Austin homeowners, we may all want to batten down the hatches and prepare for what is being dubbed Snowpocalypse #2. Weather forecasts in Austin predict freezing temperatures below ZERO this weekend, a real rarity for the area that can bring serious trouble. We’ve all seen firsthand how Mother Nature can cause destruction through extreme weather events—just think back to last winter and the nasty ice storm! Now is a great time to make sure you have stocked up on winter supplies, as well as taken any necessary steps around your house or apartment buildings in case of power outages. By taking simple precautions now, you will be able to avoid plenty of stress later should another winter disaster strike! With winter just around the corner, and meteorologists sounding the alarm of an incoming “Snowpocalypse 2” headed our way in Austin, you need to start preparing for how your home will fare. Whether you're dealing with sustained cold temperatures and /or heavy snowfall or icy conditions that could lead to lasting damage on your home's essential components, here's what all Austin homeowners should know when it comes to protecting their homes this winter season. Here's Our List of Must Do's to prepare for this inclement weather! - Cover Your Plants with Blankets or at least Trash bags - Turn off your Irrigation Systems - If You have an above ground backflow, make sure its covered and/or insulated - Make sure to cover all your water spickets - Insulate Your Pipes or at least wrap them in towels  With temperatures likely to be even lower than last year, now is the time to take the necessary steps to ensure that your home remains comfortable and safe throughout the cold months ahead. First of all, make sure you have plenty of insulation. If your attic is not sufficiently insulated, this can result in a dramatically higher energy bill during the winter months as your heating system works overtime to keep up with the cold weather. Adding extra insulation or checking that existing insulation isn't compromised by leaks can go a long way in keeping your home warm and energy bills manageable. Next, take care of any drafts coming into your home from windows and doors. The simplest, most cost-effective way to do this is by sealing them with thick weather stripping or caulking around all edges; this will stop heat from escaping, again reducing both energy costs and discomfort. If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, now is a great time to give it an inspection before using it regularly. Fireplaces can be a wonderful source of warmth but should never be operated without first cleaning out all ashes from previous fires, as well as checking for damage such as crumbling mortar or loose bricks which could cause an unsafe situation if left unchecked. Finally, if temperatures are likely to drop below 32˚F/0˚C then you may need additional protection against frozen pipes; these can burst and cause serious water damage over time since they're typically located behind walls in places like attics and basements that are tough to get at quickly when repairs are needed. To avoid this problem altogether, purchase insulating sleeves that fit over all exposed pipes; these are relatively inexpensive but could save you thousands in repair costs should disaster strike. By taking these simple precautions beforehand, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your home is prepared for any kind of winter weather Mother Nature decides to throw at us this year! Make sure Austin stays safe and warm - prepare your home for Snowpocalypse #2 today! Here's Another list of things you should do to make sure you're prepared for the months ahead - Check Your water heater - Make sure to leave your faucet dripping - Make sure you have blankets and warm clothes just incase - Run to the store and get the necessities, non perishable food, toilet paper, flash lights & batteries, etc - Get firewood, fire starters, and lighters - First aid kits, medication, and medical supplies

Best in Show Austin Home & Garden Show Fall 2022

Your home is likely one of your most important assets. Properties with updated features or amenities can sell for significantly more than those without. Improving your homes curb appeal is also a great way to get potential buyers interested. Whether you are considering selling in the near future or not, it is always a good idea to keep your home looking its best! Many homeowners are unaware of the simple things they can do to increase the value of their homes. In fact, making a few small changes can result in a home that is worth more money if and when you decide to sell. Some simple updates can make a big impact, while more extensive renovations may be necessary to really see an increase in your property value. Here are seven ways you can increase your homes property value. 1. LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Landscape lighting can be a cost-effective way to increase your home’s curb appeal and property value. By adding lights to highlight your home’s best features, you can make it more inviting and increase its “wow” factor. Well-placed landscape lights can also deter burglars and make your home safer.