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Now is the Perfect Time to Remodel the Kitchen Before the Holiday Season!

Modern kitchen island with seating, white cabinetry, and granite countertop for energy-efficient home solutions.

Create Your Dream Kitchen With These Tips!

Autumn may have just begun, but the holidays will be here in no time. And for those whose homes become a hub for family and friends during the holiday season, the kitchen is about to become a very busy place between the holiday feasts, the cookie-baking, the pie-making, and the influx of hungry guests.

But if homeowners aren’t happy with the state of their current kitchen, there’s still time to make those changes and upgrades they’ve always wanted! So homeowners can keep reading for the latest trends, pro tips, and a little inspiration to help them transform that humdrum, old kitchen into the kitchen of their dreams!

Put in New Floors and Custom Cabinetry

Person installing wood-look vinyl flooring, highlighting home remodeling and kitchen upgrade trends.Two things that can radically transform the look and feel of any kitchen are the floor and the cabinets. Hardwood flooring is a warm, traditional aesthetic for kitchens. For something a little more durable and easier to keep clean, wood-look vinyl or glazed ceramic tile are popular options. Darker colored tiles or a sleek marble finish can lend a more contemporary look, while earthy terracotta tiles or stone make for a more rustic farmhouse style.

When it comes to cabinets, homeowners have plenty of choices, ranging from the basic to the bold. If mass-produced cabinets aren’t their thing, they can opt for custom cabinetry that fits the style and functionality they want. For a simpler, more budget-friendly approach, having the existing cabinets refinished or repainted can make the whole kitchen feel brand new. When it comes to installing flooring or building cabinets from scratch, homeowners will likely want to hire a qualified professional, as these can be massive and intensive undertakings.

Upgrade the Countertops and Add an Improved Backsplash

Four workers installing a large countertop in a modern kitchen, featuring wooden cabinetry and a window, highlighting the importance of countertop upgrades in kitchen renovations.No kitchen renovation would be complete without new countertops - and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Granite, quartz, and marble are all elegant and stylish options that never fail to catch the eye. Smooth ceramic, acrylic, or composite countertops are durable and easy to clean, great options for kitchens that see a lot of serious cooking. Stainless steel and concrete also hold up extremely well but have a more industrial look, while a brass worktop is a warmer (and bolder) choice. Or, for a more rustic, traditional aesthetic, it’s hard to go wrong with wood or tile countertops.

Once homeowners have found the perfect kitchen countertops, it’s time to pick the perfect backsplash to go with them. On top of just being an easy-to-clean surface that can safely catch splashes and splatters, the backsplash can add visual appeal and charm to any kitchen.

Simple glazed subway tile is the dominant trend in backsplashes these days. Still, different tile patterns, more exotic materials (marble, stone, clay, etc.), or contrasting colors can make for an eye-catching statement. Smooth, solid backsplashes such as quartz or stainless steel are also highly functional and stylish choices. Etched mirrors give the appearance of more space, while wallpaper (behind a layer of hardened glass or protective lacquer) adds an eclectic spin.

Update the Kitchen Layout (Open Concept Kitchens are Currently In!)

Many homeowners may want to change the whole layout and flow of their kitchen instead of just upgrading individual components. This could mean adding an island, putting in windows, or shifting the position of cabinets and appliances. It’s all about finding what works best for the homeowners - or, perhaps more importantly, whoever’s doing the cooking!

Open-concept kitchens have become extremely popular in recent years for several reasons. Since they’re not closed off by a fourth wall, there’s more space for additional cooks and helpers, so cooking can be a more collaborative and inclusive process - without everyone stepping on one another’s toes. Similarly, with the kitchen and dining/family room in the same large space, family and friends can socialize and make food simultaneously, so no one misses out on the fun. It’s perfect for the holidays. Open-concept kitchens also tend to feel brighter and more spacious.

When it comes to a major kitchen remodel, such as altering the layout, it’s always best to enlist the help of a qualified remodeling contractor. They can help homeowners decide what to do based on their specific needs, desires, and budgetary requirements, as well as make sure that any renovations are done safely and according to code.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving the community of Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas for over 45 years. Their commitment to honesty, professionalism, top-notch workmanship, and unbeatable customer service has earned them awards from Nextdoor and Angie’s List, as well as an A+ BBB rating. They offer upfront pricing, financing, and membership perks, so call them today for kitchen remodeling services in Austin, TX!

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Don't Forget the Energy Audit Before Buying a Home!

City skyline with skyscrapers; ECA audit text underscores home improvement by A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions.

An Energy Audit Performed by a Professional Is an Important Part of the Home Buying Process

Energy audits are a vital part of the home buying process. When selling a home, an energy audit may be required in Austin. When buying a home, an energy audit can tell the potential home buyers whether the home is energy-efficient or not. But this isn’t the only reason to have an energy audit. Read on to find out all about energy audits and how to go about getting one. 

What Is an ECAD Audit and Why Do You Need One?

Thermal imaging camera used for energy audits, assessing home energy efficiency and identifying insulation issues.

An Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) is a way to help ensure energy efficiency in homes. This audit is required for every home in Austin that is being sold and hasn’t been audited in the last 10 years. They’re designed to identify ways to save energy in a house or building. They’re performed by professionals and can give buyers the confidence they need in a property, and they can give sellers a leg up over other homes on the market. ECAD audits are always paid for by the seller.

But that’s not all these energy audits are good for. They can also help a home or building improve its air quality. These audits can help home and building owners identify problem areas and address them, thereby increasing energy savings and property value, making the home or building more comfortable for those living or working inside. 

Different Kinds of Energy Audits

There are a couple of different kinds of energy audits that different circumstances call for. There’s the visual audit, which entails a professional inspecting both the outside and inside of the home or building. Austin Home Performance Program uses this type of audit. It will give the homeowner an idea of the building’s overall energy performance, including installation and ductwork. 

Comprehensive energy audits are a more thorough inspection of the home or building. This type of audit includes testing for air leaks, which can be a major factor in inefficient energy usage. This includes air leak testing in both the house itself and the air ducts. These recommendations enable homeowners to enact changes that will allow them to increase energy efficiency, saving them money in the long run. 

Finding the Best Auditors for the Job

Family celebrating home purchase in front of "Sold" sign, highlighting successful real estate transaction related to energy audits and home efficiency.When searching for a company to do an energy audit, it’s best to stick to those certified to do this work. It’s also a good idea to search for Austin companies that have been involved in programs like the Austin Home Performance Program. 

Companies that offer a wide range of energy auditing services and who are willing to file the proper paperwork with the city will make a homeowner’s life that much easier. Trusted HVAC companies with a good reputation and excellent reviews will be sure to do a fine job on energy audits and other HVAC-related issues. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been serving Austin, TX, for over 40 years. They’re a family-owned and operated business that offers fast and friendly service. They’re also BBB accredited and a recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. Give them a call today for ECAD audits across Austin.

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