Topic hub

Materials & Methods.

Building science: what lasts, what is changing, and what is actually better in Central Texas.

3 published guides

Guides in this topic

Lead-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.

By Steve

028 min read

How 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.

By Steve

039 min read

Which 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.

By Steve

Trade know-howConnect the guidance to the phases of the work.Editorial standardsSee how sources, updates, and corrections are handled.Continue in CompletaTake the detailed project record into the app.