Remodel Nightmares

 

Howdy, world. I’m Barbara Kellett, owner of Kellett Norris Custom Contracting alongside my awesome husband, Steve Kellett, and our son-in-law, Jordan Norris. I’ve been in construction most of my adult life (I’m a grandma now, so you get the idea). I’ve swung a hammer, estimated skyscrapers, and helped hundreds of homeowners turn their dreams into realities. And let me tell you I’ve seen the good, the bad, and some straight-up construction nightmares.

The thing most folks don’t realize? Construction is all about communication. Good communication between the builder, homeowner, subs, and everyone in between. When communication is clear, expectations are met, timelines stay sane, and everyone walks away happy. But when it’s not? That’s where the nightmare starts.

 

Here are just a few real-life conversations I’ve had over the last 30 years doing home remodels across Central Texas.

 

Homeowner #1: Frustrated with Estimates (Buda, TX)

Kyle: “I’ve always been told to get three bids, but I can’t even get one solid estimate. One guy never showed up after promising he’d be here. The other guy came out, spent two hours with me, and never sent anything. What’s going on?”

Barb: “You’d think this would be the easy part but you’d be wrong. Getting three estimates is good advice, but it’s tough these days. A lot of contractors are one-man shows and get bogged down when they’re busy. And truth be told, estimates don’t pay, so some guys slack—and you suffer.”

Kyle: “So how do I make the right decision for my flooring project with only one bid?”

Barb: “The estimated process is like a first date. You’re not just looking for a number, you’re looking for someone you can communicate with. No-shows and ghosting are big red flags. Let’s say your flooring project turns into a full kitchen remodel that needs permits. If they’re flaky during the bidding process, they’ll be worse when real problems come up.”

 

Advice: Getting three bids isn’t always realistic. What is realistic is finding a general contractor who communicates clearly. Look for someone who speaks your language, responds in a timeframe you’re comfortable with, and who you wouldn’t mind talking to regularly for the next month (or six). That’s your person.

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Homeowner #2: “He Said It Was Finished!” (Dripping Springs, TX)

Joanne: “My contractor said the job was done and even sent me a picture. It looked fine in the photo, so I paid him. I got home from work and it’s a mess. Shortcuts everywhere. He didn’t even use the right paint color. Now he’s not answering his phone.”

Barb: “You can’t be there every second watching over your contractor’s shoulder—and you shouldn’t have to be. But what you do need is a contractor who communicates and checks in regularly. Sounds like this guy wasn’t up for that.”

 

Advice: Whether it’s a full home remodel or just painting one wall, communication is everything. If the only time you hear from your contractor is when they want money, that’s a problem. Your contractor should partner with you, not disappear.

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Homeowner #3: Took My Money and Ran (Austin, TX)

Sherry: “The contractor I hired got about halfway through our bathroom remodel really fast. So, we paid him the rest of the money like we agreed. Long story short… we’ve still got a half-finished bathroom and no money.”

Barb: “That’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. I’m real’ sorry that happened. And unfortunately, it happens way too often. There are a lot of folks out there who can remodel a kitchen or bathroom just fine—but that doesn’t mean they know how to run a business.”

Sherry: “We followed all the advice. We saved for years for this bathroom spa makeover.”

 

Advice: Most folks don’t build their budget around something going wrong. When hiring a general contractor in Kyle, Austin, or anywhere in Central Texas, look for real contracts, milestone payments, and licensed pros. And trust your gut, if something feels off, it probably is. You only get one shot to avoid a bad contractor.

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