Expertise I can answer virtually any question about residential construction and remodeling, but I PREFER and have special interest and expertise in the following areas:
Exterior design, cost vs. value, room additions, low-maintenance materials, sunrooms, conservatories, patio design, patio covers & shade structures, replacement doors & windows, glass & glazing technology, roofing, non-conventional construction, structurally-insulated panels, siding, insulation, sealants, membranes, decking, metal & composite framing materials, skylights, pool & spa enclosures, architectural drawings, DIY planning & installation tips, and green building technologies, installations, and materials as they relate to home improvements and additions.
Additionally, I am particularly interested in helping homeowners learn how to determine the value and/or return on investment of particular projects, choose reliable contractors and gain “insider” information about to accurately compare materials, estimates, warranties and otherwise make good decisions about improving their homes.
I also have above average (not quite expert) knowledge and can answer general questions about masonry, electrical, mechanical, foundations and plumbing, but please try to find an expert who is THE most suited for your particular question if possible.
Experience I have extensive experience in residential construction, sales, management & planning with a special interest in unique, well-engineered designs, cutting-edge technologies, energy-efficient materials and installation techniques as well as producing the highest possible return on investment for homeowners.
I have worked as an installer, sub-contractor, designer, salesman, manager, executive and owner of several of the largest remodeling companies in Texas.
I currently own and manage TX Park Cities Properties, LLC and Texas Rooms And Windows, LLC.
Texas Rooms And Windows (TRAW) is a Dallas-based, design/build firm specializing in ultra energy-efficient, Sun Space Additions (Sunrooms, Conservatories and Custom Windows). TRAW is one of the fastest growing Sunroom and Window Companies in Texas and is projected to be one of the Top 500 Remodelers in the nation in 2009 with office locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, TX.
Organizations National Association of the Remodeling Industry, U.S. Green Building Council, Texas Residential Construction Commission Registered Builder, Building Trades Association, Efficient Windows Collaborative, National Sunroom Association, Building Trades Association, Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Omicron Alumni Association, Boy Scouts of America, National Rifle Association, AMFTP Certified Personal Trainer, Dallas Blue Executives, DFW Entrepreneurs.
Education/Credentials Undergrad-Stephen F. Austin State University
Significant, continuing education in Business Management and Construction Technologies.
Q: I have a sunroom that was damaged in the last storm and the insurance is wanting the roof replaced ... A: Sorry for the delay in responding, I was out of town for a few days. The most common, insulated, ...
Q: What's the best way to clean the brass fixtures (kickplate, lock and handle) on the exterior of my ... A: Unless you have some strange or stubborn stains you're having trouble with, you should use "Brasso". ...
Q: I have a support beam running across my basement ceiling consisting of 4 wooden 2X10's bolted ... A: No, the beam is not sufficient to span 16' based on a Min. 40PSF live load on the floor above. I've ...
Q: I have a 4 yr old modular on a full concrete basement in central NY. Over the past Winter, a hair ... A: I'm not a basement pro because I live in Texas, but I can tell you from experience with retaining ...
Q: Rick: Here is a brief background of what I am facing. I have an eleven year old two story ... A: That is a tough question to handle with out being there with you, I'm afraid. Oh, and don't feel ...
Q: ..Thanks in advance for your help. I am finishing my basement and am now ready to install ... A: You can use a radiant barrier as a moisture barrier as well. You will need to seal the seams with ...
Q: SkylightI'm working on a house in the DFW area that has a 10-11/12 pitch it has 3 skylights on the ... A: The only problem I see with installing some type of awning/canopy over the skylight would be ...
Q: I have a small 1923 bungalow craftsman style home. Built on post and block foundation, calif shiplap ... A: That is a really neat house. They are a lot of work, but it's hard to beat the charm of those ...
Q: ..Thanks in advance for your help. I am finishing my basement and am now ready to install ... A: When using normal Kraft paper faced or foil faced bats, the "proper" method is to staple the paper ...
Q: We own a home built in 1961. One of the previous owners installed sheets of formica in a ... A: I'm sorry to say that, no, there is no very easy way to remove the Formica, but you CAN do it. ...
Q: I just had new windows installed in the basement and exterior weeping tiling. When the concrete ... A: I'll tell you right now, that I'm in Texas and I can count on one hand the number of basements I've ...
Q: I have to cut the bottom of a metal exterior door off, can this be done? I can't raise the jam, I ... A: I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to you, I've been away for a few days. I need to know more ...
Q: What size "pressure washer" will I need to remove paint from concrete or will it be best to use a ... A: I am so sorry I missed your question for a few days. You probably do NOT need a sand blaster. They ...
Q: BATHROOM WALLS TILED HALF WAY UP THE WALL I WANT TO REMOVE THEM AND DRYWALL AND PAINT. THE QUESTION ... A: Unless I'm missing something... You should not have to install any more drywall as long as you are ...
Q: I like to dance in my room, and because of this, I would like to install a large mirror in my room, ... A: You can easily install mirrors yourself onto doors, walls or virtually any relatively smooth and ...
Q: .I'm will be shortly replacing my wood/ french patio(which is rotting) door with a "new" vinyl clad ... A: I noticed your question had not been answered and wanted to let you know that clear (or any color), ...
Q: "I am installing a new patio that I would like to cover with a wood framed roofed structure. There ... A: That is a great question with a lot of great detail. Unfortunately, I have to say I don't know. ...
Q: I live in a mobile home in FL which has an attached porch room. The room has a "roof over" but the ... A: That is a very common problem and I will give you some ideas to get you started. I would have to ...
Q: Hey Rick, We found out that we have termites, they have made their way into our bedroom walls, the ... A: I'm assuming that you have successfully treated the termites, if not, make sure that ALL termites ...
Q: I have installed fiber cement siding on the back of the house. The painters have caulked all ... A: There are 2 basic methods for vertical joints w/ numerous different details involved depending on ...
Q: I want to cantilever a deck (balcony) from my 2nd story bedroom with a garage below. I have access ... A: This is a question that you should definitely run past an engineer. Codes and load requirements ...
Q: My husband and I are remodeling our home. We need to choose our interior doors. We certainly don't ... A: To be honest, the sound conduction/transmission characteristics of all similarly sized/shaped, solid ...
Q: Rick. I need to replace the wheels or rollers on it,but they look like they may be revited or spot ... A: I need to know the brand of the door, style, age, etc. to accurately answer your question. sorry, ...
Q: I purchased replacement windows and I should have gotten new construction ones. How do I install ... A: You can use remodeling style windows for new construction without much problem. Assuming you have ...
Q: Rick, Understand you are slammed with questions so appreciate you taking another one. My question ... A: Based on what you told me, I quickly entered the project into my computer and based on what I would ...
Q: Double hung triple pane windows with U-0.188 vs. double pane windows with U-0.32 from the same ... A: There are some other factors to consider like comfort, pride, curb appeal,less maintenance, etc. so ...
Q: Our house is 3 years old with vinyl windows. Every time the sunlight hits the windows, we hear a ... A: The color of the siding is NOT the problem. I have installed very large walls of vinyl windows in ...
Q: Our house is 3 years old with vinyl windows. Every time the sunlight hits the windows, we hear a ... A: I'm sorry it took me so long to reply, I've been discussing the problem with my engineer and several ...
Q: When it rains hard from the South rain water comes in the vent on the side of the house behind the ... A: I'd love to help you! I am GREAT at fixing leaks. Most likely, you can easily solve the problem ...
Q: Hey Rick, We moved into a 20 yr old home in late November; our home has a back door with a seemingly ... A: Congrats on the new home! The short answer is: I would get an EMCO storm door from Home Depot or a ...
Q: My husband and I are working on a patio remodel project. We have a patio apprx. 19 x 20 bordered on ... A: Angela, There is no question about the "achy-back" factor being high with all the work I described. ...
Q: We have old windows that are operating very well (Monarch MetaLane 1100 from the eary 1960s). The ... A: That is a tough decision. I would normally tell you to replace the whole window, but if all of your ...
Q: My husband and I are working on a patio remodel project. We have a patio apprx. 19 x 20 bordered on ... A: I can be a little wordy, so the short answer is: Do not use expansion joints, you need to dowel the ...
