Houston asks a lot of a house. Long, hot summers, high humidity and heavy rain all test how well it is built. The good news is that most of what makes a home comfortable here is decided early, in the design and the envelope.
A tight, well-insulated envelope
Air leaks bring in heat and moisture. A well-sealed envelope with good insulation keeps the inside cooler, drier and quieter, and lets the air conditioning do less work.
Windows that keep the heat out
Large windows are part of what makes a home feel generous. High-performance glass lets in daylight while keeping much of the sun’s heat outside, and well-placed overhangs shade the glass when the sun is highest.
Air conditioning sized for the house
Bigger is not better. A system sized correctly for the home runs longer, steadier cycles that remove more humidity. Zoning lets you cool the rooms you are using.
Water, outside and in
Good drainage around the home, careful flashing at every window and door, and finished floors set to the elevation each lot requires all keep water where it belongs.
Planning for the future
Space for solar panels, a pre-wired circuit for a car charger and room for a standby generator cost little to plan in and a lot more to add later. We ask about them at the start.
