Home Renovation Contractor Guide for The Hills Texas

When you're considering a home renovation contractor in The Hills, you're making one of the biggest decisions about your property, and I want to help you think through this carefully. I'm Chad Burnell, founder of Earth in Motion, Inc., and over the past two decades in construction, I've seen homeowners make great choices and costly mistakes when selecting contractors. The Hills area has its own unique character—rolling terrain, specific soil conditions, and homes that range from historic properties to modern builds—and understanding how a contractor approaches these variables makes all the difference in your project outcome.

Your home is where your family builds memories, where you invest your hard-earned money, and where you deserve to feel confident that the work being done meets the highest standards. That's why I want to walk you through what really matters when you're evaluating renovation contractors, what questions you should be asking, and how to protect yourself from the problems that too many homeowners encounter when they don't know what to look for.

The first thing you need to understand is that not all contractors are created equal. In my twenty-plus years of construction experience, including my time in the military where attention to detail and following procedures could mean life or death, I've learned that credentials matter. They're not just pieces of paper—they represent accountability, legal protection, and a commitment to professional standards.

When you're talking to any contractor about your project, you need to verify three critical things right from the start:

• Active licensing: Every legitimate contractor should hold current licensing for the type of work they're proposing. In Texas, this means proper registration and compliance with state and local requirements. Don't just take someone's word for it—ask to see documentation.
• Insurance coverage: This protects you if something goes wrong. You want to see proof of both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If a contractor can't or won't provide this documentation immediately, that's a red flag you can't ignore.
• Verifiable track record: Anyone can claim they've done great work. Ask for references from past clients, look at actual completed projects, and pay attention to how they talk about their experience. At Earth in Motion, we're proud of our Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification, and we can show you real examples of the work we've completed.

I've walked away from potential projects when I could tell a homeowner hadn't done their homework on other contractors they were considering. It's not my job to bad-mouth competitors, but it is my responsibility to help you understand what professional standards look like. The construction industry has people who cut corners, and those corners eventually show up as problems in your home.

Experience isn't just about how many years someone has been in business. It's about the breadth and depth of projects they've successfully completed. When I talk with homeowners in The Hills about renovations, I want to understand what they're trying to accomplish, and then I can explain how my background applies to their specific situation.

For example, if you're dealing with foundation issues or drainage problems—common in areas with the soil composition we see in Central Texas—you need someone who understands earth movement, water management, and how structures interact with their environment. That's literally what Earth in Motion specializes in. We don't just build on top of land; we work with the land to create solutions that last.

Here's what meaningful experience looks like:

• Problem-solving capability: Every renovation uncovers surprises. The question is whether your contractor has encountered similar challenges before and knows how to address them without panic or excessive cost overruns.
• Diverse project types: A contractor who has only done one type of work might struggle when your project requires different skills. We've worked on everything from custom ponds to structural renovations, which means we understand how different systems interact.
• Regional knowledge: The Hills area has specific characteristics—soil conditions, drainage patterns, local building codes, and architectural styles. A contractor who has worked extensively in this region brings that knowledge to your project automatically.

When I served in the military, we had a saying: "Prior proper planning prevents poor performance." That holds just as true in construction. An experienced contractor doesn't just react to problems; they anticipate potential issues and plan accordingly.

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners express to me is that they didn't understand the renovation process before they started, and their contractor didn't explain it clearly. Let me walk you through how a professional renovation should unfold, from our first conversation to the day you're enjoying your completed project.

Everything starts with understanding what you want to accomplish and what your property needs. When I meet with homeowners, I'm not just looking at the obvious aspects of the project. I'm observing drainage patterns, examining how the existing structure is performing, checking sight lines and access points, and thinking about how different elements will interact.

This phase is about listening more than talking. I need to understand your vision, your lifestyle needs, your budget parameters, and your timeline expectations. But I also need to be honest with you about what's realistic. If I see potential problems—maybe the drainage pattern will create issues, or the soil composition will require additional foundation work—I'm going to tell you upfront, not six weeks into the project when it's too late to plan properly.

A thorough site assessment means I can give you accurate information instead of optimistic guesses. In The Hills, with its varied topography, this assessment phase is critical. What works on flat land might not work on a slope. What works with one soil type might fail with another.

Once we understand the scope, the next phase involves developing detailed plans that address both your vision and the practical realities of construction. This isn't about me imposing my preferences on your property—it's about collaborating to create solutions that work for your specific situation.

During this phase, we're making decisions about:

• Materials and methods: What materials will perform best for your climate, soil conditions, and maintenance preferences? How will we approach the construction sequence to minimize disruption?
• Permitting requirements: What does the local jurisdiction require? How long will the approval process take? What documentation do we need to prepare?
• Timeline development: When can we realistically start? What factors might cause delays? How long should each phase take?
• Budget refinement: As plans become more detailed, cost estimates become more accurate. This is when we discuss trade-offs and options.

I've seen too many contractors skip proper planning because they're eager to start billing hours. That approach costs homeowners money and creates frustration. At Earth in Motion, we don't move to construction until the plan is solid and you're confident about what we're doing.

Navigating the permitting process is one of the services we provide that homeowners often underestimate. Local jurisdictions have specific requirements, and those requirements exist for good reasons—they protect property values, ensure safety, and maintain community standards.

A professional contractor handles this process for you. We prepare the necessary documentation, submit applications, respond to reviewer questions, and schedule required inspections. This isn't just about following rules; it's about understanding what inspectors are looking for and ensuring our work meets those standards the first time.

In The Hills, certain types of projects require additional consideration—environmental impacts, drainage management, tree preservation, or historical considerations depending on the specific location. We build these requirements into our planning from the beginning, not as afterthoughts that create delays.

This is where planning meets execution, and it's where you'll see the difference between a contractor who manages projects professionally and one who just shows up and reacts to whatever happens that day.

Professional construction management means:

• Clear communication protocols: You should know who to contact with questions, how often you'll receive updates, and when you need to make decisions. We establish this framework before work begins.
• Coordinated scheduling: Different trades need to work in sequence. Materials need to arrive when they're needed. Inspections need to happen at the right milestones. This coordination prevents delays and keeps costs under control.
• Quality control: We're checking work at every stage, not waiting until the end to discover problems. This means issues get addressed immediately when they're easiest and least expensive to fix.
• Site management: Your property should be treated with respect. We maintain clean work areas, protect existing structures, and minimize disruption to your daily life as much as possible.

During my years in construction, I've learned that the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare often comes down to daily management. Small problems that get ignored become major problems. Good contractors stay ahead of issues instead of playing catch-up.

A project isn't done just because the last nail is driven. Professional completion includes a thorough walkthrough where we verify that every aspect of the work meets the standards we discussed. This is your opportunity to ask questions, understand how to maintain what we've built, and confirm that you're completely satisfied.

We also discuss what happens after completion. What warranty or guarantee applies to the work? What maintenance will be required? What should you watch for as the project settles? These aren't questions to avoid—they're part of delivering complete service.

Based on two decades of experience, here are the questions that will tell you the most about whether a contractor is right for your project. Pay attention not just to the answers, but to how they respond. Good contractors welcome these questions because they demonstrate you're a serious, informed client.

Start with the fundamentals. Ask directly about licensing, insurance, and certifications. A professional contractor will provide this information readily and won't act defensive about being asked. We're Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and I'm proud to share that certification because it represents values of integrity and service that guide how we do business.

Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours. Have they worked extensively in The Hills area? Do they understand the specific challenges of your type of project? Can they show you examples of completed work? At Earth in Motion, we can discuss relevant projects without violating client confidentiality, giving you confidence that we've successfully handled similar challenges.

How do they approach project planning? Who will be your day-to-day contact? How do they handle permitting and inspections? What happens when unexpected issues arise—because in renovation work, they almost always do?

These questions reveal whether a contractor has systematic processes or just wings it. You want someone who can articulate a clear methodology, not someone who says, "We'll figure it out as we go."

Ask about communication. How often will you receive updates? In what form—phone calls, emails, in-person meetings? Who do you contact if you have concerns? The contractor who seems annoyed by these questions probably isn't someone you want to work with for months.

This is where many homeowners feel most vulnerable because they don't know what questions to ask. Let me give you a framework for understanding costs without getting hung up on specific numbers.

First, ask for a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the major components of your project. You should see separate line items for different aspects of the work, not just a single lump sum. This transparency lets you understand where your money is going and makes it possible to discuss value and priorities.

Second, ask what's included and what's not. Are permits included? What about cleanup and disposal? Are there allowances for items that can't be precisely priced until you make selections? Understanding the scope prevents surprise charges later.

Third, ask about payment terms. You should never pay the full amount upfront. Professional contractors use payment schedules tied to project milestones. This protects both parties—you're not paying for work that hasn't been completed, and the contractor has financial security to proceed with the project.

Fourth, discuss how changes and unexpected issues are handled. Renovation work frequently encounters surprises—outdated wiring that needs upgrading, structural issues that weren't visible, or drainage problems that need addressing. How will additional work be priced and approved? What's the process for change orders?

Ask for a realistic timeline that accounts for permitting, material delivery, weather considerations, and the actual construction sequence. Be skeptical of contractors who promise remarkably fast completion—they're either cutting corners or setting you up for disappointment.

Ask about factors that might cause delays. Honest contractors will explain that weather, permitting delays, or material availability can impact schedules. They should also explain how they minimize these delays through proper planning and maintaining relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Ask whether you can remain in your home during construction, if that's relevant to your project. The answer depends on the scope of work, but you deserve to know upfront what to expect about noise, dust, access restrictions, and safety considerations.

I never quote specific prices in articles like this because every project is different, and I won't mislead you with numbers that might not apply to your situation. But I can explain the factors that influence costs, which helps you understand why two seemingly similar projects might have very different price tags.

The size and complexity of your renovation fundamentally determines cost. A kitchen remodel involves different work than a bathroom renovation, which differs from a whole-home makeover or an addition. More square footage, more rooms, more systems to coordinate—all of these increase both materials and labor requirements.

Complexity matters as much as size. A straightforward renovation of a newer home is simpler than updating a historic property where you need to preserve architectural character while modernizing systems. Adding a structure on flat, stable land costs less than building on a slope with challenging soil conditions. The more problem-solving required, the more time and expertise needed.

The materials you choose dramatically impact project costs. This isn't just about expensive versus cheap—it's about durability, maintenance requirements, and long-term value. In Central Texas, we need materials that handle heat, handle moisture appropriately, and stand up to our climate extremes.

I always encourage clients to think about life-cycle costs, not just initial prices. Sometimes spending more on quality materials reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of your renovation. Other times, mid-range options provide excellent value without premium pricing. We can discuss these trade-offs once I understand your specific project and priorities.

What's happening on your property before we start building? Do we need to address drainage issues? Is there existing site work that needs removal or modification? What's the soil composition, and does it require special foundation approaches?

The Hills area presents specific challenges because of varied topography and soil types. Some locations have stable soil that makes foundation work straightforward. Other sites require more extensive preparation to ensure long-term stability. We can't determine this from photos or brief visits—it requires proper site assessment.

Access to your property also matters. Can we get equipment and materials where they need to go easily, or does limited access create additional labor requirements? These aren't obstacles that prevent projects, but they do influence costs.

Local regulations exist to protect property values, ensure safety, and maintain community standards. Meeting these requirements adds time and cost to projects, but it's not optional, and it protects your investment.

Different jurisdictions have different requirements. Some types of work need engineering reviews. Some locations have additional environmental or historical considerations. Understanding these requirements upfront—and building them into planning and budgeting—prevents expensive surprises later.

This is the factor that causes the most homeowner anxiety, and understandably so. Renovation work frequently uncovers issues that weren't visible during planning—outdated electrical systems, plumbing that needs replacement, structural problems, or water damage that's been hidden.

Good contractors don't use this as an excuse to inflate costs arbitrarily. We build reasonable contingencies into budgets, we communicate immediately when we discover issues, and we provide clear options for addressing problems. Sometimes you can defer work that's not critical. Sometimes addressing an issue now prevents bigger problems later. These decisions should be yours, made with complete information.

Let me be direct about how we handle renovation projects at Earth in Motion, because I want you to understand what working with us actually looks like and whether our approach matches what you need.

Every project we take on begins with comprehensive understanding. What are you trying to accomplish? Why is this renovation important to you? What concerns do you have? What's your timeline? What budget parameters are we working within?

These aren't just polite questions—they're critical information that shapes everything we do. I've learned over twenty years that the projects that go best are the ones where we fully understand client objectives before we start planning solutions.

At the same time, I'm conducting a thorough property assessment. I'm looking at factors many contractors overlook because they're focused on the visible aspects of construction. How does water move across your property? What are the soil characteristics? How will weather patterns affect different design choices? What existing conditions might create challenges?

This dual focus—understanding what you want and understanding what your property needs—allows us to develop solutions that work for both.

Once we understand scope, we develop detailed plans that address all project aspects. This includes design considerations, material selections, construction methodology, permitting requirements, and timeline development. We're not guessing about any of this—we're creating a roadmap that guides the entire project.

I believe in radical transparency about what's realistic. If your timeline is too aggressive, I'm going to tell you. If your budget won't accomplish everything you want, we'll discuss priorities and phases. If I see potential problems, you need to know about them while we can still plan around them.

This honesty sometimes means clients choose to work with someone else who promises what they want to hear. That's fine—I'd rather lose a project than create unrealistic expectations that lead to conflict and disappointment.

During construction, our focus is on quality execution and proactive problem management. We're not just following plans mechanically—we're constantly evaluating whether what we're doing matches what you need and what the property requires.

When issues arise, we address them immediately. We explain what we've found, what options exist for addressing it, and what we recommend based on our experience. You make the decisions, but you make them with complete information and professional advice.

My military background taught me that good leadership means taking responsibility when things go wrong and giving credit when things go right. If we encounter a problem, it's our job to solve it professionally. If something works better than expected, we make sure you know about it.

You will always know what's happening with your project. We establish communication protocols at the beginning—how often you'll receive updates, who you contact with questions, how we handle urgent versus routine matters.

We don't disappear once work starts. We don't make you chase us for information. We don't leave you wondering whether everything is on track. Regular communication is part of our service, not an inconvenience we tolerate.

I want to address something that homeowners sometimes overlook: why a contractor's knowledge of The Hills area specifically matters to your project success.

Central Texas generally, and The Hills area specifically, has characteristics that influence construction decisions. Our soil composition varies significantly even within small areas. Some locations have expansive clay soils that require careful foundation design. Others have rocky substrates that create different challenges.

Drainage patterns in areas with varied topography require careful management. Water wants to flow downhill, and if we don't account for that reality in our design, you'll have problems. Having completed numerous projects in this region, we understand these patterns and design accordingly.

Climate considerations also matter. We have hot summers, occasional extreme weather events, and temperature swings that affect material performance. Materials and methods that work well in other regions might not be the best choices here.

Different jurisdictions have different permitting processes, code requirements, and inspection protocols. Contractors who work regularly in The Hills area understand these systems and can navigate them efficiently.

This isn't about cutting corners or finding loopholes—it's about knowing what's required, understanding what inspectors prioritize, and having processes in place to meet requirements smoothly. It prevents delays, reduces friction, and keeps projects moving forward.

Over years of working in a region, professional contractors develop relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and trades professionals. These relationships benefit clients through better pricing, reliable scheduling, and quality assurance.

When I need specialized work done, I know who to call. When I need materials delivered on a specific schedule, I have suppliers who make that happen. When unexpected issues require quick problem-solving, I have a network of professionals I trust. This infrastructure exists because we've built it over years of successful projects.

Choosing a contractor for your home renovation is one of the most important decisions you'll make about your property. You're not just hiring someone to do work—you're entering into a partnership that will last months and significantly impact your home's value, functionality, and your own satisfaction.

Here's what I want you to take away from everything I've shared:

Do your homework on credentials. Verify licensing, insurance, and experience. Don't take anyone's word for qualifications—ask for documentation and check references.

Understand the contractor's process. How do they approach planning, permitting, construction management, and completion? You want someone with systematic processes, not someone who improvises constantly.

Insist on transparent communication. You deserve to know what's happening with your project, what issues arise, and what decisions need to be made. Good contractors welcome this involvement; problematic ones resist it.

Get detailed, written estimates. Understand what's included, what's not, and what factors might change costs. Ask questions until you're completely clear about financial expectations.

Trust your instincts about fit. Beyond credentials and process, you need to work with someone you trust and communicate with comfortably. If something feels off during initial conversations, pay attention to that feeling.

At Earth in Motion, we've built our reputation on quality work, honest communication, and solving problems for clients. We're a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business operating in Austin and serving The Hills area with the same commitment to excellence that guided my military service. If you're considering a renovation project and want to discuss how we approach these challenges, I'm happy to have that conversation.

Your home deserves work that's done right, by professionals who respect both you and your property. That's what we deliver, and that's what you should demand from any home renovation contractor in The Hills.

At Earth in Motion, we believe transparency starts with credentials. You should verify that any contractor holds active licensing for your type of project, carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and can provide documentation immediately upon request. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we're proud to share our certifications because they represent our commitment to professional standards. Ask to see a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours, request references from recent clients, and pay attention to how the contractor discusses their experience. A qualified contractor will welcome these questions and provide clear, detailed answers without hesitation.

Several key factors influence renovation costs, and understanding them helps you make informed decisions about your investment. Project scope and complexity are fundamental—renovating a single room differs significantly from whole-home makeovers or additions. Site conditions in The Hills area, including soil composition, topography, and drainage patterns, affect foundation requirements and site preparation needs. Material selections impact both initial costs and long-term value, so we discuss durability and maintenance requirements for our Central Texas climate. Permitting and compliance requirements vary by jurisdiction and project type. Hidden conditions discovered during renovation, such as outdated systems or structural issues, may require additional work. At Earth in Motion, we build reasonable contingencies into budgets and communicate immediately when we discover unexpected issues, providing you with clear options and recommendations.

Timeline development requires careful consideration of multiple factors specific to your project and property conditions. The permitting process varies by jurisdiction and project complexity—some approvals happen quickly while others require engineering reviews or additional documentation. Material availability and weather conditions can impact scheduling, particularly for outdoor work or projects requiring specialized materials. The construction sequence itself depends on project scope, with different trades needing to work in coordinated order. At Earth in Motion, we develop realistic timelines during our planning phase that account for these variables. We explain potential delay factors upfront and maintain buffer time for weather and unforeseen conditions common in renovation work. Our goal is to set accurate expectations rather than optimistic promises that lead to disappointment.

Whether you can stay in your home depends on your project's scope and location within the house. Kitchen and bathroom renovations often require temporary alternative arrangements for those specific functions, while additions or exterior work may have minimal impact on daily routines. At Earth in Motion, we assess disruption factors during our initial consultation and develop strategies to minimize inconvenience. This includes establishing work hours that respect your schedule, implementing dust and noise control measures where possible, and maintaining clean, safe work areas. We coordinate with you on access needs, parking arrangements, and any safety considerations. Our site management approach treats your property with respect throughout the construction process, protecting existing structures and landscaping while maintaining professional work standards.

Renovation projects frequently encounter surprises—it's the nature of working with existing structures and site conditions. At Earth in Motion, we handle unexpected issues through immediate communication and professional problem-solving. When we discover hidden conditions like outdated electrical systems, plumbing that needs replacement, or structural concerns, we stop work in that area and contact you right away. We explain what we've found, what options exist for addressing it, and provide our professional recommendation based on twenty years of construction experience. All additional work requires your approval before we proceed, with clear documentation of scope and cost. We also discuss whether issues can be deferred or must be addressed immediately for safety or code compliance. Our goal is to give you complete information so you can make informed decisions about your project and investment.