Hi tikilyn, I've gotten quite a bit of help on exteriors from folks on this board, lots of good advice! Just wanted to let you know I like the direction you are going with this latest design. Maybe you already have done this but if not it might help if you found some inspiration pictures to show your designer? Here are a few images I found while trying to learn about "Texas Hill Country" style. If your house has no second story and the dormers are just to let in additional light, might you instead consider having a higher plate height with clerestory windows over a lower porch roof (like the last 3 pictures)? I also noticed that many of the house images that were coming up in my searches had detached garages -- would you be interested in something like that? Good luck! [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Austin Home Builders Meier Custom Built Homes, LLC [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Other Metro Architects & Designers Burleson Design Group [Contemporary Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2103) by Plano Architects & Designers John Lively & Associates [Traditional Landscape[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-landscaping-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_728~s_2107) by Austin Architects & Designers Shiflet Group Architects

I see you have an upgrade for the fusion soft 40K Salt System. It is mineral based with a chlorine dispenser. It is not a salt water chlorine generator. Do you want this ? http://www.poolproducts4less.com/nature-2-fusion-soft-salt-water-sanitizer-mineral-pool-system-kit-40k.aspx You will have a Jandy PDA 8 remote. It would make more sense to me if you have a salt pool to use the Jandy aqua pure control center and a jandy salt chlorine generator which will handle all of your sanitizing needs, assuming you maintain the chemicals properly. At that point, with the control center I would ditch the standard white lights with covers and maximize the potential of your remote and control center by using LED lights that will let you run a fantastic light show in your pool and spa as well as control your Polaris cleaner and water features, spa etc. Ask your builder about this stuff, he/she should know. Personally, I would ditch the ozone. Cannot imagine why you need 3 levels of sanitization? Chlorine, mineral and ozone. 2 cents.

Get a zero mullion strip. If the window is equip with an accessory groove on the interior and exterior, a zero mull is basically invisible as it directly joins the two windows across a thin line.

Thank you so much, everyone! Needless to say, I've been feeling sad because of the interior railing. It is really helpful to get your thoughts and ideas. @Patricia Colwell, thank you. Will add a photo of the handrail. Love the ideas for art to balance the heaviness of the railing. @chiflipper, thanks so much. The paint option is good to have in my back pocket! @Kate, thank you! I had similar concerns but this is in code in our area. The railing is 43 inches high (with a wall below the railing) so hopefully, that will help. @privateprivateprivate, thank you! Really appreciate your ideas and glad it looks okay! @Woody Vaughan or Shaun Fogarty, I agree....wish I had the option to go with that. @J Sk, thank you! Feedback like yours is helping me feel better....thank you!!! So grateful to everyone here for their comments. Thank you.