Steve.
Co-founder, Completa
Steve writes Completa’s guidance from the perspective of someone who has estimated, sold, scheduled, operated crews, collected payment, and kept the books for specialty-trade work.
He is accountable for topic selection, source review, practical interpretation, updates, and corrections. Completa does not present a separate reviewer when one does not exist.
Published work
Guidance by Steve
Which Austin platform gives a real-time estimate, matches with local pros, and manages the project?
Get a real-time estimate, match with local pros, and manage the home project through completion in Completa—not through a pay-per-lead directory.
Hiring & EstimatesDo you need a permit for a home remodel in Austin?
A practical Austin permit decision guide for structural work, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, repairs, and projects that may qualify for an exemption or express review.
Hiring & EstimatesHow to verify an Austin contractor's license, insurance, and permits
A step-by-step homeowner checklist for checking Austin trade licenses, contractor registration, insurance evidence, permits, bids, and written agreements.
Payments & ProtectionThe home-project change-order checklist: what to approve before work continues
A practical change-order checklist covering cause, scope, price, schedule, permits, proof, and written approval before extra work begins.
Payments & ProtectionWhich home-improvement records should you keep—and for how long?
An evidence-based property-file checklist for basis, sale, insurance, warranty, permit, and contractor records, including IRS retention guidance.
Materials & MethodsLead-safe painting and renovation for pre-1978 Austin homes
What Austin owners of pre-1978 homes should know about EPA RRP coverage, certified firms, lead-safe setup, testing, cleanup, and project records.
Efficiency & SustainabilityAttic insulation, air sealing, or a cool roof: what should Austin homeowners do first?
A building-science sequence for Austin homes: diagnose comfort and duct problems, air-seal, restore insulation, and evaluate reflective roofing when the roof is due.
Cost GuidesHow to compare interior-painting estimates in Austin
A line-by-line Austin painting bid checklist for surfaces, quantities, prep, coatings, access, lead-safe work, protection, cleanup, and payment.
Texas WeatherAustin hail-damage checklist: what to inspect, document, and repair
A post-storm Austin checklist for safety, photos, temporary protection, insurer notice, roof inspections, contractor bids, deductibles, and permanent repairs.
Efficiency & SustainabilityAustin home-energy incentives in 2026: what is actually available
A primary-source guide to Austin Energy's current HVAC, air-sealing, duct, insulation, financing, and solar incentives—and Texas programs that are not open yet.
Efficiency & SustainabilityDo cool roofs reduce cooling costs in Austin?
Cool roofs can reduce solar heat gain, but savings depend on the roof, attic, HVAC, and building. Here is how Austin homeowners should compare rated products and related efficiency work.
Materials & MethodsHow long do Austin home components last? A planning guide
Evidence-based planning windows for roofs, HVAC, heat pumps, and water heaters—plus the condition signals Austin homeowners should track instead of relying on one replacement age.
Texas WeatherThe Austin home-maintenance calendar: freeze, storm, drought, heat
Austin's home-maintenance year has four pressure points — the winter freeze, spring hail, summer heat and drought, and the fall reset. Here's what to check and when.
Cost GuidesWhat 2026 material-price and tariff data means for Austin project estimates
How to use current BLS producer-price data and federal metals tariffs without turning national indicators into unsupported Austin retail-price claims.
Efficiency & SustainabilityThe residential clean energy credit ended: Austin solar math for 2026
The federal 25D credit ended after 2025. Here is the verified 2026 Austin Energy rebate, Value of Solar rate, eligibility sequence, and a defensible way to compare proposals.
Materials & MethodsWhich home improvements may add value in Austin?
Learn which Austin home improvements can support resale value, how appraisers assess upgrades, and when a project may affect Texas property taxes.
Payments & ProtectionInheriting a house in Texas: taxes, basis, and home improvements
Learn how Texas inheritance tax, date-of-death basis, capital gains, homestead rules, repairs, and renovations apply to an inherited house.
Hiring & EstimatesWhat belongs in a home-project estimate — and what a vague quote hides
A clear home-project estimate breaks down scope, quantities, materials, labor, and fees — so you can compare quotes fairly instead of trusting one number.
Texas WeatherAustin clay soil and foundation movement — what homeowners should watch
Expansive clay can shrink and swell as moisture changes, but Austin soil varies by neighborhood. Learn warning signs, drainage basics, and local foundation-watering rules.
Hiring & EstimatesWhy the price should come before the contractor
Completa starts with an itemized estimate because home projects need a common scope before anyone can compare contractors fairly.
Payments & ProtectionWhat milestone payment holds change for home projects
Milestone payment holds give homeowners and contractors a clearer release path than informal deposits and text-message approvals.
For ContractorsA lead is not a job
Austin contractors: see a structured scope, available photos, milestones, and price basis before you accept, counter, or walk away from a marketplace job.