Houston Home Renovation Contractors Serving the Greater Metro Area

Houston's subtropical climate (90%+ humidity in summer, 100+ degree days) accelerates wear on all three systems. Roofing materials degrade faster due to UV exposure and thermal cycling; a roof rated for 25 years in dry climates may last 18–20 years in Houston. HVAC systems work harder: a 3-ton unit that runs 6 hours daily in a northern climate may run 10–12 hours daily here, increasing compressor wear and refrigerant stress. Humidity also fosters mold in ductwork and condenser coils; we recommend annual HVAC coil cleaning and duct inspection (many Houston homes show mold buildup by year 3). Electrical systems experience higher corrosion risk, especially in coastal areas (Galveston, Pearland, areas near Baytown). We recommend whole-home electrical inspections every 5 years for homes older than 25 years. Tell Projects installs heat-resistant roofing materials, oversizes HVAC systems by 10–15% to handle humidity loads, and uses corrosion-resistant electrical components in multifamily and coastal properties.

Houston requires building permits for any renovation that involves structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications. A simple cosmetic kitchen update (paint, new faucet, no electrical moves) may not require a permit, but moving a sink, upgrading circuits, or relocating a wall absolutely does. The City of Houston Building Department issues permits through a centralized system; processing takes 5–10 business days for standard residential work. Permit fees are based on the project value: a $50,000 kitchen remodel typically costs $400–600 in permit fees, plus inspection fees ($75–150 per inspection). Tell Projects handles all permit acquisition, scheduling inspections, and code compliance documentation. We've completed 340+ permitting processes across Houston and the metro; our in-house familiarity with zoning (different rules in unincorporated Harris County vs. City of Houston) and inspector relationships ensures smooth approvals. When you call (832) 591-7991, we'll review your project scope and provide a permit cost estimate before work begins.

A standard kitchen remodel in Houston typically takes 6–10 weeks from contract signature to completion. This timeline accounts for: permit acquisition (1–2 weeks), material lead times (2–3 weeks for custom cabinetry, appliances), demolition (3–5 days), rough electrical/plumbing work (1 week), cabinet installation (1 week), countertop fabrication and installation (1–2 weeks), appliance delivery and installation (2–3 days), and final finishes (flooring, backsplash, trim—1 week). Delays typically come from supply chain hiccups (appliances or countertops), unforeseen structural issues (hidden mold, outdated wiring requiring panel upgrades), or permit inspections that require rework. Tell Projects maintains a 8.5-week average completion time by pre-ordering materials immediately upon contract signing, scheduling inspections proactively, and maintaining a dedicated kitchen installation team (vs. rotating subcontractors). If your timeline is compressed (you need a kitchen in 5 weeks), we can expedite by paying rush delivery on materials and running crews 6 days per week, but this adds 12–15% to labor costs. Call (832) 591-7991 to discuss your timeline and get an accurate estimate for your specific project.

A licensed general contractor (like Tell Projects) pulls permits, manages subcontractors, ensures code compliance, and carries liability insurance and performance bonds—you have one point of contact and one entity responsible for the entire project. When you hire individual electricians, plumbers, and roofers separately, you're managing the coordination, handling conflicts between trades, and bearing the risk if one contractor's mistake damages another's work. Financially, a GC typically charges 15–20% overhead on subcontract costs, so you pay more upfront but get insurance protection and accountability. As a homeowner, if your individually-hired plumber installs a rough-in that conflicts with the electrician's panel placement, you're stuck negotiating between them. With a GC, it's our problem to solve. For multifamily work, the difference is even starker: our Licensed General Contractor license allows us to pull permits and sign off on work in a way that independent trades cannot. Building owners who hire separate contractors for a 20-unit renovation often face permit delays, failed inspections, and cost overruns; we've absorbed dozens of projects from such situations. Tell Projects' all-in-one model costs less in hidden delays and rework than the seemingly cheaper approach of hiring five separate contractors.

Slab leaks are common in Greater Houston due to clay soil expansion and the age of underground piping. During renovation work—especially kitchen or bathroom projects—we often discover leaks in existing slab plumbing. Our approach: we first conduct a video inspection of the slab lines using a camera probe ($300–500) to pinpoint the leak location. If the leak is in a section we're already demo-ing (old kitchen), we cut the slab, repair the line in-place, and reseal. If the leak is outside the active renovation zone, we often recommend a whole-home repipe to PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), which eliminates future slab leak risk. A whole-home repipe costs $8,000–15,000 depending on square footage and complexity, but it eliminates the risk of another emergency $3,000 emergency repair in 18 months. Tell Projects' plumbers hold Master Plumber credentials and are trained in minimally invasive slab repair; we can often access a leak with a 2-foot cutout rather than tearing up the entire slab. If structural foundation damage is suspected (cracks wider than 1/4 inch, doors or windows binding), we refer to a licensed structural engineer before proceeding—we won't hide problems or patch them temporarily. Call (832) 591-7991 if you've discovered a slab leak during a renovation; our plumbers can assess and quote repair vs. whole-home replacement the same day.

Tell Projects backs all work with a 2-year labor warranty and a 1-year warranty on parts and materials. Labor warranty covers any defects in workmanship—if a cabinet door doesn't close properly, an electrical outlet is wired incorrectly, or tile flooring develops lippage (uneven grout lines), we return and correct it at no cost within 2 years of project completion. Parts warranty covers manufacturer defects on appliances, fixtures, and materials we supply; if a faucet develops a leak due to manufacturing defect, we replace it. For issues beyond our control (e.g., a manufacturer recalls a certain appliance model), we coordinate with the manufacturer and manage the replacement or repair at no cost to you. We also carry general liability insurance ($2 million coverage) and all our trades carry workers' compensation insurance. If an accident occurs on-site (injury or property damage), our insurance covers it—you're not exposed. Our contract includes a dispute resolution clause: if you're unhappy with completed work, we first attempt to resolve it directly. If we disagree, the contract specifies mediation through the Houston Better Business Bureau before any legal action. In 340+ projects over 15 years, we've had fewer than 3 disputes reach mediation—most issues are resolved on the job site within days. Call (832) 591-7991 to discuss warranty details before signing a contract.

Tell Projects holds a current Texas Licensed General Contractor license (TABC verified). You can verify this online through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website by searching our license number or business name. We're also registered with the Better Business Bureau (Houston chapter), accredited with an A+ rating, and maintain current general liability insurance ($2 million coverage), workers' compensation insurance, and performance bond ($1 million). You can request proof of all insurance before work begins—this is standard practice and any contractor who refuses is a red flag. Our license, insurance certificates, and bond documentation are available upon request; call (832) 591-7991 and ask for our credentials packet. We also maintain a public portfolio of 340+ completed projects (photos, customer reviews, case studies) on our website and across third-party review platforms. Before hiring any contractor in Houston, verify: (1) active general contractor license through TDLR, (2) current liability insurance, (3) workers' compensation insurance, and (4) BBB or similar accreditation. We meet all four criteria and encourage you to verify independently.