Taking on a renovation or new build is stressful enough without flying blind. Home Build And Reno provides remote construction management and virtual consulting for residential remodeling projects. I am Michael Hough, a self-employed builder based in Austin, Texas, serving clients nationwide.
After 15 years in the trenches, I know exactly where projects go off the rails. My services are entirely online, which means I can guide you through your residential construction project no matter where you live. Below are the specific ways I help you get your build done right the first time.
Virtual Construction Project Planning and Budget Estimation
Most construction projects fail because of unrealistic numbers. People guess what things cost and run out of money before the drywall goes up. I put a stop to that by providing accurate construction management from the start.
How Does Online Construction Consulting Work?
When we start working together, we jump on a Zoom call to review what you have so far. You do not need to hire a general contractor or an architect before we talk. If you have professional blueprints, great. If all you have is a rough sketch on notebook paper and a Pinterest board of ideas, that works too.
During this phase, we also tackle the actual layout and design workflow to ensure structural integrity. If you do not know where to put the sink in relation to the stove to make your kitchen functional, I will help you figure it out. I take your ideas and build you a custom PDF roadmap. This document breaks your project down by phase and defines the exact scope of work, starting with demolition and ending with final finishes.
More importantly, I give you a realistic budget. I look at current market rates for materials and labor so you know exactly what you should expect to pay down to the sheet of drywall.
Ongoing Support and Communication
A common worry I hear from clients is what happens after the plan is done. Once I deliver your roadmap, our relationship does not end there. Renovations are unpredictable and your remodeling timeline can shift. Two weeks into the project, your framer might start asking you questions you do not know how to answer. You can check back in with me.
We will use a combination of tools to make this easy. We will use Zoom for face-to-face meetings, email for document sharing, and standard text messages for quick job site questions. You will have a direct line to a professional builder throughout the process.
Building Material Selection and Cost Estimation
This is a common headache I see all the time: Walking into a big box home improvement store is overwhelming. The shelves are packed with options and it is hard to tell the difference between a quality product and a cheap imitation. I act as your personal shopper for building materials.
I help you select materials that fit your budget and will actually last in your specific climate. For example, we will discuss:
- Moisture-resistant drywall for humid climates
- Proper ventilation strategies to prevent mold
- The right tile underlayment to prevent cracking
I give you direct links and brand recommendations so you can buy the right stuff the first time without blowing your cost estimation.
Subcontractor Vetting and Construction Bid Review
If you plan to hire local subcontractors, you need someone in your corner. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen homeowners get taken advantage of by contractors who overcharge or underdeliver.
I help you sort the good crews from the bad ones. We look at their references together and I tell you exactly what questions to ask during interviews. When the bids start coming in, I review them line by line. Contractors often hide costs in vague line items. I point out where they are padding the bill or using inferior materials.
If you already have a set of architectural plans drawn up by a local designer, or a bid from a contractor that you want to counter, you do not have to buy a full project planning package. I offer standalone plan and construction bid review services. We can look at those documents together and make sure you are not getting ripped off.
DIY Home Renovation Help and Virtual Troubleshooting
Many of my clients want to do the work themselves but hit a wall when things get complicated. Maybe you opened up a wall and found a load-bearing stud you did not expect. Maybe your subfloor is rotted and you do not know how far to cut it out without hitting rough-in plumbing.
Can a Virtual Builder Help with DIY Renovation Mistakes?
Yes. You do not have to panic when you hit a snag. I offer real-time troubleshooting for DIYers. You can text me photos or we can jump on a quick video call right from the job site. I will look at the issue, explain exactly what is going on, and give you the step-by-step fix.
Builder’s Tip: Never cut a joist without knowing if it is load-bearing. Text me a photo first so we can keep your house standing.
I know you cannot wait three days for an answer when you are in the middle of a demolition. For DIY Rescue clients, I guarantee a response within 24 hours, and usually much faster than that. Having a professional builder on call gives you the confidence to tackle the hard parts of your renovation.
Understanding the Boundaries
I believe in being completely transparent about how this works. Because my services are 100 percent online, there is a clear boundary to what I handle.
While you will handle pulling the physical building permits locally, I will tell you exactly which ones you need. Permit requirements vary strictly by county and municipality, so local contractors must file the paperwork, but I ensure your plans meet standard residential building codes. While I will not be swinging a hammer on your property or traveling to your physical job site, my job is to be your planning partner, financial guide, and technical advisor. The physical execution is up to you and your local crew.
Ready to Get Started?
Do not spend a dime on materials or sign a contractor’s contract until we talk. Every project is unique. Whether you are building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in your backyard or gutting your master bathroom, I have a consulting package that fits your needs.
Head over to the Pricing / Packages page to see my flat-rate options. If you are ready to stop guessing and start building, book your initial consultation today.