But too much rain can cause problems for homeowners, especially in terms of flooding. It doesn’t take much rain to potentially cause water damage on your home and property. As we’ve recently seen in Houston, flooding can happen in a moment’s notice and cause additional damage if you’re unprepared.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is happy to provide homeowners with these five tips to prepare your home in the event of potential flooding as we head into Houston’s rainy season.

1. SECURE YOUR ELECTRONICS
Before any flooding takes place, locate the important electronics on your ground floor. In the event of flooding, you won’t have time to quickly and accurately find every vulnerable electric device. Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and electric motors need to be quickly shut down using your breaker or fuse box. Speaking of breakers and fuse boxes, make sure you aren’t stepping in water when shutting off electricity in your home. In the event you are already wet, it’s handy to have a ground fault circuit interrupter nearby to safely shut off your home’s power.

2. MOVE VALUABLE AND DANGEROUS MATERIALS TO A SAFE LOCATION
Some items you just can’t afford to lose when your home is flooding. Ensure any dangerous or hazardous materials are above water level and in a secure location. Family valuables including pictures, videos, or anything you place significantly value on should be saved too. Much like electrical devices around your home, make sure you can easily locate your valuables to protect your cherished memories in the event of a flood. Additionally, important paperwork such as tax documents, bills, insurance policies, pay slips, and any other valuable document should be kept in a safe place out of harm’s way.

3. CHECK YOUR HOME’S FOUNDATION
Although basements aren’t commonly found in Houston homes, it’s imperative to have a clear understand of the current status of your home’s foundation. Check for visible cracks around your home’s foundation. If you’re unsure or need additional advice, you cannot go wrong by hiring a professional to give you a proper inspection of your home’s foundation. If repairs need to be made, consider making the investment. Your home’s foundation isn’t only there to keep water out, and avoiding repairs may lead to new problems down the line.

4. DETERMINE HOW WATER FLOWS AROUND YOUR HOME
Having a clear understanding of how water flows around your home is imperative too. If your house is built on an incline or hill, identify if water flows safely or gets caught in a choke point. Notice if your gutters are working properly and unblocked from debris. Also, consider adding in valves on all pipes around your home. An efficient water flow system safely redirects water away from your home. If your home is especially prone to flooding, consider adding in manual gate valves since they provide stronger seals to water entering or leaving.

5. YOUR CAR ISN’T A SAFE AREA
Most flood deaths don’t happen when people are indoors. Cars aren’t prepared to handle significant flooding, and sometimes individuals may get trapped if the situation becomes serious enough. Avoid driving through flood water unless absolutely necessary. Find safe shelter and wait for the flood waters to recede before going back on the road. Plus, if your car stalls in flood water, you are risking significant damage to your vehicle’s inner workings. If you do happen to drive through flood water, proceed slowly and cautiously, and avoid braking to prevent water from entering your car’s exhaust.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained new understanding to prepare against flooding in Houston. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and providing the right foundation to reduce damage from outdoor conditions. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your renovation contractor in Houston and keep your home safe from potential damages.

Although it’s easy to forget about your home’s roof, taking care of it will pay off over time. During Houston’s winter months, you need a reliable roof that will keep Mother Nature out. Old or damaged roofs need to be taken care of immediately, especially in regards to leaks that might further damaged your attic or interior.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to guide homeowners when it comes to maintaining their home’s roof and keeping it reliable during the winter months.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF
When the weather permits, carefully make your way onto your home’s roof and take a good look at any trouble area. Inspect the nails and shingles in place on your home, and look for any cracks that may cause leaks. Spray some water on your roof and locate any area where water seeps into it. If your roof wasn’t installed properly the first time around, you may begin to see additional cracks and problems. Make sure you contact a trained professional contractor in the event of numerous cracks and issues.

CHECK YOUR GUTTERS
A common problem area leading to roof damage is the absence of cleaning out your gutters. Through the fall season and into winter, leaves and other materials will start clogging up your gutter system, and lead to potential leaks. As the water has nowhere else to go, it will be forced to idle directly on your roof and cause additional problems. Although Houston does not freeze too often during the winter months, ice buildup from especially cold days accelerates the clogging process.

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR VALLEYS
The shape of your roof plays a significant role in preventing leaks. When two roofs intersect, it is called a valley, and it is a popular area for water to accumulate to. If your shingles aren’t properly secured at these intersections, water will have easy access to your home’s interior. Since water redirects to valleys when sliding down your roof, it is imperative they are tight and sealed.

SCAN YOUR ATTIC AND INTERIOR
A great way to look for leaks and other issues is to go into your attic and observe during rain. Look for moisture, grime or other wet areas. If you begin to see mold, then there is most likely an area of your roof that is experiencing leaking. Additionally, scan rooms on your highest floor level and locate any soggy or moldy ceiling areas.

PLAY IT SAFE
If you are comfortable making repairs to your home’s roof, we suggest you use the proper equipment and safety measures to prevent any injuries or consequences. Even if you feel you are capable of making the repairs yourself, contact a professional home contractor like Alfred’s and let us inspect your roof for any leaks or other problem areas. With your safety in mind, we have the right equipment and personnel to repair your home’s roof and keep it healthy throughout the coming years.​

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you feel confident about the health of your roof in Houston. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and repairing roofs to prevent leaks and unwanted damages. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your renovation contractor in Houston and help keep your home’s roof maintained.

Whether you’re hosting your extended family or only receiving a few select guests, you want your home to make a great impression and make everyone feel comfortable. There are always home improvement projects to do, but you want to make a few simple changes to change your home’s mood and atmosphere.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to offer you these simple home improvement ideas for Thanksgiving to get your home ready for the festive event.

INSPECT YOUR HOME
Before you begin an project, take a good look at your current setup in your home. Check some of the areas your guests will most likely visit on Thanksgiving, and make changes accordingly. Considering your kitchen will likely be a focal point of your festivities, placing extra attention on it is a good idea. Look for any easy scratch or dirt you can clean up. ​If you plan on showing your guests the bedrooms, a quick check might be worth a good idea. As Thanksgiving is a popular day for watching football, make sure your living or entertainment room is prepared to handle more people than usual.

CLEAN UP IF NEEDED​
Once you’ve taken a good look at your home, spend some time cleaning up the popular spots in it. A clean home makes an amazing impression on your guests. Look for any dirt buildup on your floor, especially if you wear shoes in your home. Take a look at your kitchen counter-tops and other surfaces and wipe them down if needed. If you have pets, sweeping any area covered with hair is a great idea, especially if you have guests allergic to ​them. If your broom and cleaning supplies aren’t enough, consider our cleaning services.

CHECK FOR PROPER INSULATION​
As the winter months arrive in Houston, temperatures fall rapidly. Check the current insulation in your home and make sure it is properly installed. Notice any leak or cold air current in your attic, around your windows, or by your door. Although it doesn’t always snow in Houston, freezing temperatures can happen, so make sure you and your guests stay warm on Thanksgiving day.​

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR ROOF​
As your guests approach your home, one of the areas they may notice is your roof. If you have the time, take a good look at your home’s roof and spot any problem areas. Similar to insulation, if your roof has leaks, water and moisture may seep into your home. And if it’s raining, you’re even more at risk. Additionally, check your gutters to see if they’re clogged, as this may cause flooding too. If you need additional guidance, take a glance from our recent blog post.

TIDY UP YOUR OUTSIDE​
If you plan on using the outdoors on Thanksgiving, it might be worth to take care of your lawn, garden, bushes or any other plant life. If you have tree branches that may get in the way of your guests, safely cut them to ensure no one gets hurt. Also, if your home hasn’t been power washed recently, consider cleaning your siding or bricks along your home. It can make a huge difference ​in your guests’ eyes.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained some new preparation tips as Thanksgiving approaches. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and creating living environments you’ll enjoy. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your renovation contractor in Houston and help keep your home’s roof maintained. We invite you to contact us if you want to know more.

And with it come some weather conditions your home hasn’t seen it a while. Taking the right measures to winter-proof your Houston home is imperative managing your utility bills and preventing costly damages. Thankfully, a few minor fixes and changes to your home may be enough to make it last the winter months.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to provide home winter-proofing tips for homeowners as the holiday season begins.

LOOK OUT FOR GAPS AND CRACKS
With cooler outside air and stronger rains, you should take the time to inspect your home for any cracks or gaps. Cool air always seems to find its way into your home, which can significantly increase your heating bills if the opening remains open. Take a look at your foundation from the outside and treat any problem areas on the spot. Purchasing some expandable foam or caulk can usually do the trick in closing up those gaps. Inside your home, glance at your attic, windows and doors for any gaps as well. Winter-proofing your windows and doors can make a significant difference considering they allow cool air in whenever you open them.

INVEST IN BETTER WINDOWS AND DOORS
Speaking of doors and windows, if sealing them up doesn’t do the trick or they are simply outdated, consider changing them up. Your utility bills can be significantly higher if you have inefficient windows and doors in place. Consider energy-efficient offerings from your favorite manufacturer as these keep cooler air out while keeping warm air in. They save your home lots on energy bills and give your home a fresh new look.

CHECK THE PIPING OUTSIDE YOUR HOME ​
Lots of homes have exposed piping on the perimeter. When the winter months arrive, freezing temperatures can cause some of these to burst and create a nightmare situation for homeowners. Wrap your piping with heating tape, bubble wrap, or foam to make sure your pipes stay insulated and shielded against cold temperatures. Additionally, ​this is another section of your home you should inspect for cracks and seals, as those tend to appear during cooler seasons.

MAINTAIN YOUR TREES AND BUSHES
Another step ​during your home winter preparations is cleaning up your trees and outdoor life. Although Houston doesn’t consistently experience icy temperatures and snow, the right mix of rain and freezing temperatures can weaken your trees and damage branches. Keeping your tree life trimmed and maintained reduces chances of branches breaking off and damaging your home. Additionally, these can cause buildup within your gutter and drainage systems, leading to water overflow and leakage issues.

MONITOR YOUR THERMOSTAT AND HEATING SYSTEM
During the Houston winter months, you’re unlikely to keep your AC running like it’s the summer. Keep your thermostat running in the mid-to-upper 60s. If you keep it any cooler, especially when you’re not at home, your heating system will work harder to get your home’s temperature back to a comfortable level due to the cooler outdoor temperatures. Also, make sure your heating system is inspected and up-to-date to repair any damages and ensure they’re working.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you we’ve helped making your home winter preparation that much simpler. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and creating living environments you’ll enjoy. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your renovation contractor in Houston and help get your home ready for winter and the holidays. We invite you to contact us to to know more.

If you’re expecting loved ones and visitors to your home, you’ll want to make a great impression and create a festive environment for everyone to enjoy. One of the key elements of your home you’ll want to feature is your kitchen, where you’ll make great new memories with the ones most cherished.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to provide you with these project ideas whenever you’re getting your home ready for Christmas.

CABINETS
After discussing with your kitchen remodeling contractor, one of the biggest areas of focus will be your cabinets. Begin by deciding which style and color scheme you’re looking for. Are you interested in a lighter color palette? Or maybe darker wood tones to bring warmth to your kitchen?

Whichever you choose, there are no wrong options. And during Christmas time, a newly remodeled kitchen can bring a whole new feel to your space.

SINK
Oftentimes forgotten, your sink is an area of your kitchen worthy of a facelift. There are a variety of options to remodel your sink. Popular options include the stainless steel or rustic look, which both add a unique feel to your kitchen.

During Christmas time, you can expect your sink to be heavily used for meals or when washing hands. If your sink is in need of repairs, don’t let it break during a hectic period.

FRIDGE
Your fridge is likely to be a popular location during Christmas time. Amidst all of the cooking and preparations, you need a reliable fridge to handle your food. Consider an energy-efficient refrigerator when making a change, especially if you need a larger unit.

You might decorate your fridge during the holidays, so make sure the attraction ​is in great working condition. If you need to make a change, take advantage of some last-minute savings.

DINNER TABLE
One of the key social areas of your home, a kitchen remodeling project is never complete without a phenomenal dinner table. Make sure you consider how big of a table you actually need. Do you have family and friends frequently over? Or do you mainly use it as decoration?

For some, it might be a better option to buy a smaller table with an extension in case you have visitors. Especially during Christmas time, it’s best to have the right size dining area to accommodate all of your guests.

COUNTERTOPS
During a kitchen remodeling project, your countertops serve more features than you might think. While ample countertop space is great for cooking and keeping a variety of items, you need it to be durable. Some countertops may look pleasing to the eyes, but they may not provide the stability and sturdiness you’re looking for.

When you have visitors during Christmas, the right countertops can shine and make your kitchen feel warmer. Plus, with the right space, you’ll be able to entertain your guests without feeling constrained.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes we’ve helped make your kitchen remodeling project during Christmas that much easier. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating kitchens and homes into works of art. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your kitchen remodeling contractor in Houston and help get your kitchen ready for Christmas. We invite you to contact us to to know more.

But before you start seriously planning your project, are you aware of all the latest trends 2016 is bringing? Having a clear understanding of what to expect in home renovation trends this year can influence your design choices, and even save you money once it’s time to begin your project.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is here to inform you about which home renovation trends you should be familiar with as you kick off the new year and finally complete the home renovation project you deserve.

IS YOUR HOME SMART?
While not fully mainstream in today’s homes, smart technologies continue to slowly make their way into the household.​ With many homes having better access to Internet and WiFi, new applications are built to control many of the functions in your home. Tired of leaving the lights on by accident? Or do you need to turn off the AC during the cool winter months? A variety of gadgets and smartphone applications are making it easier for you to control lighting, temperature, security systems, and an increasing amount of fixtures. Plus, greater control means you can save a pretty penny.

THINK GREEN
Saving water and electricity does more than save you money on your utility bills. With greater emphasis on environmentally-friendly home renovation trends, 2016 is bringing new technologies to the table. Energy-efficient home appliances are more popular than ever, along with water-efficient faucets, bathrooms, sprinklers, and kitchen appliances. In the long-run, installing efficient and environmentally-friendly appliances and systems save you more money than continuing to use outdated ones. And, Mother Nature will thank you for it.

OPEN SPACE EVERYTHING
Gone are the days of cramped hallways and more rooms than you’ll ever need. Although nothing is wrong with that, open space concepts continue to be a hot home renovation trend, especially in 2016. Open-space rooms have a way of bringing new life to your home​. A reliable home renovation contractor can take down walls between adjoining rooms to create these open spaces. Some of the most popular concepts include open-space kitchens and dining room, large living room areas with lots of window space, and open-space bathrooms.

NEW COLOR ARRANGEMENTS
Every year, new colors become trendy choices for home renovation projects. In 2016, classic colors and decorations continue to be very popular. Combinations of white and warm colors will be trendy choices for home renovators, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. However, shades of green and blue are projected to be popular as well, as these cool color palettes ​bring a relaxed feel to any room. While changing room colors can be exciting, don’t forget that the colors you choose should fit with your furniture and appliances, unless you plan on changing those too.

SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONALITY
Home renovation projects are exciting, especially if you’ve been looking forward to yours for a long time. ​With that said, you don’t need to add luxurious features at every opportunity, especially if it doesn’t reflect your personal tastes. Sometimes simple and inexpensive changes to your home can bring a while new feel and still had great resale value you’re looking for. Additionally, if you’re looking more at adding value to your home, following classic looks and colors are great ways to add value while still making your home look unique and trendy.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes this list of home renovation trends for 2016 can guide you in your next project. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and other properties based on your exact specifications. We would be thrilled to be your home renovation contractor in Houston and upgrade your home’s look and feel.​ Contact us to get started!

The city’s strong economy and hiring industries provide numerous enticing jobs for residents. Amidst the recent national economy slowdown, Houston kept buzzing and witnessed thousands of families moving to the area. Home construction in Houston is alive and healthy, and many of the city’s popular neighborhoods are great destinations for new home construction projects. In foresight, many of the city’s neighborhoods will continue to provide.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to list some of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods to start a home construction project in.

SUGAR LAND
The center of Fort Bend County, Sugar Land’s combination of available jobs, excellent schools, premier amenities, and growing subdivisions offer a variety of options for those looking to build a home. Whether you’re looking for an exotic home with the latest designs and technologies, or a more modest one to start your family in, Sugar Land’s home construction opportunities have something for all tastes. Plus, a home construction project here puts you near major highways and transportation hubs to easily move around the city.

CINCO RANCH​
This relatively young suburb, also situated in Fort Bend County, continues to expand as citizens move to the area. This master-planned community features countless acres of available land for home construction projects, as new neighborhoods continue to be added on a yearly basis. Much like other growing areas of the city of Katy, Cinco Ranch offers tremendous schools, amenities and shopping experiences for everyone. As Houston home construction projects continue to heat up, Cinco Ranch is well established as a location many are currently underway in.​

KLEIN
Tucked away around the larger ​neighborhoods of The Woodlands and Spring, Klein has experienced a wealth of new home construction projects in recent years. The area features lots of available land and spacious lots for brand new homes. Klein also enjoys great access to other areas of Houston, proving useful for commuters. A variety of homes can be seen in the area, from extravagant houses to quaint abodes. In the short coming years, Klein is expected to experience a surge in new home construction projects much like other neighborhoods in Houston.

PEARLAND
One of the most popular locations for home construction projects in South Houston, Pearland is expected to continue rapidly growing for the foreseeable future. Covering a wide expanse of land, the area features terrific access to inner loop Houston, along with excellent living conditions and schools for families. The area offers a wide range of opportunities to build a brand new home. As families continue to settle in the Pearland, many are taking advantage of the area’s favorable home construction climate.

LEAGUE CITY
Located near the NASA Johnson Space Center and growing Clear Lake, League City continues to sprawl in South Houston. The area features plenty of available land for new home construction projects, with many families relishing convenient access to Houston and Galveston to the south using I-45. The area is also seeing an uptick in new jobs and economic growth, as employers resettle in the area and offer job opportunities to residents. Additionally, the area provides both first-class schools and amenities in the many neighborhoods and subdivisions.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained a little more insight into some of the hottest neighborhoods for home construction in Houston. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of constructing and building homes based on your exact specifications. We would be excited to be your preferred home construction contractor and build the home you’ve always wanted. Contact us to get started.

The “green” mindset is finding its way across modern society, especially in the household. Using environmentally-friendly materials and renovation ideologies has the power to save homeowners money while reducing their carbon footprints. With newer and green technologies appearing everyday, making the switch can result in significant savings while giving your home a look you’ll love. Plus, Mother Nature will thank you for it.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston offers you these green home renovation ideas your home could benefit from while saving you a pretty penny.

1. INSTALL THE RIGHT INSULATION
One of the biggest ways you can save electricity and money is by properly insulating your home. If you’ve noticed your AC or heater working yet feel no significant changes in your home’s temperature, take a look at your insulation. During Houston’s summertime, where a functioning AC system is almost mandatory, you don’t want to be throwing cool air and money out the door because your home’s insulation isn’t adequate enough to keep them in. High-quality and eco-friendly insulation keeps your thermostat in check and prevent any waste in spending or air.

2. CONSIDER SOLAR PANELS
Speaking of efficient energy management, solar panels are an excellent option for homeowners looking to reap the ultimate in long-term savings. While the upfront costs for solar panels are a drawback, the savings homeowners are set to make later down the road largely make up for it. Houston’s summer and generally sunny days make solar panels a great option in the city. Solar panels are a great eco-friendly home renovation project that will reduce your carbon footprint while still providing reliable power to your house.

3. LET’S TALK ABOUT APPLIANCES
Some of the most energy-draining items in your home might just be your appliances. Many of today’s new appliances come with energy-saving technologies and are becoming cheaper by the day. If you’re using old appliances, consider making the switch to Energy Star® appliances or other energy-efficient appliances. Much like solar panels, upfront costs are made up for later down the road, especially in energy-savings. Plus, today’s appliances are better handled to perform their tasks, from storing food to properly washing clothes.

4. REUSE AND REFURBISH
While completely remodeling your kitchen or bathroom or bedroom may get you excited, the price tag may dial that down a little. You can significantly add new life to any room by reusing what you already have, resurfacing it, or giving it a new coat of paint. Items like tables and cabinets are great for refurbishing and are unlikely damaged beyond repair. If you’re planning on painting, consider using low voc paints that still get the job done right and being environmentally conscious.

5. MAKE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS
Any green home renovation project is incomplete without using recycled materials. From flooring to finishes to fabrics, using recycled materials is gives your home a unique feel while helping the environment. Most of the time, the difference in appearance between recycled and non-recycled materials is unnoticeable, but the cost-savings can be tremendous. These recycled materials feature less toxins and pollutants to contaminate your house, while using less energy.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained new insight on green home renovation ideas. Making the switch to green houses begins with eco-friendly home renovation projects a trusted renovation contractor like Alfred’s can provide. Contact us to get your project started!

Whether you’re looking to paint a single room or your whole home, finding the right painting contractor in Houston is key in ensuring your new coat of paint is done properly and professionally. Painting contractors may charge you a pretty penny for their services, so making sure you find the one that best fits your needs makes a whole lot of difference.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston provides you with these key points in identifying the Houston painting contractor suited for your next project.

1. WORD-OF-MOUTH
Searching online for a painting contractor in Houston is a great starting point, but don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family or anyone else you know who’s had to hire a painting contractor in the past. This insight sometimes reveals ​much more about the business you’re dealing with and the level of service they bring. If one of your acquaintances reveals an issue they had with a particular painting contractor, you’ll be prepared with that knowledge when you’re finally ready to make your decision.

2. NATIONAL OR LOCAL?
There are a wealth of national painting contractors with great track records who deliver excellent services. But before you make your decision, consider a local painting contractor in Houston. What a national painting contractor can’t bring is an acute sense of the housing market where you live and the nuances of homes like yours. A local painting contractor with an exceptional track record has worked on numerous houses just like yours in the community, and knows the little details Houston homes bring.

3. CONNECT WITH A FEW
Once you have your list of candidates made, bring them over to your home and have them give you estimates for their services. Compare and contrast their prices and look for differences or anomalies. Is one painting contractor offering services for cheaper compared to the others? Look to see if they bring less expertise or quality to the table. Or is one offering their painting services for much more than the competition? Examine what they provide more than the rest. Closely analyze each of their offerings so you can find the best one for you.

4. FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When discussing with your prospect painting contractors in person, make sure to examine their behavior or approach. You should get a sense of professional from experienced painting contractors who know their business. Make sure to ask questions about the history of their business and the types of clients they’re currently doing work for. Simple things like courtesy, respect and integrity should be noticeable in the one you’ll choose. Additionally, if they communicate with you regularly over the phone or in person, you know they want your business and care about your project.

5. CHECK FOR A GUARANTEE​
Before you finally settle on the Houston painting contractor for your needs, ask them about their guarantee policy. Professional painting contractors should have policies in place to correct any peeling or chipping of the paint they used within two years. If you find any other issue with the paint after the project is complete, ask about warranties on it and whether they can apply a new coat. While not all guarantees are free, most will be relatively cheap and help protect the investment you made.

Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained new knowledge on finding the best painting contractor in Houston. Alfred’s is a trusted Houston painting contractor with a track record of delivering exceptional painting services you’ll love. Contact us to get your project started!