Frequently Asked Questions

System sizing depends on room square footage, ceiling height, insulation quality, and sun exposure. Southeast Texas cooling loads run higher due to extended heat and humidity. A 12,000 BTU unit typically handles 400–550 square feet, while 18,000 BTU covers 600–900 square feet, but poor insulation or west-facing windows increase requirements.

Professional installation includes a one-year labor warranty covering workmanship. Manufacturer equipment warranties range from five to ten years depending on the brand and model installed. EPA-certified technicians handle refrigerant work, which protects both warranty validity and system performance.

Refinishing starts with sanding to remove old finish and surface damage, then filling cracks or dents. After surface preparation, doors are primed and repainted where appropriate. This process restores appearance without replacing solid doors that show wear but remain structurally sound.

Repair makes sense when the system is under eight years old and the issue involves a single component like a fan motor, control board, or refrigerant leak. EPA-certified technicians assess whether the failure indicates broader system wear or an isolated problem before recommending replacement.

Foundation type, utility connections, finish selections, and square footage drive ADU costs. Adding separate water, electric, and HVAC systems increases investment compared to simpler storage or studio layouts. Site access, grading requirements, and distance from existing utility lines also affect pricing.

Extended cooling seasons and high humidity cause mini-splits to run more hours annually than in moderate climates. Outdoor coils accumulate pollen, dust, and organic debris faster, restricting airflow and forcing the compressor to work harder. Regular filter and coil cleaning maintains efficiency under sustained use.

Isolated damaged sections—rotted posts, broken pickets, or bent chain-link panels—can be repaired when the surrounding structure remains sound. Repairs work best when damage is localized and the existing fence hasn't reached the end of its functional lifespan due to widespread rot or lean.

Repair addresses isolated damage like holes, cracks, or water stains by cutting out compromised sections, patching with new material, and blending the finish. Replacement involves removing entire walls when damage is widespread, studs are compromised, or the original installation lacks proper backing for modern finishes.

Southeast Texas sun and humidity accelerate paint degradation through UV breakdown and moisture intrusion. Proper surface preparation—cleaning, scraping loose material, priming bare wood—extends coating life by improving adhesion. Paint performance depends more on prep quality than product alone in high-exposure climates.

New flooring creates clean transitions between rooms, eliminates uneven surfaces or damaged sections, and updates the room's finished appearance. Subfloor preparation removes squeaks and levels the surface before installation. The room becomes easier to clean and shows consistent color and material throughout.

ADUs create physically separate living areas with independent entries, utilities, and layouts rather than repurposing connected interior rooms. This separation suits multigenerational living, rental income, home offices, or guest housing where privacy and autonomy matter more than shared walls and HVAC systems.

Repair targets structural issues like cracked concrete, settling sections, loose pavers, or deteriorated joinery that affect surface levelness and drainage. Cleaning removes stains and organic growth but doesn't restore load-bearing integrity or correct water pooling caused by settlement or improper slope.