Renovating vs. New Construction: Which Is Better For Your Project?

 Homeowners will eventually have to face the dilemma of renovation vs. new construction. This situation occurs frequently in the situation of owning a home that is a decade or more of age. At Ultimate Construction, we’ve heard of every argument for both sides, which is why we’ve compiled the information below to help you decide whether you should consider renovation or new construction as you plan for your future home.

Renovation Overview

Renovation is a broad term that covers anything from a simple bathroom redesign to the addition of a new wing to your house. Renovation may not grant you complete freedom, but the contractor still needs your input.

The Benefits of Renovating

Renovation comes with many benefits that you may not have even considered:

• Renovations could increase the value of your home
• It is easier to plan and budget for a renovation
• Some changes can make a home more functional or efficient
• You won’t have to leave a home that has sentimental value to you

Sometimes, you might consider a new construction, but you might only need a few renovations to your current home. It’s possible that once you make those updates, you’ll discover that you’re already satisfied.

Considerations for Renovation

While renovation is much more manageable than new construction, there are important questions you must ask yourself before starting.

• Have any renovations been done to my home by the previous owners?
• How will this update affect the value of my home? Will it influence salability?
• Do I need to contact local government or the HOA before I can start?
• What exactly do I want to change and what am I willing to budge on?

These are simply a few factors you need to consider during a renovation, but once you have all the details you need, you’ll be ready to get the project started.

New Construction Overview

As you can imagine, a new construction involves a much larger investment, both in time and in expenses. You’ll need to work closely with your building team to ensure that your new home has been customized to your liking.

The Benefits of Building New Construction

A new construction may seem like a daunting task at first, but you’ll find that there are benefits to building a brand-new house.

• The home is tailored to your needs
• Newly built homes usually have lower maintenance expenses, meaning a lesser cost in the long term
• Your ideas won’t be hindered by pre-existing layouts or structures
• You can choose what goes into your home, which can make it more efficient or environmentally friendly

A new construction allows for everything to be built according to your specifications. Only budget and imagination can stand in the way of your vision.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Hiring a Construction Company

 Hiring a construction company is no small feat. Aside from making a few phone calls, attending a few meetings to discuss proposals and estimates, and comparing prices, you have to do your homework to find a reputable company that’s licensed and insured. Also, you other factors to consider such as the staff’s experience and training, customer reviews, and of course payment and contract terms. Thus, looking at each of these details before making a final decision is well worth your time and most importantly, money.

Things to Know Before Hiring a Construction Company

License

Did you know that to be able to retain a license, contractors have to participate in continuing education in their trade? This is one of the most important reasons you should inquire about licensing before hiring a construction company. Maintaining a license means staying current on the latest technology, trends, and safe practices along with any changes to local codes and ordinances.

Experience & Staff Training

Likewise, the best construction companies tend to be the ones with the longest tenure. That’s not to say a new startup might have enough combined experience or training. However, you need to confirm with the representative that the staff has adequate training or better yet, has earned certificates in their trade.

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TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEM REQUIRED IN TEXAS

Today, there are various types of the septic system in Texas, but the most common types that used in Texas are:

Aerobic systems

Aerobic septic system laws in texas

A septic system can be cost-efficient and low maintenance. The good news is that these systems are designed for quick repairs. It is usually nothing more than pulling up a sprinkler pump from a tank, dropping in a new one, replacing the small compressor at the surface, or cleaning or replacing a filter. The chlorine tablets must be added at intervals, but that is just dropping tablets into a tube.

Let's talk about aerobic septic system laws in texas.

In Texas, the aerobic septic systems must be inspected 2-3 times a year by authorized septic professional. This is a maintenance program required by the State of Texas and is not optional. Under current State changes in the law, It is now possible to the homeowner to take a certification course and perform the maintenance themselves. Check with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Standard systems

A standard septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain field, or soil absorption field. The septic tank absorbs organic matter and separates floatable material (e.g., oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater.

A standard wastewater system with a soil absorption system is the most cost-effective method available to treat household wastewater. But for it to work properly, you need to choose the right kind of septic system for your household size and soil type, and you need to maintain it regularly.

Low-Pressure Dosing (LPD) systems

A low-pressure dosing system treats wastewater and then pumps it into the soil several times daily. It is the least expensive to install and operate. Low-pressure dosing systems cannot be installed in soils that become saturated during wet periods of the year or in shallow soils.

Low-Pressure Dosing systems are transformed standard systems. The processing method and quality are the same, traditional septic tanks, which typically remove about 50% of the biological content of the effluent(wastewater) The rest of the treatment takes place in the soil.

If you are looking for more details and the exact costs etc, you must get in touch with good construction contractors in San Antonio. They have a better understanding of all the local rules and permits needed for septic system installation.

SLAB VS.CRAWL SPACE WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

 

Slab Foundation vs Crawl Space

Here in east Texas, we’re blessed with mild winters. Due to this, it’s rare for homes to be built with full basements. However, the old debate of “slab vs. crawl space” is alive and well. This article will look at the pros and cons of both types of foundations.

Slabs: the Good and the Bad

A slab is created by digging into the soil several inches, pouring in concrete, and reinforcing it with metal rods. The house is built directly on top.

This is a simple method of construction that allows house building to continue, without waiting days for footings or other foundation components to cure. Heating and air ducts are usually run through the attic, and the water heater and furnace are located in the home. Electric, sewage, and water lines run under the slab and enter the home at certain points.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of using a slab is cost. As much as $10,000 can be saved when building a slab vs. crawl space. This is especially true in areas with rocky soil, as excavating into stone can be very expensive. Also, slabs are lower to the ground than homes with crawl spaces, minimizing the number of steps needed to enter the dwelling. This can be a real plus for people with back, knee, or heart problems.

Slabs are not without their drawbacks, however. Since the house is lower to the ground, it is easier for insects and other critters to find their way in. Also, because the slab forms the floor of the ground level, it can feel uncomfortably hard and cold to people walking on it.

Since air conditioning ductwork is routed through the attic, it must be heavily insulated, which adds cost to construction. The need to install the furnace and water heater in the house takes up room that could otherwise be used for different purposes. If the electrical or water lines under the slab develop problems, then the foundation will have to be hammered through to effect repairs – an expensive proposition. Also, if the slab begins to crack, it can cause severe structural issues throughout the house. Many factors can cause cracking, including tree roots and soil movement. Finally, some people find the low-to-the-ground look of slab homes unappealing.

Pros and Cons of Crawl Spaces

Think of a crawl space as a mini-basement. Its height can vary from 16 inches to four feet. The ground that it rests on can be prepared in many ways: by pouring several inches of gravel on top of a vapor barrier, by building a block foundation, or by pouring concrete. The walls of the space itself can be made from precast concrete or cement blocks.

Many people prefer the look of a home built on a crawl space. Due to the fact that it is higher off the ground, vermin will have a harder time getting in. The space above the ground allows water pipes and electrical lines to be run under the home. This makes accessing them for repair work much easier. Finally, a crawl space can be perfect for storage.

Drawbacks of a crawl space include additional construction cost, though this is usually offset by higher resale values. A crawl space must be properly insulated and ventilated; otherwise, moisture can pool in it and find its way into the home. Pests like rats and insects can invade the crawl space, making venturing into it an adventure in terror for homeowners.

We Can Help Either Way

Whether you choose to go with a slab or crawl space, Ultimate Construction can do the necessary foundation excavation. We’re experienced, reliable, and we know our professions. Contact us if we can help with new home construction or any other projects. Our Maine Services are Demolition hauling, Pool demolition, landscaping grading, design & Lawn Mowing Drive repair, excavation service, and Water Drainage Solution.

Driveway Drainage system and solution

Driveway Drainage system and solution 

Driveways are the stretched pavements that bridge the gap between the road and your home. Though it may sound single to construct driveways, the reality is far different from this myth. Many things need to be taken care of while planning the construction of driveways or you’ll end up inviting unwanted trouble for yourself. Construction of driveways that don’t allow water to pass through it can cause damage to the driveways and your property simultaneously. So here are a few ways which will help you solve the driveway drainage issues: 

By constructing driveway drains  

Many times it is not feasible to handle the driveway drainage issues by constructing slopes, especially at places where the floor level is below the road level. In such cases, you can call in for professional contractors to install driveway drains. Constructing a trench driveway drainage system can stand as helpful in such cases, and these are long ones that have the capability of running down the entire length and breadth of the driveway. Also, ensure that you make use of grates to cover the trench drains so that any clogs can be avoided. Dirt and debris can easily clog the pipes; thus, you must cover it to avoid such issues. 

Construction of porous driveways 

Many a time, you can find water issues in driveways to creep up owing to the pavements that are non-porous and thus prevents water from seeping into the groundwater table. This kind of drainage problem can be set upright by constructing driveways that are permeable and porous enough to let the water pass through it to reach the ground. Making use of materials that allows this water passage can help in preventing any such water drainage issues in driveways. 

Proper driveway placement   

It is said that prevention is always better than cure. Thus placing driveways at places where there is adequate water drainage can be your best bet. Construction of driveways at places where there is sufficient drainage system allows the water to slope down without causing any harm to your possessions and property. 

Drainage pipes  

Drainage pipes are another water drainage solution that one can implement for long driveways. Installation of drainage pipes passing through the sides of the driveways can help in sorting out this issue. It will take control over the excess moisture present in the driveways and carry it out to drain it to another place. But before you channelize it to be drained to another site, make sure to check out the area where the water will be drained. It is better to have a look at the surroundings so that you can direct the water to a site that can handle excess water such as ponds, marshy areas, etc. 

Swales 

Swales are depressions in the ground that can cater to the excess water. These swales serve to be exceptionally good for driveways as it allows the water to stop inside it from the landscape. One just needs to take care that these swales are built at a lower level in comparison to the landscape from where the water will be drained.  

Bottom line 

So these were a few effective drainages solution hacks that you can try out to resolve water issues in the driveways. So if you are someone facing the same issues, then it is high time for you to call for the Construction contractors (San Antonio). They can help you deal with such a situation by implementing proper drainage systems to stop any water blockage and clogs.

Here, we have discussed the driveway drainage solution and you can also learn about Inground pool

Cost in Texas and the whole process of inground pool installation.

Author  - Ultimate Construction

How to Install SOD in 5 Easy Steps?

How to Install SOD in 5 Easy Steps?

STEP 1: Know your soil 

It is important to understand how nutrients your soil is. You can buy a soil test kit, which is easily available in the market. To do a soil test, you need to take various samples of the soil from different places of the lawn and need to store the same in a labeled bag. It may take a couple of weeks to know the results. 

Also, be ready to answer the questions asked by the General contractors in San Antonio like how old is your lawn, quality of existing soil and its hardiness, whether and how much sunlight it receives, what will be the intensity of your usage, etc? 

STEP 2: Take the correct measurement  

It is essential to correctly measure the area which needs to be turfed. There are tools available that help you take the measurements correctly. It is advised that you order slightly more than the measured area so that you do not fall short of SOD while fitting the same in your lawn. 

Once you place an order, you must make sure that the same is delivered to you within 24 hours of cutting. Also, lay your SOD the day it arrives.  

STEP 3: Clean the area 

It is important to clean the area by removing the dirt and debris where the SOD installation will be done. It is also vital to remove the old grass before the turfing installation happens. You can apply any glyphosate-based product because they are systemic herbicide products that are curated to kill weeds. 

Apply this product on the dry leaf of the plant, so that it soaks up the chemical well. For maximum effectiveness, make sure the plant is not wet or drenched in rain. Just give it a couple of days before you apply the same the second time. Now use the sod cutter to eliminate the debris so that only a smooth and leveled surface is left. 

STEP 4: Preparing and Grading  

To ensure that the new grass penetrates smoothly and deeply, to result in a denser lawn, you need to prepare well before the actual turfing. When you are done with cleaning the site, grade the area well using a hand tool or tractor blade. It will not only eradicate the drainage problems if any but leveling the soil will also ensure a stronger foundation, removing the low-lying area, etc. You must also fertilize your area and rake the soil well.  

STEP 5: Lay SOD 

You can use things like a hose or landscape edger to cut around the corners while installing the SOD. Once done, roll the area using a lawn roller to smoothen the surface. You can also put some water for irrigation. So, the grass does not dry out.  

Wait for a week to allow SOD to settle and become smooth. Mow the SOD after a week of SOD installation.  

Here, we have described the complete step of Sod installation and if you want to know about drip irrigation and backyard design ideas then click on the link.

Author - Ultimate Construction  

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden?

People across the world have understood the importance of organic farming, which is why they like to plan a vegetable garden on their own. Besides, it also ensures a healthy and safe environment. It is only in the presence of a good environment that people can grow healthily, and all kinds of economic and social development are possible. 

One of the main contributing factors for a healthy and safe environment is sustainable development. Sustainable development refers to the practice of using the available natural resources most judiciously to ensure that there is no wastage, and there are enough resources in store for the future generation as well. Landscape companies in San Antonio primarily help to plan and construct vegetable gardens for sustainable development. Having a vegetable garden is the most simple and easy way for individuals to contribute to making a better environment and healthy living.  

Following are some of the latest designs for a vegetable garden:

Smaller plots  

People living in smaller spaces can opt to divide the vegetable garden into smaller plots. The smaller sizes of the plots allow easy access to garden patches. It also gives a much neater appearance to the garden as well. Dividing the garden into smaller plots ensures that while working on the garden the individuals have enough space to move around without having to damage the soil in any way. Individuals can contact a vegetable garden design contractor to plan their garden efficiently.    

Crop Rotation  

Crop rotation refers to the practice of planning to harvest different varieties of crops or to ensure that the same variety of crops is not grown on the same patch of land, year after year. Crop rotation is one of the simplest and surest ways of ensuring that the land remains fertile and new nutrients are added to improve the quality of the soil. There should be a change in the crops being harvested once every three years. 

Aesthetic appeal of the Vegetable garden 

Most often, a garden fulfills the dual purpose of having aesthetic appeal and contributing to the environment, at the same time. A vegetable garden can also be used for the same reason. Planting ornamental flowers and other varieties of plants can add to the appeal of the vegetable garden. Adding creepers and vines to grow along the boundaries can also add to the beauty of the garden patch. Further, individuals can install benches, tea tables and chairs in the garden area as a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Individuals can avail of services like San Antonio Lawn Mowing to maintain the beauty of the garden.     

Companion Planting 

Companion planting refers to the practice of growing vegetables with flowers. This way of gardening not only increases the beauty of the garden but also reduces problems of pests and diseases. It is preferable to plant combinations of vegetables and flowers that help to improve each other’s growth.

Making the soil beds higher 

Raised beds refer to the plant beds being at higher height above the ground. Raised beds are known to hold the loose soil, which is ideal for root crops. Raised beds allow better drainage, and it is appropriate for all kinds of shapes of plot and locations. 

Planting vegetables in containers 

Planting vegetables in containers under the soil are advisable as it allows the gardeners to plant and remove the plants with ease. It is a compact unit that ensures that the vegetable remains within particular confinement. This feature is particularly helpful in case of larger vegetables and in case the gardener wants to change the soil or position of the plants.  

Now you can plan your very own vegetable garden as per your requirements and tastes, with the help of the above guidelines.

Author - Ultimate Construction

San Antonio, Texas