Mastering Your Home Renovation
What A Luxury Remodeler Wants You To Know
Brandon Allen
Owner of Masterpiece Construction
What is a remodeling project actually going to cost?
In Southlake today, kitchen remodels often range from $150,000–$350,000+, primary bathrooms from $75,000–$150,000+, whole-home remodels around $250–$400 per square foot and major additions from $400–$550+ depending on complexity and finishes. Scope, selections and planning all affect the range. Moving walls or plumbing adds cost, and custom materials are more than standard options. When bids vary widely, it’s often because proposals aren’t pricing the same scope or rely on unrealistic allowances.
How can we prevent budget overruns?
Budget overruns often happen when decisions are made too late. Starting construction before design and selections are finalized can lead to costly surprises. The best way to control costs is to invest in detailed planning up front, make real major selections before demolition begins, and be honest about priorities.
How long will these projects realistically take?
Primary bathroom remodels typically take 8–12 weeks. Kitchen remodels take about 12–16 weeks. Large multi-room projects can take 4–6 months, while whole-home remodels or major additions may take 6–10 months or more. Because it happens inside an existing structure, unexpected issues can always happen. Investing heavily in pre-construction leads to a smoother build.
Is it better to hire a design-build firm or a separate designer and contractor?
Both models can work. In a design-build model, the designer and builder collaborate from the start, aligning budget, design and construction decisions. Hiring separately can also deliver strong results, but it requires clear communication between teams. Without that, the homeowner often becomes the middleman.
What should we look for when choosing a remodeling contractor?
Look beyond photos. Ask how budgets are developed, how unexpected issues are handled and how communication works during the project. You’re inviting a team into your home for months. Experience, organization and transparency help ensure the process feels structured rather than stressful.
