Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling FAQ Austin TX — Elevate

Question 1

What do your packages actually include?

Accepted Answer

Every package includes design consultation, full project management, all labor, and a two-year craftsmanship warranty. The Essential package covers a complete renovation using our curated material selections. Signature adds expanded design options, premium fixture allowances, and a dedicated designer. Luxe is a full custom experience with no material restrictions, bespoke millwork, and white-glove service throughout. Bespoke is for projects that fall outside any package — we scope and price those individually.

Question 2

Why do your prices start higher than other contractors I've talked to?

Accepted Answer

Because we're not comparing the same thing. A low bid typically means unlicensed labor, thin material allowances, no project management, and no warranty. Our pricing reflects the full cost of doing the job correctly — licensed tradespeople, quality materials, a dedicated project manager, and a warranty that means something. Most homeowners who've been through a bad remodel understand this immediately.

Question 3

Can I supply my own materials?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. For Signature and Luxe projects, we can accommodate owner-supplied fixtures and appliances, provided they're specified before the estimate is finalized. We don't accept owner-supplied tile, cabinetry, or countertops — the installation warranty requires us to control the material quality.

Question 4

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We don't provide financing directly, but we work with homeowners who are using renovation loans, HELOCs, or third-party financing. We can provide the detailed scope documentation your lender requires. Ask us about this during your consultation.

Question 5

What's included in the two-year warranty?

Accepted Answer

Our warranty covers defects in workmanship — anything our team installed or built that fails due to installation error. It does not cover normal wear, damage caused by the homeowner, or manufacturer defects in materials (those are covered by the manufacturer's own warranty). If something we built fails within two years, we come back and fix it at no charge.

Question 6

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Accepted Answer

Essential bathroom remodels typically run 2–4 weeks. Signature projects run 4–6 weeks. Luxe and Bespoke projects range from 6–10 weeks depending on scope and custom lead times. These timelines begin from the day construction starts, not from when you sign the contract — there's typically a 2–4 week pre-construction period for permitting, material ordering, and scheduling.

Question 7

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Accepted Answer

Essential kitchen remodels run 4–6 weeks. Signature projects run 6–9 weeks. Luxe and Bespoke projects range from 8–14 weeks. Custom cabinetry is typically the longest lead-time item — we order it as soon as the design is approved to minimize delays.

Question 8

How far out are you booked?

Accepted Answer

Our production calendar typically runs 6–10 weeks out. If you have a hard deadline — a family event, a lease end, a specific date — tell us during the consultation and we'll be honest about whether it's achievable.

Question 9

What happens if the project runs over schedule?

Accepted Answer

We build schedule buffers into every project timeline and communicate proactively when anything changes. If a delay is caused by our team or our subcontractors, we absorb the cost. If it's caused by owner-requested changes, material back-orders outside our control, or permit delays, we'll document it and adjust the timeline accordingly. You'll never be surprised — we communicate before problems become crises.

Question 10

What does the deposit and payment schedule look like?

Accepted Answer

We require a 10% design deposit to begin design development and estimating. Once the project agreement is signed, we collect a 30% mobilization payment before construction begins. Remaining payments are milestone-based — tied to specific completion points in the project, not arbitrary dates. The final 10% is held until the final walkthrough is complete and you're satisfied.

Question 11

What if I want to change something mid-project?

Accepted Answer

Changes happen — we expect them. Any change to the approved scope is documented as a written change order with a clear cost and schedule impact before any work is done. We don't start changed work until you've approved the change order in writing. No verbal agreements, no surprises on the final invoice.

Question 12

Do you pull permits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We pull all required permits for every project. If a contractor tells you permits aren't necessary for your remodel, that's a red flag. Unpermitted work creates problems when you sell your home and voids your homeowner's insurance coverage for that space.

Question 13

Will I have a single point of contact?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every project has a dedicated project manager who is your primary point of contact from kickoff through closeout. You'll also have access to your project portal, where you can see the schedule, review documents, and message the team. You won't be passed around or left wondering who to call.

Question 14

How do you handle subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

All subcontractors on our projects are vetted, licensed, insured, and held to our quality standards. We don't use day-labor or unlicensed workers. Our subs are long-term partners who understand our expectations — and we inspect their work before it's covered or finished.

Question 15

Can I stay in my home during the remodel?

Accepted Answer

For bathroom remodels, yes — in most cases. We'll discuss access to other bathrooms and any temporary inconveniences during the consultation. For kitchen remodels, we set up a temporary kitchen station (microwave, coffee maker, mini-fridge) and discuss the logistics of living without a kitchen for the duration. Some homeowners choose to stay elsewhere during the heaviest construction phases — we'll give you an honest picture of what to expect.

Question 16

How do you protect the rest of my home?

Accepted Answer

We install dust barriers at every work zone, protect floors with heavy-duty floor protection, and clean up every day before we leave. We treat your home like it's our own — because our reputation depends on it. If something gets damaged, we fix it.

Question 17

What are your work hours?

Accepted Answer

Our standard hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. We occasionally work Saturdays for time-sensitive phases. We don't work Sundays. If we need to deviate from standard hours for any reason, we'll notify you in advance.

Question 18

How will I know what's happening on my project each day?

Accepted Answer

Your project manager sends a weekly update every Friday covering what was completed, what's scheduled for the following week, and any items that need your attention. You also have 24/7 access to your project portal, where the schedule and all project documents are maintained in real time.

Question 19

Do I have to use your material selections?

Accepted Answer

For Essential projects, yes — the package is priced around our curated material selections, which are high quality and carefully sourced. For Signature and Luxe projects, you have significantly more latitude to specify materials, and we'll guide you through the selection process with our designer. For Bespoke projects, there are no restrictions.

Question 20

Where do you source your materials?

Accepted Answer

We work with a network of Austin-area suppliers and national vendors who meet our quality standards. We don't use big-box store materials on our projects. Our tile, cabinetry, fixtures, and countertops come from trade-only suppliers — the same sources used by high-end custom builders.

Question 21

Can I bring my own designer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have an existing relationship with an interior designer, we're happy to work with them. We've collaborated with many Austin-area designers and have a clear process for integrating external design direction into our project workflow.

Question 22

What if a material I selected is discontinued or back-ordered?

Accepted Answer

We lock in material selections before construction begins and order everything before we start. If a back-order situation arises after ordering, we'll present alternatives and get your approval before substituting anything. We never substitute materials without your written approval.

Straight Answers to the Questions Everyone Asks.

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