Welcome to Home Build And Reno. I built this business to give homeowners and DIYers access to professional building advice without the massive overhead of hiring an on-site project manager. Before we start working together, we need to be on the same page about how this works.

These Terms and Conditions outline the rules of the road for using my online consulting services. By booking a consultation or purchasing a package, you agree to this digital consultation agreement.

Scope of Online Construction Consulting Services

Home Build And Reno provides online construction consulting and virtual project management services only. I am based in Austin, Texas, and I work with clients nationwide.

Because my services are 100 percent remote, I am acting as your technical advisor, planning partner, and consultant. This digital consultation agreement does not create a licensed general contractor-client relationship. Home Build And Reno provides remote construction management advisory services only. I do not travel to your job site, I do not pull local building permits, and I do not physically swing a hammer on your residential construction project. You are responsible for the physical execution of the work, either by doing it yourself or hiring local professionals.

Your Responsibilities as the Client

For me to give you the best advice, you have to give me accurate information. You are responsible for providing honest details about your property, your budget, and your skill level. If you tell me your floor is level when it is actually sloped two inches, my budget estimate for your remodeling project will be off.

You are also responsible for checking with your local building department to verify permit requirements and local code amendments. I will guide you on standard International Residential Code (IRC) guidelines, but local municipalities often have their own specific rules. You must ensure the work performed on your property complies with your local laws.

Payment Terms for Virtual Construction Consulting

All consulting packages are flat-rate. All flat-rate pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. There are no hourly billing surprises. The payment schedule works like this:

  • 60-Minute Strategy Session and Standalone Bid Review: Paid in full at the time of booking.
  • Project Roadmap and Full Support Build Package: A 50 percent deposit is required to book your initial consultation and reserve time on my calendar. The remaining 50 percent is due when I deliver your custom PDF roadmap and Excel budget spreadsheet.

I accept all major credit cards through a secure online portal, as well as direct bank transfers. If you need to upgrade your package mid-project, the cost of your original package is applied to the new one, and you simply pay the difference.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

Life happens, but my time is valuable. If you need to reschedule your Zoom consultation, I require at least 24 hours notice. You can reschedule free of charge within that window.

If you no-show for our scheduled call without giving me prior notice, your payment for that session is forfeited. If you need to cancel a Project Roadmap package entirely before we have our first call, your deposit is fully refundable.

Refund Policy

I stand behind my expertise, but I also have to protect my time. Once I spend an hour on a Zoom call with you or build your custom roadmap, that time and knowledge are spent. Consumer rights regarding chargebacks are respected in accordance with payment processor policies.

  • Before the First Call: If we have not had our initial Zoom consultation yet, your deposit or full payment is fully refundable.
  • After the Consultation or Delivery: Once the consultation is completed or the PDF roadmap is delivered, fees are non-refundable.
  • Standalone Bid Review Exception: If you purchase a Bid Review and I find absolutely nothing wrong with the contractor’s quote, I will issue a 50 percent refund.
  • DIY Rescue and Troubleshooting: Real-world construction, especially in older homes, is unpredictable. Troubleshooting advice is provided on a best-effort basis. If we jump on a call to figure out a weird issue and the solution requires more digging or a local professional, that call is non-refundable.

Budget Estimates and Market Fluctuations

The budget spreadsheet I provide is based on current market rates for building materials and labor in your specific region at the time I write it. However, the residential construction industry is unpredictable. Lumber prices spike, shipping gets delayed, and contractors raise their rates.

I cannot guarantee final project costs. The budget is a highly educated estimate to keep you on track, but you are responsible for verifying final prices with your local suppliers and subcontractors before you sign contracts or buy materials.

Limitation of Liability for Remote Construction Management

Construction is inherently dangerous. If you decide to cut a load-bearing joist, wire an electrical panel, or solder plumbing pipes based on my advice, you assume the physical risk.

Home Build And Reno and Michael Hough are not liable for property damage, personal injury, or financial loss that occurs on your property. My advice is meant to guide you, but you are the one pulling the permits, hiring the subcontractors, and doing the physical work.

If I help you vet a local subcontractor and you sign a contract with them, I am not a party to that contract. If they do poor work or damage your home, that is strictly between you and them. I bear no liability for the workmanship of the crews you hire.

Furthermore, if I provide direct links to third-party materials or suppliers and a product fails, you must rely on that manufacturer’s warranty. I am not liable for product defects, shipping delays, or supplier errors.

Communication and Support Windows

My standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. I answer emails and booking requests within 24 hours during the business week. I do not answer texts or calls on weekends.

If you purchase the Full Support Build Package, you get 90 days of ongoing support starting from the day I deliver your roadmap. If your project takes longer, you can purchase extended support. DIY Rescue response times are guaranteed within 24 hours during the business week, but I am not on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. If you have a flood or a fire, call 911 or your local emergency services.

Privacy and Call Recordings

To do my job, I need photos of your house and details about your property. I do not sell your personal data or use your address for anything other than consulting. Your data is stored securely and is never shared with third-party marketers.

Our Zoom strategy sessions are recorded. These recordings are strictly for your reference and my internal notes. You may request a copy of the video file for your own use. I will never use your face, voice, or private project details in my marketing or on social media without your explicit written permission.

Intellectual Property

The PDF roadmaps, spreadsheets, checklists, and guides I provide are for your personal use only. You can print them out and share them with your spouse or your local subcontractor. You cannot resell, redistribute, or pass my digital consultation agreements and templates off as your own for commercial use.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

While Home Build And Reno provides virtual renovation consulting to clients nationwide across the United States, this digital service agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

In the event of a dispute regarding our online construction consulting services, both parties agree to attempt good-faith mediation prior to pursuing legal action.

Changes to These Terms

I reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. If I make major changes, I will post the updated terms on this page. It is your responsibility to review this page periodically.