Home Remodeling:

With real estate prices climbing to all-time highs, many homeowners are choosing to remodel their existing home rather than sell. Newcomers are known for buying older homes to completely remodel. The kitchen and the bathroom are the top two areas that many people are looking to remodel. In addition, many people are switching form granite to quartz.

Becky's Tips Before you Remodel:

  • Good to have plans from an architect or design firm to prevent change orders and unknown cost
  • Check out your General Contractor. Get references. Look at projects he/she did to insure you are pleased with quality of work. Is the builder financially stable?
  • Discuss clients expectations for communications during the project.
  • Be aware when remodeling unknown issues are uncovered. Have contingent funds.
  • Discuss how often builder invoices and expected payments.
  • How often does the builder pay the subs? You do not want subs putting liens on your home.
  • Remember builders are only as good as the subs that are hired.

Second Street District:

With 50 specialty shops, entertainment and dining options it's the perfect place to get a feel for Austin. Second street is also home to La Condesa, Austin's award-winning modern Mexican restaurant.

You'll also want to check out Pacific Asian eatery, She’s Not Here, or grab some Texas barbecue at Lamberts. If a quiet date night is more your thing, Violet Crown Cinema is locally owned and the perfect spot to take your sweetheart or have a girl's night.

We also can't forget ACL Live at the Moody theater. Located just behind the Willie Nelson statue, you can catch live shows next month from Wu-Tang Clan, Max Richter and Dane Cook. The theater also hosts Austin City Limits, the longest-running music program in television history.

Coffee:

Austinites may love their coffee as much as their breakfast tacos and craft beer. It's no wonder the Capital City was named one of the top places to grab a Cup of Joe. Wallet Hub compared the 100 most-populated U.S. cities, and Austin came in at No. 20. If you're looking to put that to the test, Eater.com compiled a list of the top local shops. Coming in at No. 1 is Machine Head coffee in North Austin. At No. 2 is Epoch and at No. 3 is Houndstooth Coffee. Both of them have several locations around Austin.

No. 4 is Cherrywood Cofeehouse in East Austin, and No. 5 is Lucky Lab Coffee Co. in West Campus.

For a full list of Eater's 30 best coffee shops, visit their website.