Notes from the studio.
Guides, project stories, and honest takes on remodeling and building across Greater Houston. Filter by city or by the kind of project you're planning.
Home addition timeline in Houston: from first meeting to move-in
A phase-by-phase timeline for a Houston room addition — design, engineering, HOA, permits, foundation, framing, inspections and finishes.
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Adding a second story in Houston: feasibility, process and cost drivers
What it takes to add a second floor to a Houston home — structural checks, deed restrictions, living through construction and what drives the budget.
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Garage conversion in Houston: what to know before you start
Turning a garage into a bedroom, office or living space is one of the most practical ways to add room in Houston. Here is what the project involves.
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Room additions in Houston: planning, permits and process
How a room addition comes together in Houston — from checking lot rules and foundation design to tying the new roof into the old one.
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Home additions in The Woodlands: setbacks, covenant review, and cost per square foot
What it costs to add square footage in The Woodlands, how the Development Standards Committee review works, and which additions actually return their cost.
Read articleWest University additions and pop-tops: building up when the lot is small
How West U homeowners add square footage on 5,000 sq ft lots — second-story additions, coverage limits, and what the city's rules allow.
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