Home Renovation

Your home should work for the way you live today — not the way someone else designed it decades ago. Whether your Austin home needs a full exterior transformation, an aging bathroom or kitchen brought into this century, or a thoughtful addition to accommodate a growing family, renovation is an investment in comfort, value, and daily quality of life. Onward Home manages complete home renovation projects across Central Texas — from concept through completion, with one team, one point of contact, and no subcontractor runaround. Tell us about your project — call us or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.

Why Austin Homes Need Renovation

Austin’s housing market is one of the most dynamic in the country, and the city’s building stock reflects decades of growth and changing design sensibilities. Many homes built during Austin’s major expansion periods — the 1970s through 1990s — have functionally sound structures but outdated layouts, worn materials, and deferred maintenance that diminishes both livability and resale value. At the same time, Austin’s strong property values make renovation a financially sound alternative to selling and buying in a competitive market.

The Central Texas climate creates specific renovation needs that differ from other regions. Exterior materials age faster under relentless UV exposure and thermal cycling. Poorly insulated homes — common in older Austin construction — waste energy and create uncomfortable living spaces. Outdoor living areas are essential for capitalizing on Austin’s 228 sunny days per year but require durable materials that withstand heat, rain, and occasional freezing temperatures.

Renovation also addresses the growing demand for multi-generational and work-from-home space. Many Austin homeowners are adding accessory dwelling units (ADUs), converting garages to home offices, or reconfiguring floor plans to accommodate remote work and extended family. The City of Austin’s updated ADU ordinance has made it easier than ever to add a secondary unit to your property.

Our Renovation Process

1. Free Consultation — We visit your home, discuss your goals, walk the space together, and listen to what you want to achieve. We assess the existing structure, identify any potential challenges, and provide initial guidance on scope, materials, and budget range. This meeting typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
2. Design & Planning — For larger projects, we develop a detailed scope of work that may include floor plans, material selections, fixture specifications, and finish schedules. For straightforward renovations, we prepare a comprehensive written scope outlining every task, material, and allowance. We present the plan for your review and make revisions until you’re satisfied.
3. Transparent Proposal — You receive an itemized proposal broken down by trade (demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, finish carpentry, painting, etc.) so you understand exactly where your budget is going. We clearly distinguish between fixed costs and allowances, and we identify any areas of uncertainty with contingency recommendations.
4. Permitting — If your project requires permits (structural modifications, electrical or plumbing changes, additions), we handle the entire permitting process with the City of Austin. We prepare the application, submit plans, respond to any city comments, and schedule required inspections.
5. Construction — Our project manager serves as your single point of contact throughout construction. We maintain a published schedule updated weekly, communicate proactively about progress and any issues, keep the work site clean and organized, and respect your daily routine as much as the project allows. For projects where you remain in the home during renovation, we isolate work areas with dust barriers and maintain clear access paths.
6. Completion & Walkthrough — At project completion, we conduct a detailed walkthrough with you, address any punch list items on the spot, and ensure every detail meets your expectations. We provide all warranty documentation, permit close-out, and maintenance guidance for new materials and finishes.

Types of Renovation We Offer

Exterior Renovation

Full exterior transformations that may include siding replacement, window upgrades, soffit and fascia repair, exterior painting, roofing, front entry redesign, and landscape-integrated hardscaping. An exterior renovation dramatically changes your home’s curb appeal and provides a cohesive, unified aesthetic. This is particularly popular among Austin homeowners updating 1980s and 1990s homes to a more contemporary or modern farmhouse look.

Kitchen Renovation

From cabinet refacing and countertop replacement to full gut-and-rebuild kitchen remodels, we manage the entire process. Common Austin kitchen renovations include opening closed floor plans, adding islands, upgrading to quartz or granite countertops, installing custom cabinetry, and modernizing lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom renovations range from cosmetic refreshes (vanity replacement, new tile, updated fixtures) to complete reconfigurations (moving walls, relocating plumbing, expanding the footprint). Master bathroom renovations are among the most requested projects in Austin, with homeowners seeking walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, double vanities, and heated flooring.

Additions and ADUs

Home additions expand your living space — whether it’s a new primary suite, a family room extension, a sunroom, or a full accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Austin’s ADU-friendly ordinance allows homeowners to add secondary units up to 1,100 square feet on most residential lots. ADUs are popular for rental income, aging parents, adult children, and home office space.

Deck and Outdoor Living

Austin’s climate makes outdoor living space essential. We build covered patios, pergolas, composite and hardwood decks, outdoor kitchens, and screened porches. Materials are selected specifically for the Texas climate — composite decking that doesn’t warp in heat, aluminum pergola structures that resist rust, and natural stone that handles thermal cycling without cracking.

Aging-in-Place Modifications

Modifications that allow homeowners to remain safely and comfortably in their homes as they age: zero-threshold showers, grab bars, wider doorways, non-slip flooring, improved lighting, first-floor primary suite conversions, and ramp access. These modifications can be integrated into a broader renovation or completed as standalone projects.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does a home renovation take?

Timeline depends on the project scope. A single-bathroom renovation typically takes 3 to 5 weeks. A kitchen remodel runs 6 to 12 weeks. A full exterior renovation takes 4 to 8 weeks. Home additions and ADUs take 3 to 6 months, including permitting. We provide a specific timeline in our proposal and update the schedule weekly during construction.

Do I need a permit for home renovation in Austin?

The City of Austin requires permits for structural modifications, electrical work, plumbing changes, additions, and certain exterior alterations. Cosmetic changes — painting, flooring, cabinet replacement without moving plumbing — generally do not require permits. We determine permit requirements during the planning phase and handle all permitting on your behalf.

Can I live in my home during a renovation?

For most renovations, yes. We isolate work areas with dust barriers, maintain clean access through your home, and schedule the loudest work during reasonable hours. For extensive projects — such as full kitchen gut-renovations or primary bathroom remodels — you may want to plan for a few days of limited access to the affected room. We’ll discuss livability expectations during the consultation so you can plan accordingly.

What is an ADU and can I build one on my property?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary living space on your property — a backyard cottage, garage apartment, or converted garage. The City of Austin allows ADUs up to 1,100 square feet on most residential lots. ADUs must meet setback, height, and impervious cover requirements, and they require separate utility connections. Onward Home handles the design, permitting, and construction of ADUs as a turnkey project. ADUs are increasingly popular in Austin for rental income, aging parents, and home office space.

We provide home renovation services in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Leander, Hutto, and all of Central Texas.

Schedule your free renovation consultation today. Call (512) 643-0087 or fill out the form on this page.