Marble Falls Home Renovation Contractor Guide & Costs

Finding the right home renovation contractor in Marble Falls can feel overwhelming, especially when you're staring at a dated kitchen or a bathroom that hasn't been updated since the 1980s. I'm Chad Burnell, founder of Earth in Motion, Inc., and over the past two decades in construction; starting with my time in the U.S. military and continuing through thousands of projects across Central Texas. I've learned that successful renovations come down to three things: honest communication, understanding what drives costs, and working with someone who knows the local terrain. Whether you're in Marble Falls, Austin, or anywhere in the Hill Country, the process is similar, but the details matter.

Marble Falls sits in a unique part of Texas. You've got the Highland Lakes nearby, limestone bedrock under your feet, and weather that swings from scorching summers to ice storms in winter. I've worked on properties throughout Central Texas, and I can tell you that what works in Austin doesn't always translate directly to Marble Falls. The soil composition changes. The drainage patterns shift. Even the building codes have their own quirks based on local flood zones and geological conditions.

When you're considering a remodeling project, you need someone who understands these conditions instinctively. I've built custom ponds on properties where the limestone was so close to the surface that we had to completely rethink our excavation approach. The same principle applies to home renovations. If your contractor doesn't know how to handle the specific challenges of Hill Country construction—like dealing with caliche hardpan or managing water runoff on sloped lots—you're going to run into expensive surprises halfway through your project.

The Texas Hill Country aesthetic is another factor. Homeowners here want that rustic, natural look with native stone, open spaces that connect to the outdoors, and designs that complement the landscape rather than fighting it. This isn't cookie-cutter suburban construction. It requires an eye for materials, an understanding of regional architectural traditions, and the craftsmanship to execute details that look effortless but require serious skill.

Let me be direct with you: don't hire anyone who can't show you proper licensing and insurance documentation. I started Earth in Motion as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business back in 2005, and from day one, I've maintained every credential required by Texas law. This isn't just paperwork—it's your protection.

Here's what you should verify before signing any contract:

• General liability insurance: This covers property damage and injuries that might occur during your renovation. If a worker accidentally breaks a water line or someone gets hurt on your property, this insurance protects you from being held financially responsible.
• Workers' compensation coverage: In Texas, this isn't always required depending on the business structure, but reputable contractors carry it anyway. It protects workers and shields you from liability if someone gets injured while working on your home.
• Contractor's license: Texas doesn't require a general state contractor's license, but many municipalities have their own requirements. More importantly, specialized trades like electrical and plumbing require specific licenses. Your contractor should have established relationships with properly licensed tradespeople.
• Bonding: While not always required for residential work, bonding provides additional financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the work or doesn't pay subcontractors and suppliers.

Ask to see these documents. A legitimate contractor will hand them over without hesitation. If someone gives you excuses or claims they're "working on getting" their insurance updated, walk away. I've seen too many homeowners get stuck with massive bills because they hired someone who cut corners on the fundamentals.

Documentation is one thing, but you also need to see evidence of quality work. I always encourage potential clients to look at projects I've completed. At Earth in Motion, we're proud of our portfolio, whether it's a custom pond that integrates seamlessly with a property's natural features or a complete renovation that transforms how a family uses their space.

When you're evaluating contractors, ask for specific examples of projects similar to what you're planning. If you want to remodel your kitchen, ask to see kitchen projects they've completed in the past year. Request contact information for at least three recent clients, and actually call them. Ask these questions:

• Did the project finish on time, or were there significant delays?
• How did the contractor handle unexpected problems that came up during construction?
• Was the final cost close to the original estimate, or did it balloon significantly?
• How was the communication throughout the project?
• Would you hire this contractor again?

The answers you get will tell you more than any marketing material ever could. I've built my reputation one satisfied client at a time over twenty years, and that's the only way to sustain a business in this industry.

This is where many homeowners get frustrated, and I understand why. You want a simple answer about what your project will cost, but renovation pricing isn't simple. It's driven by multiple factors that interact with each other in ways that make each project unique.

Let me break down the major cost drivers based on what I've learned from thousands of projects:

A cosmetic kitchen update—new cabinet doors, fresh paint, updated fixtures—is fundamentally different from a full kitchen gut and rebuild. When you're just refreshing surfaces, you're not touching plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. The labor is straightforward, and the timeline is shorter. But when you start moving walls, relocating plumbing, upgrading electrical panels to handle modern appliances, or reinforcing floors to support heavier materials like stone countertops, the complexity multiplies.

I once worked with a homeowner in Austin who wanted to convert their dark, closed-off kitchen into an open concept space that connected to their living area. On the surface, it seemed simple—just remove a wall. But that wall was load-bearing. Suddenly, we needed structural engineering, steel beam installation, additional foundation support, and permits for structural modifications. The project cost increased significantly, but the alternative was a catastrophic failure down the road.

Bathroom renovations follow similar patterns. Replacing a vanity and toilet is one thing. Reconfiguring the entire layout, moving drain lines, installing a walk-in shower with custom tile work, and adding radiant floor heating is something else entirely. Each layer of complexity adds both labor hours and material costs.

Older homes have character, but they also have hidden problems. I've opened walls in homes built in the 1960s and 1970s and found outdated wiring that didn't meet current code, plumbing that was on the verge of failure, and insulation that was either inadequate or completely absent. You might start a bathroom remodel and discover that your cast iron drain pipes are corroded and need replacement throughout the house.

This isn't about contractors trying to upsell you. It's about making your home safe and functional. When we discover these issues, you have two choices: address them now while the walls are already open, or ignore them and deal with an emergency repair later that will cost significantly more because you'll have to tear out your brand new renovation to access the problem.

In the Hill Country specifically, many older homes were built with different standards for foundation drainage. The limestone bedrock creates unique challenges with water management. During heavy rains—which are becoming more intense and unpredictable—inadequate drainage can cause foundation movement, basement flooding, or erosion around your home. Addressing these issues during a major renovation makes both practical and financial sense.

Walk into any building supply store and you'll see three or four different price points for virtually every material. Ceramic tile that costs a few dollars per square foot sits next to natural stone that runs ten times that amount. Laminate countertops are adjacent to engineered quartz and exotic granite. Your cabinets might be stock particleboard boxes with a veneer finish, or they might be custom solid wood construction with dovetail joints and soft-close mechanisms.

Here's what I tell every client: you don't need the most expensive option for every element, but you do need to understand the tradeoffs. That bargain tile might look fine in the store, but if it's not properly rated for wet environments, it could crack or stain within a few years. The cheap faucet might save you a hundred dollars today, but when it starts leaking in eighteen months, you'll spend that money replacing it plus pay for water damage repair.

I've learned which materials hold up in our Texas climate and which ones are worth the investment. Natural limestone from local quarries isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it's proven to withstand our weather extremes. Quality hardware might seem like a small detail, but it's what you touch every single day. These decisions add up to create either a renovation that lasts decades or one that needs constant maintenance and early replacement.

The construction industry faces ongoing challenges with skilled labor. Good electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and finish carpenters are in high demand, and their schedules fill up quickly. This affects both timeline and cost. A rushed job with inexperienced labor will show in the final product—uneven tile, sloppy paint work, fixtures that aren't properly aligned.

At Earth in Motion, I've built relationships with skilled tradespeople over two decades. These aren't just subcontractors I found in the Yellow Pages—they're professionals I've worked with on multiple projects, whose quality I can personally vouch for. This network is part of what you're paying for when you hire an experienced contractor. I know who to call for specialized work, and I know their standards match mine.

Marble Falls has adopted comprehensive building codes covering everything from structural integrity to energy efficiency to fire safety. These aren't optional guidelines—they're legal requirements enforced by the city's Building Division. Major renovations require permits, inspections at various stages, and final approval before the work is considered complete.

Some homeowners see permits as bureaucratic hassles that just add cost and delay. I see them as essential protection. Building codes exist because structures have failed, people have been injured, and lessons were learned the hard way. When you sell your home, unpermitted work can derail the sale or reduce your home's value. Insurance companies may deny claims related to unpermitted renovations. And if something goes wrong—a fire starts from faulty electrical work, someone is injured by a structural failure—you could face serious legal liability.

The permitting process also catches problems early. I've had inspectors point out issues that needed correction before they became bigger problems. It's an extra set of expert eyes on your project, ensuring everything is done right. Yes, permits cost money and require scheduling inspections, but they're worth every penny in terms of safety and long-term value protection.

You'll likely get multiple estimates for your renovation project, and they might vary significantly. This confuses homeowners because they assume everyone is bidding on the same work. But that's rarely true. Contractors structure estimates differently, include or exclude different items, and make different assumptions about your project.

Here's how to make meaningful comparisons:

A single lump sum number tells you nothing. You need to see exactly what's included. A proper estimate should list:

• All demolition and removal work
• Specific materials with brand names, model numbers, or detailed specifications
• Labor costs broken down by trade and task
• Permit fees and inspection costs
• Debris removal and job site cleanup
• Project management and supervision
• Contingency allowance for unforeseen issues
• Timeline with specific milestones
• Payment schedule tied to completed phases

If a contractor hands you a one-page estimate that just says "Kitchen Remodel: $45,000," you have no way to know what's included or excluded. When problems arise—and they always do in renovation work—you'll end up in disputes about what was supposed to be covered.

Sometimes the lower bid is lower because it excludes work that other contractors included. One estimate might include replacing old electrical wiring that doesn't meet current code, while another assumes your existing wiring is fine. One might include repairing water damage discovered during demolition, while another lists it as "additional work if needed."

Ask specifically about these common exclusions:

• Repairs to problems discovered during demolition
• Upgrades required to meet current building codes
• Temporary living arrangements if work makes areas of your home uninhabitable
• Restoration of landscaping or outdoor areas affected by construction access
• Final cleaning and debris removal
• Touch-up work after you've moved furniture back in

The most complete estimate isn't always the highest—sometimes it's just the most honest about what the project actually requires.

If one estimate comes in dramatically lower than others—say, 30% or more below the next closest bid—that's cause for concern, not celebration. Either the contractor is desperate for work and planning to cut corners, they've misunderstood the scope, or they're planning to hit you with change orders once work begins.

I've seen contractors deliberately lowball estimates to win jobs, knowing they'll make up the difference through extra charges once the project is underway and the homeowner is committed. By the time you're halfway through demolition, switching contractors becomes extremely difficult and expensive, so you're stuck accepting the inflated change orders.

Conversely, an extremely high bid might indicate a contractor who doesn't actually want the job but threw out a number anyway. Or they might be including their own insurance against every possible problem, which means you're paying for their risk management rather than a realistic project cost.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off about an estimate—whether too low, too high, or just vague and incomplete—ask questions until you're satisfied or move on to another contractor.

The estimate is just the beginning. The real test of a contractor comes during the actual work, when unexpected issues arise, decisions need to be made quickly, and your daily life is disrupted by construction. How your contractor handles these challenges determines whether your renovation is a success or a nightmare.

Before work begins, agree on how you'll communicate. Will it be daily texts with photo updates? Weekly phone calls to discuss progress? In-person meetings at key milestones? Different homeowners have different preferences, and there's no single right answer. What matters is that both parties have the same expectations.

At Earth in Motion, I believe in keeping clients informed throughout the process. When you're investing tens of thousands of dollars in your home, you deserve to know what's happening every step of the way. That means returning calls and texts promptly, walking you through decisions when they come up, and being honest when problems arise.

Some contractors go dark during projects, leaving homeowners anxious and uninformed. You shouldn't have to chase down your contractor to find out if work is progressing on schedule or if issues have come up. Regular communication prevents small concerns from becoming major disputes.

Every renovation uncovers surprises. That's not a sign of poor planning—it's the nature of working with existing structures where you can't see inside walls until you open them. I've done this work for twenty years, and I still encounter unexpected conditions on virtually every project.

The question isn't whether you'll face changes, but how they'll be managed. Before work starts, establish a clear change order process. This should specify:

• How unexpected work will be documented and approved before proceeding
• How additional costs will be calculated and presented
• What timeline impacts the change will create
• How payment for additional work will be handled

I use written change orders for everything beyond the original scope, even small items. This protects both me and the homeowner by creating a clear record of what was agreed to and why. It prevents the end-of-project arguments about what was supposed to be included.

Some discoveries require immediate decisions. If we find active water damage or dangerous electrical conditions, we can't just cover it back up and pretend we didn't see it. But I'll always present you with options and let you make the final call about how to proceed. It's your home and your money—I'm here to provide expertise and solutions, not make unilateral decisions that affect your budget.

Living through a renovation is stressful. Your home is a construction zone, with workers arriving early, equipment noise, dust everywhere, and normal routines completely disrupted. Good contractors minimize these impacts as much as possible through proper planning and consideration.

Here's what reasonable site management looks like:

• Clear work hours: You should know when crews will arrive and when they'll leave each day. Surprises at 6:30 AM on a Saturday aren't acceptable.
• Dust containment: Proper sealing of work areas with plastic barriers, regular cleanup, and air filtration to keep dust from spreading throughout your home.
• Secure storage: Tools and materials should be stored safely and organized, not scattered throughout your property creating hazards.
• Bathroom access: If you're remodeling your only bathroom, the contractor should provide a portable toilet or arrange temporary facilities.
• Daily cleanup: The site should be cleaned at the end of each workday, with paths kept clear, debris contained, and hazardous materials properly secured.

I've walked onto job sites run by other contractors and been appalled by the conditions—tools everywhere, materials blocking access, no effort at dust control, debris piled up for weeks. That's disrespectful to the homeowner and unprofessional. Your home deserves better, and good contractors know it.

The project isn't finished when the last tile is laid or the final coat of paint dries. There's still final inspection, punch list completion, and most importantly, understanding what happens if problems emerge after the contractor has been paid and left.

Warranties vary significantly between contractors, and the details matter. At a minimum, you should receive warranties covering:

• Workmanship: The contractor's labor and installation quality, typically warranted for at least one year. This means if something was installed incorrectly or fails due to poor workmanship, the contractor will fix it.
• Materials: Many products come with manufacturer warranties separate from the contractor's workmanship warranty. Your contractor should provide documentation for all major components.
• Specific systems: Elements like roofing, HVAC equipment, or structural modifications often have longer warranty periods reflecting their importance and expected lifespan.

What warranties don't typically cover:

• Damage caused by homeowner misuse or neglect
• Normal wear and tear over time
• Problems caused by modifications made after project completion
• Issues resulting from natural disasters or extreme weather events beyond design specifications

Get warranty terms in writing, and make sure you understand what's required to keep warranties valid. Some require regular maintenance or inspection to remain in effect.

As work nears completion, you'll conduct a thorough walkthrough with your contractor to create a punch list—a detailed list of items that need correction or completion before final payment. This is your opportunity to identify anything that doesn't meet the agreed-upon specifications or quality standards.

Take this process seriously. Bring a notepad, take photos, and document everything that needs attention. Common punch list items include:

• Touch-up painting where walls were scuffed during installation
• Caulking or grouting that needs refinement
• Hardware that needs adjustment or replacement
• Flooring transitions that aren't smooth
• Fixtures that aren't working properly
• Cleanup of any remaining debris or materials

A professional contractor expects a punch list and builds time into the schedule to address these items. What you shouldn't see is a defensive attitude or resistance to fixing legitimate problems. I welcome final walkthroughs because they're my opportunity to ensure every detail meets the standards I set for my work.

Your relationship with your contractor shouldn't end the day they drive away for the last time. You might need guidance on maintenance, have questions about how something works, or encounter minor issues that fall within the warranty period. A contractor who stands behind their work will be responsive to these needs.

I've maintained relationships with clients going back to my earliest days with Earth in Motion. They call when they're planning their next project because they know what they'll get—honest advice, quality work, and someone who treats their property with the same care I'd treat my own. That's how sustainable businesses are built in the construction industry.

Choosing a contractor for a major renovation is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a homeowner. The right choice leads to a beautiful, functional space that serves your family well for decades. The wrong choice leads to stress, wasted money, and a home that never quite feels finished.

Here's my advice based on twenty years of construction experience: trust your instincts, but verify everything. A contractor who makes you feel comfortable, answers questions clearly, provides detailed documentation, and demonstrates expertise with similar projects is probably a good fit. But confirm that good feeling with credential checks, reference calls, and careful review of their estimate and contract terms.

Don't make price your only consideration. The lowest bid often becomes the most expensive option once you factor in poor quality work, timeline delays, and the stress of dealing with problems. A slightly higher estimate from a contractor with proven experience, strong references, and comprehensive insurance might actually save you money in the long run.

Ask the hard questions upfront. How do you handle unexpected problems? What happens if we disagree about something during the project? Who actually does the work—your employees or subcontractors you found for this job? How many other projects will you have running simultaneously? The answers reveal a contractor's priorities and business practices.

Finally, remember that communication and transparency matter more than technical expertise alone. A highly skilled contractor who goes dark for days at a time or brushes off your concerns creates more problems than they solve. You want someone who combines technical knowledge with professionalism and respect for you as the client.

I've built projects across Central Texas, and throughout the Hill Country. Each region taught me something about adapting to local conditions, working with regional materials, and understanding what clients in different areas value. That breadth of experience informs every decision I make on projects today.

But there's something special about working in the area where you've established deep roots. I know the Marble Falls area—not just as a contractor, but as someone who understands Hill Country lifestyle, appreciates the natural beauty that draws people here, and respects the balance between modern comfort and rustic authenticity that defines great Hill Country homes.

When you're renovating a home in Marble Falls, you're not just updating a structure—you're enhancing a lifestyle. Whether it's creating an outdoor living space that takes advantage of those incredible Texas sunsets, designing a kitchen that becomes the heart of family gatherings, or reconfiguring rooms to better serve how you actually live, every decision should reflect both practical needs and the unique character of this place.

That's what Earth in Motion brings to every project. It's not just about following building codes or installing materials correctly—though we absolutely do those things. It's about understanding that your home represents your investment in this community, your connection to this landscape, and your vision for how you want to live.

After twenty years in construction, I've learned that the best projects come from collaboration between an experienced contractor and a homeowner who knows what they want. My job is to take your vision, apply technical expertise and practical problem-solving, and deliver results that exceed your expectations. That commitment to quality and integrity has sustained Earth in Motion since 2005, and it's what I bring to every project, large or small.

If you're considering a renovation in the Marble Falls area, take the time to find a home renovation contractor in Marble Falls who understands both the technical demands of quality construction and the local knowledge that makes projects successful in the Texas Hill Country.

Yes, Earth in Motion maintains all required credentials including general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and proper licensing. As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business established in 2005, I've maintained every credential required by Texas law from day one. I'll gladly provide documentation of our insurance and licensing before any work begins because your protection is non-negotiable. This coverage protects you from liability if accidents occur on your property and ensures that if something goes wrong, you won't be left holding the bill for medical expenses or property damage.

Several factors influence renovation costs in our Hill Country location. Project complexity plays the biggest role—cosmetic updates like new cabinet doors and paint require less labor than full gut renovations involving structural changes, electrical upgrades, and plumbing relocations. Your home's age and condition significantly impact costs because older properties often reveal hidden issues like outdated wiring or compromised plumbing once we open walls. Material selection creates wide cost variations, from basic finishes to premium natural stone and custom millwork. The unique geology of Marble Falls, with limestone bedrock and specific drainage challenges, can affect foundation work and site preparation. Finally, permit requirements and code compliance add necessary costs that protect your investment long-term.

Every renovation uncovers surprises—that's the nature of working with existing structures. At Earth in Motion, I use a clear change order process established before work begins. When we discover issues like water damage, outdated electrical systems, or structural problems, I immediately document the situation with photos, explain your options, and provide written estimates for additional work needed. I never proceed with unexpected work without your written approval. My twenty years of experience helps me anticipate potential issues during the planning phase, but when genuine surprises arise, I present solutions with transparent pricing and timeline impacts. You make the final decisions about how to proceed because it's your home and your investment.

Absolutely. I encourage potential clients to speak with recent customers because Earth in Motion's reputation is built on satisfied homeowners over two decades. I can provide contact information for at least three recent clients with projects similar to yours—whether kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, or custom outdoor living spaces. I'm also proud to show examples of completed work throughout the Hill Country. These references will tell you about our communication during projects, how we handled timeline commitments, whether final costs matched estimates, and most importantly, if they would hire Earth in Motion again. My business has thrived through referrals and repeat customers, which only happens when you consistently deliver quality results and professional service.

Earth in Motion provides comprehensive workmanship warranties covering our labor and installation quality for a minimum of one year after project completion. This means if something fails due to installation errors or poor workmanship, I'll return to fix it at no charge. Additionally, I provide documentation for all manufacturer warranties on materials, fixtures, and equipment installed during your project. For specialized systems like structural modifications or outdoor features, warranty periods may extend longer based on the specific work involved. What our warranties don't cover are issues from homeowner modifications after completion, normal wear and tear, or damage from extreme weather beyond design specifications. All warranty terms are provided in writing, and I maintain relationships with clients long after projects end because standing behind our work is fundamental to how Earth in Motion operates.