer people.

3. Fall features cooler weather

Searching for homes during the fall may be better because the weather is cooler than in summer. Summers in Texas are typically lengthy and hot, hunting for a new house is not easy, but as it nears the mid-summer it gets harder. Fall may just be a better time to search for a home and move in.

4. The holiday season is around the corner

Wouldn’t it be nice to host guests in a new home during Thanksgiving and Christmas? Telling sellers that you will be able to make a closing before the holiday season can bring you great savings. In short, purchasing a house when other guys are engaged in other activities gives you a better bargaining position. Remember to suggest an offer that you’ll benefit from and the seller can’t refuse.

5. Tax breaks

First-time buyers can take advantage of available tax breaks. Let’s say you close your new house in December, you are allowed to take advantage of deductions in property tax and mortgage interest. Also, payments paid before the loan closing are tax-deductible.

6. Opportune time to save on outdoor and interior housing merchandise

Statistically speaking, October might be the most opportune month of the year to save on home expenses. It’s because, at this time, a lot of home improvement shops are storing their landscape merchandise to create space for holiday season decorations, so you can get awesome deals on lawnmowers, blowers and other landscaping equipment. This also applies to the interior merchandise like carpets, paints and other household appliances.

Flood-resistant Building Designs to Consider in Austin TX

The city of Austin, Texas, sits in a flash flood alley. Therefore, flash flooding is a pretty common phenomenon in the area. Flash floods are caused by sudden or unexpected storms and can be devastating. Flooding can lead to serious property damage, or worse. It pays to be always prepared for such unfortunate occurrences especially if you live in a flood-prone area like Austin. City and state authorities advise city residents to stay alert to dangers of flash flooding on the road and at home.

As a homeowner, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risk of flood damage in your home. One of the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe from flash flooding and prevent flood damage at home is to build a flood-resistant house. If you are looking for South Austin Home builders who can provide the perfect flood-resistant building design for your house, Milestone Home Builders can help you out. Here are key flood features to look for in a flood-resistant building design.

Elevated Homes

If you live in a floodplain, you can raise your house or any other structure so that the floor is two feet above the flood level. This method of protecting a structure against floods is known as elevation. You may have to contact local authorities before building an elevated home. If an existing structure in a floodplain is substantially improved or damaged, the elevation of the structure may be required to meet the requirements of FEMA to remove the building from a floodplain.

Floodwalls

You can build a wall to keep the floodwaters at bay if your house is in the floodplain. Walls built around a house to keep away flood water are known as floodwalls. You’ll need approval from SEMSWA to build floodwalls around your house. Note that floodwalls do not remove your house from the floodplain, at least not according to FEMA.

Wet Floodproofing

Wet floodproofing involves creating a design that allows water to enter uninhabited portions of your home during flooding to make them resistant to flood damage. An effective wet floodproofing design facilitates a safe entry and exit of floodwater in a home. Contact with the floodwater reduces damage to the areas below the flood level. The use of flood-resistant building materials and flood vents are common techniques of wet floodproofing.
 

Dry Floodproofing
 

Dry floodproofing is the exact opposite of wet floodproofing. A dry floodproofing design prevents floodwater from entering, usually by sealing the structure. Common examples of dry floodproofing include reinforcing the walls to withstand the pressure from floodwaters, reducing seepage into walls by using membranes and sealants, and installing watertight shields for doors and windows.

Keep in mind that some of these methods of building a flood-resistant structure may or may not be allowed by FEMA depending on a wide range of factors. The only ways of removing a building from a floodplain are demolition, relocation, or elevation. The rest, such as dry or wet floodproofing can be effective methods of building a flood-resistant home but if you are building in a floodplain, you’ll need approval from the relevant authorities.

Considerations when installing a Pool

It is summer, and you must be wishing you had a backyard pool to cool off the heat. While for most people having a pool in their backyard might seem like a dream, you can make yours a reality. However, constructing a pool is not as simple as it sounds. Decisions must be made before you can break ground on their new pool. There is no doubt that constructing a swimming pool in your back yard is a major investment and one has to make the right choices. Here are some things you need to consider before commencing on pool construction.

The type of pool

The first thing one must decide is the kind of pool they wish to have. There are different types of pools each with its pros and cons. The most common pools are the above ground pools. They are the easiest to build and the cheapest making them very popular. Most above ground pools are vinyl-liner pools, and they are just as good as in-ground pools. There are the fiberglass pools that pre-made using a pre-cast mold which is placed in a hole in the backyard. Then there are the concrete pools which are the most expensive of the three. With concrete pools, you can customize it, so it fits your taste and space.

Which is the right pool

There are some factors that one has to consider before they can choose the right pool for them. Your budget is the top factor to consider. Remember the total cost of the pool will be affected by different factors such as the style of pool, the slope of the sire and ease of access to the site. The space available will also determine the right pool for you. You must choose whether to eliminate grass from the backyard completely to fit your pool or is grass a priority. Local regulations will also influence your choice. Ensure you contact the local authorities to ensure you comply with the building regulations.

Fencing

There are some safety standards set by the International Code Council for swimming pool fences. The fence has to be over 48 inches tall with the spacing between the pickets at less than 4 inches. The gate to the pool should be self-closing and self-latching, and they should open outward meaning away from the pool area. If you have small children, it is important that you keep them safe to avoid a disaster. When choosing fencing materials, you can opt for metal or glass depending on your budget and taste. The South Austin Home Builders will help you with your decision.

Cleaning system

Maintaining a swimming pool can be a lot of work and requires a lot of effort. Removing leaves and debris is just part of the cleaning process. You need to consider the pool cleaning system options available. You can opt for a hand vacuum that you can use to clean the sides and floor of the pool using a pole, or you can opt of robotic cleaners.

Having a backyard pool might seem like a dream at the moment, but you can easily turn it into a reality. However, it requires planning and great craftsmanship.

Questions for Your Austin Home Builders

The idea of getting a new Austin home is exciting. In all the excitement, it is possible to forget that your Austin home builders play a significant role in determining whether or not your investment will be worth the time and money. You need to understand what to expect before getting into a contract with your builder. Never make any assumptions. Ask questions whenever you need. Having all the right information puts you in an excellent position to make decisions. The following are some important questions to ask your home builder.

1. Have you built any similar homes in the area?

Finding a builder that has experience in the area is great. They are likely to have experience in the area’s regulations and geography. A builder with expertise in the area is likely to anticipate problems and prepare for them. If they have built a few homes in Austin, ask them for a number. If they have completed only a few projects, they may not be the right fit for you.

2. What features do you consider as standard?

Find out what is standard to a builder and what is an upgrade. Your view on what should be standard may be different from a builder’s perspective. You should know what to expect. Ask about the features that are important to you based on your needs. Compare the standard features of a builder to other builders before making your choice.

3. Do you offer a warranty?

Every home builder should offer you a warranty. If they do, ask them to explain the type and coverage. The warranty should cover materials, systems, and workmanship for a reasonable period. If they have a proper warranty, ask them how about the process of claiming warranties and the process of repairs. They should be easy to access in case you need repairs.

4. Do you use energy-efficient features?

Find out a builder’s extent of commitment to energy-efficiency. Ask them to explain if they use any energy-efficient materials or HVAC systems. A builder that puts in an effort to achieve efficiency is a good choice. Energy-efficient features may help you spend less on energy bills. They also reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Do you provide references from your homeowners?

A home builder that is reliable and confident in their work will be glad to give you references. Do not be afraid to ask for more references if you think you need to interview more people. Your references will help you determine whether or not your builder is right. If they seem unwilling to offer references, they are probably not great at their job.

6. Can I meet the project manager?

Always ask to meet the people who will be in charge of the construction of your new home. When you meet them, find out whether or not they have good communication skills. Your project manager will work with you throughout the construction process. They should be easy to relate with and pleasant.

There are many more questions to ask your home builder. The questions depend on what you hope to achieve from them. Write them down and ask them during an interview with a potential builder.

Will It Be Something Old, Or New Home Construction Austin? Tips To Finding The Ideal Neighborhood

You have decided to go with new home construction Austin. There is, however, still the dilemma of selecting the right neighborhood. Do you want to live in a lively community near downtown? Or, does the suburb life suit you best? Here are a few tips for choosing the community that adds value to your life.

1. Think convenience more than luxury

Sure, everyone wants that house on the hill that looks down on others who could not afford it. That beautiful edifice may be at the top of your budget, though. You do not want to buy the home that places you on the edge of being in the red. What happens if an emergency happens and you need to take out a loan? You should think more along the lines of frugality when searching for homes.

Economically sound people look beyond the home price and at the whole picture of things. You may be able to afford the house on the hill, but how would you be able to get the kids to school without being late for work? Perhaps living at the bottom of the hill, where the school is located, would be best.

2. Choose old if you love vintage and new if you prefer energy efficiency

Those who are into the history of the city may prefer a home that reflects past times. Buyers who are interested in the latest technology may find it too expensive to upgrade a home built during the 1950s. These consumers may want to look toward a newly built home in a modern-day community.

You do not have to live in a gated community just to have the newly constructed home that you desire. Thankfully, construction companies are creating more diver floor plans that include condominiums as well as unrestricted homes from which Austin buyers may choose. You may especially be thrilled to learn of the renovation that is downtown if you are a young buyer. You can enjoy apartment-type living without heading north for New York.

3. Consider what your current neighborhood lacks

Some buyers are so anxious to get away from their current communities that they forget to analyze what they dislike about the setup. Perhaps you are more of a quiet person who absolutely hates the noise brought on by the city streets. You should take note of such dislike and search for a neighborhood away from downtown. Maybe you are one of those people who gets energy from the nightlife, which is why you do not like the silence that comes with your suburban rental. You should search for a place in the middle of town so that you can always be a part of the action.

Choosing the right home is a task that some buyers devalue until they realize that they are stuck in a community they hate. You should take into account not only the home you are purchasing but also the neighborhood in which it sits.