CTA Consultation

Typical Siding Profile

By |2015-06-22T16:35:48-07:00June 22nd, 2015|CTA Consultation|

profiles1 A typical wall profile in the Brazos Valley starts with drywall on the inside; then a 2X4 wall with R-13 fiberglass insulation between the framing members. On the outside of the 2X4 wall is nonstructural sheathing and then the siding.When replacing siding we usually remove everything down to the framing. This allows

Six Signs Your Siding or Exterior Trim May Need Replacing

By |2022-07-22T07:40:40-07:00June 16th, 2015|CTA Consultation|

There are few home repairs more thoroughly ignored than failing siding and exterior trim. This may happen for several reasons. Many people simply do not notice – out of sight out of mind. There is often a perception that the exterior of a home is invincible, however, even brick homes have trim that can fail.

Roll-In Shower Remodel

By |2015-05-26T15:35:26-07:00May 26th, 2015|CTA Consultation|

There are many options when considering an ADA size specific, roll-in shower remodel. Although the primary need may be for wheelchair accessibility, a roll-in shower can also provide style and beauty to any bathroom. As you can see, the aesthetic flow of the bathroom was not interrupted by converting the existing shower into one that is

Pruning Bushes and Trees

By |2015-03-03T20:31:44-08:00March 3rd, 2015|CTA Consultation|

As a general practice, we do not include yard work in our maintenance list but this is one that impacts the health and durability of your house. Tree branches rubbing or falling on the house can do a tree-mendous amount of damage. Vines growing on the house can also do damage. It is a good idea to do this chore early in February before spring starts to set in but once the worst of winter has passed.

Check Grout and Caulk inside the House

By |2015-02-24T16:45:39-08:00February 24th, 2015|CTA Consultation|

Caulk is an important barrier against water and air leaks but it does not last very well.  If the caulk is dried and cracked or if it has come loose you will need to replace it.  When repairing caulk clean all of the old caulk out and clean the surfaces.  Use a hair dryer to

Local Donations Provide Upgrade for WIC Office

By |2023-01-30T06:56:13-08:00February 19th, 2015|Community, CTA Consultation|

College Station, February 9, 2015- When Amy Rensvold, with the local Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) office called Stearns Design Build she was hoping to get a bid to have some laminate countertops replaced. Instead Stearns Design Build president, Hugh Stearns offered to do the work for free. Thanks to the generosity of Lowe’s in Bryan, who contributed materials at half price, the project could be done with no cost to the WIC office.

Check washing machine hoses

By |2015-01-13T17:22:20-08:00January 13th, 2015|CTA Consultation|

This is something that most people ignore until a hose breaks… when they are gone on vacation. We have seen some horrific floods caused in this way. Of course when you are leaving for any period of time, it is a good idea to shut the water to the washing machine off. When inspecting the hoses, turn the valves off and pull the washing machine away from the wall.

Changing AC filters

By |2015-01-13T16:21:15-08:00January 13th, 2015|CTA Consultation|

It is our recommendation that you change AC filters once a month when you are leaving your system on all the time, so you will see this task on our list for most, but not all, months. Changing out the AC filters will extend the life of your system, allow it to operate more efficiently, and even help keep the house clean.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home

By |2014-11-21T19:26:12-08:00November 21st, 2014|CTA Consultation|

Like many building products in existence, choosing the right siding for your home is never as easy as Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Each siding material comes with its own set of features and benefits, both from a sustainability point of view, price, climate appropriateness, and aesthetics. Sadly there is no category wide certification program to use as an overall guide. The first decision for choosing a siding material should come down to what is most suitable and allowable in your market or area of residence. Here is a list of commonly used siding for green-built homes.

Therapeutic Landscape Network

By |2014-11-13T20:22:05-08:00November 13th, 2014|CTA Consultation|

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Naomi Sacks, who runs the Therapeutic Landscape Network. She is currently working on a PhD in Architecture here at TAMU. But her accomplishments exceed that of many who have long had such academic di...stinction. Her book, Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces, is available on Amazon. Though Naomi's focus is on landscape design in institutional settings, I look forward to learning as much as I can about her approach and applying it to the residential setting.

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