Truly Tough Contractors Blog - Tips, Guides & Projects

February 25, 2026

5 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

When you're thinking about installing solar panels in Palm Springs or across the Coachella Valley, one of the top concerns you’ll likely have is their lifespan. Solar energy systems are a significant investment, and understanding their longevity can help you make informed decisions about installation, maintenance, and potential upgrades.

Roofing

February 25, 2026

5 min read

by Joseph Melara

10 Signs You May Need a New Roof

If you're a homeowner in the Coachella Valley, especially in cities like Palm Springs, La Quinta, or Indio, you know how harsh the desert climate can be. Extreme heat, dust storms, and UV exposure can wear down even the toughest roofing materials over time. But how do you know when it's time to replace your roof rather than just patch it up? Here are 10 telltale signs that you may need a new roof.

Concrete

February 22, 2026

6 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?

In cities like Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage, where intense sun, dry soil, and wide temperature swings put constant stress on exterior surfaces, a concrete driveway isn’t just a curb-appeal upgrade, it’s a long-term structural investment. Across the Coachella Valley, homeowners often ask for real numbers before starting a project, but the final price depends on more than square footage. Base preparation, reinforcement, access, and finish level all play a role in what you’ll actually pay.

Fencing

February 21, 2026

6 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does a New Fence Cost?

For homeowners in Palm Springs and across the Coachella Valley, understanding the cost of a new fence goes beyond simple square footage calculations. Desert conditions, HOA regulations, and material longevity all influence pricing. Many Rancho Mirage properties, for instance, require fences that can withstand extreme UV exposure and thermal expansion while still meeting aesthetic standards.

Drywall

February 21, 2026

5 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?

For homeowners in Palm Springs and across the Coachella Valley, understanding drywall installation costs is essential before starting a remodel or new construction. From Rancho Mirage to Indio, prices fluctuate based on material choices, labor complexity, and local building conditions. In our experience working on homes in Palm Desert, even minor changes in ceiling height or room layout can noticeably impact costs.

Painting

February 21, 2026

7 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?

In the Coachella Valley, painting a home is more than just picking a color, it’s about protecting properties from the harsh desert environment. Homes in Palm Springs and Palm Desert face extreme UV exposure, blistering heat, and persistent wind-driven dust, all of which impact paint longevity and overall cost. Many Rancho Mirage homeowners also need to comply with HOA standards that regulate color palettes, finishes, and even sheen levels. Understanding the true cost to paint a house requires looking at materials, labor, surface preparation, and local climate considerations.

Pools

February 21, 2026

6 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?

In the heart of the Coachella Valley, where the desert sun can reach extreme temperatures, adding a pool isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for comfort and lifestyle. Homeowners in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert are increasingly asking: what will it actually cost to build a pool that withstands the harsh desert climate while complying with local HOA standards? The answer depends on several factors including pool type, size, materials, and site-specific conditions that contractors encounter every day across this region.

Plumbing

February 21, 2026

7 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?

For homeowners in Palm Springs and across the Coachella Valley, replacing a traditional water heater with a tankless system is a common upgrade. With desert temperatures, high mineral content in local water, and HOA-mandated efficiency standards in communities like La Quinta and Rancho Mirage, selecting the right tankless water heater requires careful consideration, not just of brand and size, but also of installation and ongoing maintenance costs.

HVAC

February 21, 2026

3 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost?

Installing or replacing an HVAC system in homes across the Coachella Valley requires careful planning, especially given the extreme summer heat in Palm Desert and surrounding areas. Costs vary based on system type, size, efficiency, and installation complexity.

Electrical

February 21, 2026

5 min read

by Joseph Melara

How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?

Homes across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Desert to Rancho Mirage, frequently outgrow their existing electrical service panels. As older properties in Indio and La Quinta add EV chargers, pool equipment, HVAC upgrades, or high‑end kitchen appliances, the limitations of outdated panels become obvious, breakers trip, electronics behave erratically, or the main disconnect doesn’t have sufficient capacity. Understanding cost, what influences it, and how pros evaluate your system can save thousands in surprise expenses.

The Truly Tough Contractors Blog

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

10 Signs You May Need a New Roof

How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?

How Much Does a New Fence Cost?

How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?

How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost?

How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost?

How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?

Contact Us

Company