Welcome to Home Build And Reno. I am Michael Hough, a self-employed builder based in Austin, Texas. For the past 15 years, I have been in the trenches managing ground-up builds and complex remodels. Now, I run Home Build And Reno, an online consulting service built to help homeowners, DIYers, and property investors get their construction projects done right the first time.
If you are planning a build or a renovation, you already know it is a massive financial and emotional investment. My job is to make sure you do not lose money to bad planning, cheap materials, or contractor mistakes.
My Background and Real-World Experience
My career started at Del Mar College, where I learned the technical and structural principles of the trade. From there, I went into the field as a self-employed builder. I started Home Build And Reno because I saw the same problems happen on job site after job site. Homeowners would come into a project with great ideas but no real plan. They would blow their budgets in the first week, buy the wrong materials, or get taken advantage of by unreliable subcontractors.
I knew I could use my field experience to put a stop to that. For example, I recently worked with a homeowner online who was about to sign a $30,000 contract for a kitchen remodel. They reached out to me for a second opinion. I reviewed their quote and found the contractor was charging premium prices for budget-level materials. We adjusted the material list, renegotiated the contract, and saved the homeowner $6,000 without sacrificing quality. That is exactly the kind of stress and money I want to save you.
What Types of Projects I Accept
Whether you are flipping a house or updating your forever home, I can help. I consult on a wide range of residential projects. This includes:
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations
- Custom home builds
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Basement finishing
- Whole-house remodels
If it involves framing, plumbing, electrical layout, or finishes, I can guide you through it.
How Online Building Consulting Works
People usually ask me how a builder can help them over the internet. The truth is, most construction disasters happen before the work even starts. They happen during the planning, budgeting, and hiring phases. That is exactly what we handle together online.
Here is exactly how we do it:
- Initial Consultation: We meet via Zoom for a 60-minute call to review your ideas, photos, and goals.
- Custom Roadmap: After our call, I deliver a custom PDF roadmap. This includes a step-by-step action plan, a detailed budget breakdown based on current market rates, and a material sourcing list tailored to your climate.
- Subcontractor Vetting: If you need to hire local help, I teach you how to interview them, check their references, and negotiate a fair price.
- Real-Time Troubleshooting: When you hit a wall on a DIY project or run into a surprise issue like hidden water damage, we jump on a quick call to figure out the safest way to fix it.
What About Local Building Codes?
Even though I am based in Texas, I work with clients across the country. While I do not pull permits for you, I will tell you exactly what permits you likely need. I also advise you on what questions to ask your local building department to ensure your project meets your specific local building codes. You will know exactly what to look for before your local inspector shows up.
Turnaround Times and Next Steps
I know you want to get your project moving. When you reach out to me, I respond to all emails within 24 hours. We can usually schedule your initial Zoom consultation within 3 to 5 business days. Once we have our first call, you will receive your custom PDF project roadmap and budget breakdown within 3 days.
Because I do not have the overhead of a physical office or an on-site crew, I keep my rates affordable. You can view my flat-rate consulting packages and pricing right here on the website. Head over to the Pricing / Packages page to see which option fits your project best.
Why Work With Me?
When you reach out to Home Build And Reno, you work directly with me. You are not dealing with a faceless company or a pushy salesperson. You get direct access to a professional builder who knows how things actually get built in the real world. I am not here to tell you what you want to hear. I am here to give you honest, straightforward advice. If your design idea is going to cause structural issues, I will tell you. I treat your budget and your project exactly how I would treat my own.
Let’s Plan Your Project
Do not pick up a hammer or sign a contractor agreement until you have a solid plan in place. I can help you get there.
Send me an email at michael@homebuildandreno.com or visit the Contact Us page to book your initial consultation. Let’s figure out how to make your renovation or build a success.