Modern Home Renovation Contractor in The Hills Texas

When you're searching for a Modern Home Renovation Contractor in The Hills , you're not just looking for someone to swing a hammer and call it a day. You need someone who understands that every home renovation is about solving real problems—improving how your family lives, making better use of your space, and doing it right the first time so you don't end up with expensive surprises down the road. I'm Chad Burnell, founder of Earth in Motion, Inc., and over my 20 years in construction, I've learned that the difference between a renovation that transforms your life and one that drains your wallet comes down to experience, honesty, and a clear plan from day one.

I've walked into plenty of homes where another contractor started a job and left the homeowner hanging. Maybe they disappeared halfway through, or they cut corners that led to water damage, or they just didn't understand the local building codes and permitting process. That's not how we do business at Earth in Motion. A modern home renovation isn't just about making things look pretty. It's about understanding the bones of your house, respecting the architecture that's already there, and bringing in updates that make your home work better for you and your family.

When I say "modern," I'm talking about renovations that meet today's standards for energy efficiency, functionality, and design—whether you're updating a mid-century home in the hills or adding on to a traditional ranch-style property. The key is finding a contractor who can balance what you want with what your home can actually support, and who knows how to navigate the regulations and site conditions specific to your area.

Let me be straight with you: not every contractor is created equal. I'm a service-disabled veteran, and Earth in Motion is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. That certification matters because it reflects a commitment to integrity and accountability. But beyond certifications, you need to know that your contractor has the right licensing for residential work and carries comprehensive liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you want to make sure you're protected.

Experience counts too. I've been doing this for over two decades, and I've worked on everything from custom ponds to full-scale home renovations. That breadth of experience means I've seen just about every challenge a property can throw at you—shifting soils, drainage problems, unexpected structural issues, you name it. When I walk your property during our initial consultation, I'm looking at things most contractors miss because I've learned to anticipate problems before they become expensive disasters.

Here's something a lot of homeowners don't think about: a contractor who knows the local area inside and out can save you time, money, and headaches. At Earth in Motion, we're based in Austin, Texas, and we know Central Texas conditions like the back of our hand. But I've also worked in Colorado, so I understand how different environments demand different approaches. Hills properties, whether we're talking about the Texas Hill Country or hillside homes in other regions, come with unique challenges—drainage, erosion, access for equipment, soil composition, and even how the local building department handles permits.

A contractor who's done dozens of projects in your area already has relationships with local suppliers, knows which materials hold up best in your climate, and understands the quirks of your local permitting office. That expertise translates directly into smoother projects and fewer delays.

At Earth in Motion, we approach every renovation project with the same mindset: what problem are we solving for this homeowner? Maybe your kitchen layout hasn't worked for your family in years. Maybe your bathrooms are outdated and don't function well. Maybe you need to add square footage because your family's growing. Whatever the issue, our job is to deliver practical, high-quality solutions.

Kitchens and bathrooms are where I see homeowners struggle the most with bad layouts and outdated fixtures. A modern kitchen remodel isn't just about new cabinets and countertops—it's about rethinking the flow so you can actually use the space efficiently. I've reconfigured kitchen peninsulas, opened up walls to create better sightlines, and repositioned appliances to make meal prep easier. The same goes for bathrooms. If your bathroom doesn't have enough storage, or if the layout makes it feel cramped, we can redesign it to maximize every square foot.

One thing I always tell clients: don't just chase trends. Think about how you use these spaces every single day. If a steam shower makes more sense for you than a bathtub you'll never use, let's build that. If you need double sinks because two people are getting ready at the same time every morning, let's make it happen. The goal is to create spaces that work for your life, not someone else's idea of what looks good in a magazine.

Sometimes a single-room remodel isn't enough. Maybe your whole house needs a refresh, or maybe you need to add square footage to accommodate a growing family or create a home office. Whole-house renovations are complex projects that require careful planning and coordination. At Earth in Motion, we handle everything from structural assessments to design refinement to construction execution. We're your single point of contact, which means you're not juggling phone calls with five different subcontractors trying to figure out who's responsible for what.

When it comes to home additions, the complexity goes up another notch. You're not just working within the existing footprint of your home—you're dealing with foundation work, potential drainage changes, and making sure the new addition blends seamlessly with the original structure. In hillside or elevated properties, you've got additional challenges like grading, retaining walls, and ensuring proper water runoff. That's where my 20 years of hands-on experience come into play. I've built custom solutions for properties with difficult terrain, and I know how to engineer additions that last.

A truly modern renovation takes energy efficiency seriously. We're not just slapping on some new paint and calling it done. We're looking at insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and materials that reduce your energy consumption and make your home more comfortable year-round. In Central Texas, that means keeping your home cool in brutal summers without running your AC into the ground. In other climates, it means proper insulation and moisture barriers to keep your home safe from the elements.

Energy-efficient renovations don't just save you money on utility bills—they also increase your home's resale value and reduce your environmental footprint. And with the right design and materials, you can achieve modern energy standards without sacrificing style or comfort.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from homeowners is that they never knew what to expect during their renovation. Their contractor didn't communicate, timelines slipped without explanation, and costs ballooned because nobody established a clear process upfront. That's not how we operate.

Every project starts with a conversation. I want to hear what you're trying to accomplish, what's not working in your current space, and what your budget and timeline look like. Then we walk your property together. I'm looking at the structure, the site conditions, access points, drainage, utilities—all the factors that will affect the scope and cost of your project. This isn't a five-minute walkthrough. I'm taking the time to really understand your property so I can give you an accurate assessment.

During this phase, I'm also identifying potential challenges. Maybe your hillside property has erosion issues that need to be addressed before we can start construction. Maybe your home's electrical system needs upgrading to handle new appliances. Maybe your soil conditions require special foundation work. I'd rather identify these issues upfront than surprise you with them halfway through the project.

Once I understand your project, we move into the design and budgeting phase. At Earth in Motion, we work with you to refine your vision and make sure it aligns with what's actually feasible on your property. We'll discuss materials, finishes, layouts, and timelines. You'll get a detailed proposal that breaks down the scope of work, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Here's where a lot of contractors drop the ball: they give you a vague estimate and then hit you with change orders and hidden costs later. I don't operate that way. My proposals are itemized and transparent. If something changes during the project—and sometimes things do change when you open up walls or discover unexpected issues—we'll discuss it, document it, and get your approval before moving forward. No surprises, no games.

Let's talk about permits, because this is an area where homeowners often get stuck. If your renovation involves structural changes, significant exterior alterations, or work on a property with specific zoning requirements, you're going to need permits. And navigating the permitting process can be a nightmare if you don't know what you're doing.

At Earth in Motion, we handle all the permitting for you. We prepare the applications, submit the required documents, coordinate inspections, and make sure everything meets local building codes and regulations. This is especially important in The Hills, where local regulations and site-specific conditions can add complexity to even straightforward projects. You shouldn't have to worry about whether your contractor pulled the right permits or if your project is going to pass inspection. That's my job.

Once we've got permits in hand and everything's approved, construction begins. During this phase, communication is critical. I or my project manager will be on-site regularly, overseeing the work and making sure everything's progressing according to plan. You'll get regular updates—not just when there's a problem, but throughout the entire process. If we hit a delay because of material availability or weather, you'll know about it right away, along with our plan for getting back on track.

We also take worksite safety and cleanliness seriously. Your home is your most valuable asset, and we're going to protect it. That means daily cleanup, safety protocols, and minimizing disruption to your daily life as much as possible. If you've got kids or pets, we'll work with you to make sure they're safe and that the work areas are properly secured.

I'm not going to give you a dollar figure here, because every project is different. But I can tell you exactly what factors influence the cost, so you can understand why one renovation might cost significantly more than another.

The biggest cost driver is the scope of your project. A cosmetic update—new paint, flooring, fixtures—is far less expensive than a full structural remodel that involves moving walls, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and reconfiguring your home's layout. The more complex the work, the more labor, materials, and time it requires.

Hillside properties add another layer of complexity. If your home sits on a slope, we may need to address grading, drainage, and erosion control before we can even start the renovation. These site-specific challenges add to the project cost, but they're also necessary to protect your investment long-term.

Your choice of materials has a massive impact on cost. High-end fixtures, custom cabinetry, imported tile, and premium appliances will drive costs up. But here's the thing: more expensive doesn't always mean better. As your contractor, my job is to help you make smart choices that balance quality, durability, and budget. Sometimes a mid-range material performs just as well as a premium option and looks nearly identical once it's installed.

That said, I'll never recommend cheap materials that won't hold up. I've seen too many renovations where contractors cut corners with subpar materials, and two years later the homeowner is dealing with failures and having to redo the work. At Earth in Motion, we use quality materials that are appropriate for your project and your environment.

If your property is difficult to access—narrow driveways, steep slopes, limited space for equipment—that affects cost because it takes more time and effort to get materials and equipment in and out. Similarly, if we discover unexpected issues during construction—old wiring that needs replacing, asbestos that needs remediation, structural damage that wasn't visible during the initial assessment—those issues have to be addressed, and they add to the project cost.

This is why the initial site assessment is so important. The more thoroughly we evaluate your property upfront, the fewer surprises we'll encounter later. And when surprises do come up, we'll talk through your options and the associated costs before proceeding.

Permits aren't free, and some projects require engineering certifications or environmental reviews that add to the cost. But these aren't optional—they're legal requirements that protect you, your property, and future buyers. Skipping permits to save a few bucks is a terrible idea that can come back to haunt you when you try to sell your home or if something goes wrong.

Labor is a significant cost factor, and it's influenced by the availability of skilled tradespeople, the duration of the project, and the level of expertise required. Projects that take months to complete cost more in labor than projects that take weeks. And specialized work—custom carpentry, intricate tile work, structural engineering—requires experienced professionals who command higher rates because they deliver higher-quality results.

I've been in this business long enough to see every trick in the book. Here's how you protect yourself and make sure you're hiring a contractor who's going to deliver quality work and treat you fairly.

When you're interviewing contractors, don't be shy about asking tough questions. Ask about licensing and insurance. Ask for references from recent projects and actually contact those references. Ask to see a portfolio of completed work, especially projects similar to yours. Ask who will be managing your project day-to-day and who you'll be communicating with if issues come up.

Ask how the contractor handles changes and unexpected issues. What's the process for change orders? How are disputes resolved? What happens if the project runs over budget or over schedule? A good contractor will have clear, straightforward answers to all of these questions.

Never, and I mean never, start a renovation without a detailed written contract. That contract should include the full scope of work, an itemized breakdown of costs, a payment schedule tied to project milestones, a timeline with start and completion dates, warranty information, and a process for handling changes. If a contractor is reluctant to put everything in writing, that's a giant red flag.

At Earth in Motion, we provide comprehensive contracts because we want you to have complete clarity about what you're getting and what you're paying for. There's no fine print, no hidden fees, no vague language that leaves room for interpretation.

Be wary of contractors who ask for large upfront payments before any work has started. Be wary of contractors who can't provide proof of licensing and insurance. Be wary of bids that are significantly lower than everyone else's—either they're cutting corners, underestimating the scope, or planning to hit you with change orders later.

Also watch out for poor communication. If a contractor is hard to reach during the bidding process, that's how they'll be during the project. You want someone who responds promptly, answers your questions clearly, and keeps you informed every step of the way.

On the flip side, here's what you want to see: transparent communication, detailed written proposals, strong local references, demonstrated experience with projects like yours, realistic timeline discussions, and a willingness to walk you through the entire process. You want a contractor who treats your project like it matters—because it does.

You also want someone who's problem-solving oriented. Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, and the best contractors are the ones who can adapt, think creatively, and find solutions when challenges arise. That's what you're getting when you work with Earth in Motion. I've built custom solutions in challenging environments for over 20 years, and I bring that experience to every project.

I can't stress this enough: the quality of communication and project management can make or break your renovation experience. You can have the best design and the highest-quality materials, but if your contractor doesn't keep you informed, manage the schedule effectively, and coordinate subcontractors properly, your project will be a nightmare.

At Earth in Motion, you get a single point of contact for your entire project. That means you're not juggling phone calls with separate plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and suppliers. You call me or my project manager, and we handle the coordination. This streamlines communication, reduces confusion, and ensures accountability. If something goes wrong, you know exactly who to talk to.

We provide regular updates throughout your project—weekly at minimum, and more often if needed. We'll schedule site meetings so you can see the progress firsthand and ask questions. If we encounter an issue that requires a decision from you, we'll reach out right away rather than waiting until it becomes a bigger problem.

Let's be real: having contractors in your home is disruptive. We get that. Our goal is to minimize that disruption as much as possible. We'll establish a clear work schedule, coordinate access to your home, protect your belongings and non-work areas, and maintain daily cleanup so your home doesn't turn into a disaster zone. If you need certain areas to remain accessible during the project—maybe you're working from home or you've got young kids—we'll plan around that.

Here's something I tell every client: cutting corners to save money upfront almost always costs you more in the long run. I've seen homeowners hire the cheapest contractor, only to end up with subpar work that fails within a few years. Then they have to pay someone else—usually more than they would've paid originally—to fix the problems and redo the work properly.

When you invest in quality construction, you're not just paying for the immediate result. You're paying for durability, for work that meets or exceeds building codes, for materials that hold up over time, and for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your renovation was done right. You're also protecting and increasing your home's resale value. A well-executed modern renovation is an investment that pays dividends for years to come.

I founded Earth in Motion in 2005 with a simple mission: deliver innovative, practical construction solutions that solve real problems for property owners. My military background taught me the importance of discipline, integrity, and getting the job done right. My 20 years of hands-on construction experience taught me how to navigate complex projects, adapt to site-specific challenges, and build solutions that last.

We're not the biggest construction company out there, and that's by design. At Earth in Motion, every project gets my personal attention. I'm not running a high-volume operation where your project is just another number. I'm invested in your success because my reputation depends on delivering quality work and treating clients with respect.

Whether you're renovating a mid-century home in the Texas Hill Country, adding square footage to accommodate your growing family, or modernizing your kitchen and bathrooms, Earth in Motion brings the expertise, transparency, and problem-solving capability you need. We handle the permitting, manage the construction, communicate clearly every step of the way, and deliver results that transform how you live in your home.

If you're ready to move forward with your renovation project, or if you just want to talk through your ideas and get an honest assessment of what's possible, reach out to Earth in Motion. Let's walk your property, discuss your goals, and create a plan that works for you. Because at the end of the day, your home should work for you—and finding the right Modern Home Renovation Contractor in The Hills is the first step toward making that happen.

As Chad Burnell, founder of Earth in Motion, I bring 20 years of construction experience and a service-disabled veteran background to every project. What sets me apart is my comprehensive approach—I don't just focus on the cosmetic aspects of your renovation. During our initial consultation, I'll walk your property and assess structural conditions, drainage issues, soil composition, and access challenges that other contractors often miss. My experience spans from Texas Hill Country properties to Colorado projects, so I understand how different environments affect construction. You'll know I'm the right fit when you see my detailed, transparent proposals and experience my single point of contact approach. I personally oversee every project, ensuring quality control and clear communication throughout the entire renovation process.

Several key factors drive renovation costs, and I'll be transparent about each one during our planning phase. Project scope and complexity are the biggest influences—a cosmetic update costs significantly less than structural remodeling that involves moving walls or upgrading electrical systems. Your material choices also impact cost, though I'll help you select quality options that balance durability with budget. Site conditions play a major role, especially for hillside properties where we might need to address grading, drainage, or erosion control. Permitting requirements, accessibility challenges, and timeline also affect pricing. At Earth in Motion, I provide itemized proposals so you understand exactly what drives your project cost, and I'll never surprise you with hidden fees or unclear change orders.

At Earth in Motion, I handle all permitting for you—it's part of my comprehensive service approach. I prepare permit applications, submit required documents, and coordinate all inspections to ensure your renovation meets local building codes and regulations. This is especially critical in The Hills, where specific zoning requirements and site conditions can add complexity to projects. My 20 years of experience means I know what permits are required for different types of work, and I have established relationships with local building departments. You won't have to worry about whether permits were pulled correctly or if your project will pass inspection. I ensure full regulatory compliance because it protects your investment and prevents future problems when you sell your home.

Communication and project management are fundamental to how Earth in Motion operates. You get a single point of contact—either myself or my dedicated project manager—throughout the entire renovation. We start with a thorough on-site assessment where I identify potential challenges upfront rather than discovering them mid-project. Once construction begins, I provide regular weekly updates and schedule site meetings so you can see progress firsthand. If we encounter unexpected issues that require your decision, I'll contact you immediately with options and associated costs. I maintain daily worksite cleanup and safety protocols to minimize disruption to your family's routine. My goal is to keep you informed every step of the way while handling all the coordination between subcontractors and suppliers.

Quality and durability are non-negotiable at Earth in Motion. I use proven materials appropriate for your specific environment and project requirements—never cheap alternatives that fail within a few years. My approach focuses on solving actual problems in your home, whether that's improving kitchen workflow, maximizing bathroom storage, or addressing structural issues. Every renovation incorporates modern building standards for energy efficiency, which reduces utility costs and increases resale value. I provide comprehensive warranties on my work because I stand behind the quality of construction. My 20 years of experience means I've seen what lasts and what doesn't, and I apply that knowledge to ensure your renovation is an investment that pays dividends for years to come. When you choose Earth in Motion, you're getting construction that's built to last.