Summer 2026

[LCHIEN]

Its so darn hot here in Houston, every day been in the high 90s with feels like temps hitting 100-112.
Shops not air conditioned so I sneak out at night to do any small repairs. Don't have any DIY projects scheduled.
Going to pay someone to pressure wash the driveway next week, $170 for the straight driveway and the circular drive together... all the other quotes came in over $400. I hope I didn't make a mistake.

Tree trimming guys coming next week also $2100; the other bid was $2850. I have five 34 year old live oaks. I saved $3000 on my annual home/auto/liability insurance costs with all new insurance companies but then the homeowners policy holder says if I don't trim the overhanging branches they'll cancel my insurance. 40% of the cost is thinning out the small feeders so the lawn gets some sun, but still, $2000 to save $3000? Isn't there some risk in cutting off very large branches over a house? the tree guy says he'll tie off the big limbs and take them down in pieces so they they don't come crashing thru the roof. Crossing fingers.

Also going to have my 34 year old windows replaced, aluminum frame windows that leak a little, sweat quite a bit and probably lose A/C. So getting vinyl frames with double panes. Making the big window in the breakfast room that looks over the backyard into one giant picture window, having the little grids removed from all the windows. Big bucks.

Well, except for this window above the front door. One major firm quoted me $38,000 for it. THe rep said, oh, that's a BMW, implying I'd be better off buying a luxury sports car.

[dbhost]

Well you are ready to spend some money aren't you?

[LCHIEN]

yep, for sure. We have to trim the trees every 2-3 years. I used to power wash the drive but its too much work for this old man now.
Trying to keep the grass from dying, the trees from breaking the driveways, and the bugs from eating us alive.

[capncarl]

Window prices are out of this world! A good friends son wanted to suprise his parents by replacing his parents house windows. The house is aprox 1500sf, 3 small br, single bath, brick, and I think it is a Jim Walter house. I guessed it would be $12,000. On the high end, nope, estimated at $35,000. Probably 20k more than house and lot sold for new. My suggestion to the son was find a local contractor that installed locally sourced vinyl windows. A reduction in utility cost would be seen without doubling the value of the house.

LCHIEN, I’ve seen windows such as yours that have had a custom cut plate glass fitted inside that cut out a lot of energy loss and draft. But home improvement is a good investment in a home, though not always shown in profit from sale of the house. Like installing a swimming pool which may actually reduce sellling price, but if you like it and you and your family get enjoyment out of it, who cares what the bean counters say!

[LCHIEN]

I had a long discussion with AI discussing all the hvac info. House size. Window area, location electricity rates, and AI suggested i might save 200-300 bucks a year. Not enough to pay for it. But we also have issues with leaks. House will be quieter. Wife will be happier, always a good thing.