Blog
Building advice, remodel cost guides, and stories from our DFW projects.
The Design Details Behind Our Sixth Best of Houzz Award
Best of Houzz is decided partly on design quality, so here is a close look at the specific decisions in two recent Fin Home kitchens and a primary bath, and why each one was made.
What Best of Houzz Actually Measures, and How to Read Contractor Awards
Contractor awards and review badges are easy to display and hard to interpret. Here is what Best of Houzz actually measures, which signals are worth weighing when you hire a remodeler in Dallas-Fort Worth, and which ones mean very little.
Fin Home Custom Contracting Joins the Metrocrest, Coppell, and East Dallas Chambers
Fin Home Custom Contracting has joined three Dallas-Fort Worth chambers of commerce: the Metrocrest Area Chamber, the Coppell Chamber, and the Greater East Dallas Chamber. Here is why, and where to find our member listings.
Fin Home Custom Contracting Earns Its Sixth Best of Houzz Award
Fin Home Custom Contracting has earned its sixth Best of Houzz award, announced in February 2026. Here is what the award measures, and what six straight years of it says about how we build and remodel across Dallas-Fort Worth.
How We Price: Cost-Plus vs Fixed Pricing, and Why We Usually Choose Cost-Plus
There are two honest ways to price a remodel: cost-plus and fixed. Here is what each one means, why we usually work cost-plus on renovations, and how it keeps the number honest on an older home where nobody can see behind the walls yet.
How Our Materials-First Process Finishes Remodels Faster
The biggest reason our projects finish quickly is not that we work faster. It is that we do not wait. Here is how staging every material before demo, and having a warehouse to do it in, lets us finish a remodel in a fraction of the usual time.
Old House, New Standards: Why Bringing an Older DFW Home Up to Date Is Worth It
A house built in 1992 is 34 years old, and the way homes are built has changed drastically since then. Piping, wiring, framing, and insulation have all moved on. Here is why bringing an older home up to today's standards is worth more than new finishes on top of old systems.
Remodel or Move? What It Really Costs, and Why Staying Is Usually Worth It
Selling and buying up looks simple until you add up the fees, the closing costs, and the mortgage rate you would be trading away. Here is the honest math on remodeling versus moving in DFW, and the handful of reasons it actually makes sense to go.
Why Renovating Costs More Than Building New, Dollar for Dollar
A new build carries the bigger total, so most people assume it is the pricier kind of work. Dollar for dollar, it is the other way around. Here is why a renovation costs more per dollar of work, and what that means for your budget.
Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Home? Usually Not, and Here's Why
If you are about to sell, a full remodel first rarely pays for itself. The return on a big renovation comes from living in it, not from the sale. Here is when a light pre-sale refresh makes sense and when a gut remodel is money you will not get back.
Where Your Remodel Budget Actually Goes: Materials, Labor, and Complexity
Most of a remodel budget goes to materials, but labor is where complexity quietly adds up. Here is where the money actually lands, why a fancy light can cost more to hang than to buy, and the invisible line items behind every big number.
Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes (and the Waterproofing That Prevents Them)
A bathroom that looks finished can fail in five years if the part behind the tile was done wrong. Here are the mistakes we see most in DFW bathrooms, and the prep work that decides whether yours lasts.
Common Kitchen Remodel Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
The problems that turn a kitchen remodel stressful are almost always the ones behind the cabinets. Here is what we find in DFW kitchens, why it happens, and how planning for it keeps your project on track.
Custom Home Building Mistakes to Avoid Before You Break Ground
A custom home is the one project where you get the plan before the work starts, which makes early decisions the ones that matter most. Here are the mistakes that cause the biggest surprises on a DFW build.
Hidden Problems We Find When We Open the Walls of an Older Home
On about half of renovations, we open a wall and find something the last owner or a handyman left behind. Here is what shows up in older DFW homes, why a remodel has no blueprint, and why a contingency belongs in every budget.
Spray Foam vs Blown-In Insulation: Cost, Efficiency, and the Mold Risk Nobody Mentions
Spray foam seals a house tight and pays back in energy savings, but a too-tight house has a mold risk few people talk about. Here is how the two insulation types compare and which fits your DFW home.
What Causes Remodel Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
Most remodel delays come down to a handful of causes: weather, materials, labor load, change orders, and what we find once the walls open. Here is what actually slows a DFW project, and the one habit that prevents most of it.
Robert Ricketts | Fin Home Stories
What began as plans for a large garage at Robert and Quefa Ricketts’ Possum Kingdom Lake property evolved into a fully integrated expansion designed for lake life, guests, and entertaining. Complete with a four-car drive-through garage, two-story apartment, retaining walls, outdoor pavilion, and carefully matched finishes, the project transformed the property while blending so seamlessly with the existing home that it feels like it was always meant to be there.
Kathryn Cox | Fin Home Stories
After years of small cosmetic updates, Kathryn Cox and her family decided to stop piecing together renovations and fully reimagine their home for the long term. What began as plans for a better outdoor living space evolved into a whole-home transformation featuring an open-concept kitchen, structural changes, a redesigned patio connection, and updated bathrooms – all completed in just under three months and designed around the way their family actually lives.
Cost per Square Foot to Build a House (2026)
A research-grade 2026 breakdown of the cost per square foot to build a house in the United States, including national averages, regional ranges, build-tier pricing, and the hidden costs most homeowners miss.
Cost to Build vs Buy a House (2026 Comparison)
Comparing the true cost to build vs buy a house in 2026 requires looking beyond median prices. This guide breaks down hidden costs, financing differences, and the 10-year math on both sides.
Custom Home Building Timeline: Phase by Phase (2026)
A phase-by-phase breakdown of the custom home building timeline in 2026, with national averages, regional variation, and the delays that most often push a 12-month build past 18 months.
Whole House Remodel Cost (2026 National Guide)
The average whole house remodel costs $150,000 to $450,000 for most homes, depending on scope and quality. This guide breaks down 2026 pricing by room, remodel type, and regional variation.
Bathroom Remodel Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
A full bathroom remodel takes 6 to 12 weeks from design through final punch list, but each phase has its own schedule. Here is what to expect at every stage.
Bathroom Tile Cost: Porcelain vs Ceramic vs Stone
Bathroom tile cost ranges from $1 to $30 or more per square foot for materials alone, with installed prices spanning $5 to $50 per square foot depending on tile type, room size, and labor complexity. This guide breaks down ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile costs so you can budget accurately before your remodel starts.
Bathroom Vanity Cost (2026 Guide)
Bathroom vanity cost in 2026 ranges from $300 for a basic stock unit to $10,000 or more for a custom built-in. This guide breaks down every variable that moves the price.
Cost of Kitchen Cabinets (2026 Guide)
Kitchen cabinets are the largest single line item in most remodels, typically 25 to 35 percent of the total kitchen budget. This guide breaks down 2026 national pricing by tier, wood type, box construction, installation, and hidden costs most homeowners miss.
Cost to Renovate a House Per Square Foot (2026)
The national average cost to renovate a house runs $20 to $150 per square foot in 2026, depending on project scope, materials, and region. This guide breaks down what drives that range and how to get a number that actually fits your project.
Cost to Replace vs Reface Kitchen Cabinets (2026)
Replacing kitchen cabinets costs $5,000 to $30,000+, while refacing runs $1,500 to $9,000 for most kitchens. Which path makes financial sense depends on your cabinet boxes, layout goals, and resale timeline.
Foundation Cost: Slab vs Pier-and-Beam vs Basement (2026)
Foundation cost in 2026 ranges from $5,000 for a basic slab to $50,000 or more for a full basement, depending on foundation type, soil conditions, and regional labor markets. This guide breaks down pricing for every major foundation type with data on what drives cost variation.
Home Remodel ROI: Which Projects Return the Most
Not every home remodel pays back what you put in. This guide breaks down the real ROI on 20+ projects, from kitchen and bathroom upgrades to curb appeal improvements and outdoor living investments.
Home Renovation Timeline: Phase by Phase
A complete home renovation timeline runs 3 to 18 months depending on project scope, permit requirements, and contractor availability. This phase-by-phase breakdown gives homeowners a realistic schedule from first concept through final punch list.
Kitchen Countertop Cost: Quartz vs Granite vs Marble (2026)
Kitchen countertop cost ranges from $40 to $200+ per square foot installed, depending on material, thickness, and edge profile. This guide breaks down quartz, granite, and marble pricing so you can budget accurately before getting quotes.
Kitchen Island Cost (2026 Pricing Guide)
Kitchen island cost in 2026 ranges from $300 for a freestanding unit to $15,000 or more for a fully custom built-in with plumbing and premium countertops. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can budget accurately.
Kitchen Remodel Timeline: Phase by Phase
A kitchen remodel takes 6 to 20 weeks from first design meeting to final punch list, depending on scope, cabinet lead times, and permit requirements. This phase-by-phase breakdown tells you exactly what happens when and how to compress the schedule without cutting corners.
Master Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026 National Guide)
Master bathroom remodel cost ranges from $10,000 for a basic refresh to $80,000 or more for a full luxury renovation. This guide breaks down every cost driver so you can budget accurately before calling a contractor.
Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builder Before Signing
Signing a custom home building contract without the right questions is the most expensive mistake you can make. This guide covers the essential questions to ask your custom home builder before you commit.
Walk-in Shower Cost (2026 National Guide)
Walk-in shower cost ranges from $3,500 for a basic prefab install to $25,000 or more for a fully custom tile-and-glass suite. This guide breaks down every cost factor for 2026 so you can budget accurately before talking to a contractor.
How to Finance a Home Remodel (2026 Options)
Financing a home remodel in 2026 means choosing from cash, home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinances, personal loans, renovation mortgages, and contractor financing. This guide breaks down the true cost of each option so you can choose the one that fits your project and budget.
Renovation vs New Construction in Dallas–Fort Worth: Real Cost Comparison + When Each Makes Sense
Building or renovating a home in Dallas–Fort Worth requires careful planning, budgeting, and understanding of current construction trends.
Jim Mayleben | Fin Home Stories
What began as converting a covered patio into a screened porch evolved into a series of upgrades that expanded how Jim Mayleben uses his home. From adding a brick paver patio to reworking interior layouts, each project was shaped by careful execution and a commitment to getting the details right—even when it meant redoing work to ensure it would last.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel Your Kitchen in 2026?
Kitchen remodeling costs in 2026 range from $15,000 to over $150,000 depending on size, materials, and scope. This guide breaks down cost per square foot, major expense categories, and practical ways to plan your budget and maximize value.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel Your Bathroom in 2026?
Bathroom remodeling costs in 2026 range from $8,000 to $35,000+, depending on size, materials, and scope. This guide breaks down real pricing, cost per square foot, and what drives expenses so you can plan your project with confidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel Your Home in 2026?
Home remodeling costs in 2026 vary widely based on size, scope, and finishes, with most projects ranging from $100,000 to $350,000+. This guide breaks down cost per square foot, major pricing factors, hidden expenses, and practical ways to stay on budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home in 2026?
Building a home in 2026 typically costs between $300,000 and $800,000+, with price per square foot ranging from $150 to $400+ depending on location, materials, and design. This guide breaks down real costs, key factors, and how to stay on budget.
Internet Asks: Building Materials, Cabinets, and Where Quality Actually Matters
Ian Gipson is a Senior Sales Supervisor at Surplus Building Materials, specializing in cabinets, flooring, and material sourcing. He helps homeowners and contractors make smarter decisions by balancing cost, quality, and long-term performance.
Dallas Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide (2026)
Bathroom remodel costs in Dallas typically range from a modest refresh to a full custom renovation, with pricing shaped by layout changes, labor, finishes, permits, and the condition of the home.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Irving? (2026 Guide)
Bathroom remodels in Irving typically range from modest updates to full gut renovations, with cost changes driven by layout shifts, plumbing moves, finish level, and permit-related work.
Bathroom Remodel Cost in Plano: 2026 Pricing Guide
Bathroom remodeling in Plano typically ranges from a modest refresh in the low five figures to a custom primary bath that can exceed $25,000, depending on layout changes, finish level, plumbing updates, and permit needs.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Coppell?
A Coppell bathroom remodel in 2026 typically starts around $8,000 for a small refresh, runs $15,000 to $35,000 for most midrange projects, and can exceed $35,000 when you move plumbing, upgrade finishes, or reconfigure the layout.
Flower Mound Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide (2026)
Bathroom remodels in Flower Mound commonly range from the low five figures for a cosmetic refresh to $50,000+ for a full primary bath renovation, with plumbing changes, permit requirements, and finish level driving the final price.
Coppell Kitchen Remodel Cost: A 2026 Budget Breakdown
Kitchen remodels in Coppell usually range from focused updates in the low five figures to full custom renovations that can pass six figures, depending on layout changes, cabinetry, finishes, and labor.
Kitchen Remodel Cost in Flower Mound (2026 Guide)
Kitchen remodel costs in Flower Mound typically range from a focused refresh to a full custom renovation, with pricing shaped by DFW labor, permit needs, layout changes, and finish level.
Irving Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide (2026)
Kitchen remodels in Irving typically range from a modest refresh to a full upscale renovation, with pricing shaped by layout changes, finish level, permitting, and hidden conditions in older homes.
How Much Does a Plano Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
Kitchen remodeling costs in Plano typically range from modest cosmetic updates to major custom renovations, with most projects shaped by cabinet quality, layout changes, labor, and permit-driven scope.
What a Kitchen Remodel Costs in Dallas: 2026 Guide
Dallas kitchen remodels in 2026 often range from modest refreshes to full custom renovations, with cost driven by layout changes, cabinetry, finishes, permits, and older-home surprises.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Coppell?
A local cost guide to building a house in Coppell, including budget ranges, major cost drivers, permits, and planning tips for 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Flower Mound?
A local cost guide to building a house in Flower Mound, including budgets, sitework, permits, and major cost drivers for 2026.
Cost to Remodel Your Home in Flower Mound (2026 Guide)
A practical 2026 guide to home remodeling costs in Flower Mound, including project ranges, timelines, permits, and budget drivers.
Coppell Home Remodel Cost: 2026 Budget Breakdown
A 2026 cost guide for Coppell homeowners planning cosmetic updates, room-by-room renovations, or major whole-home remodels.
Dallas Home Remodel Cost Guide (2026): Real Numbers
A local Dallas remodeling cost guide with pricing ranges, cost drivers, permits, timelines, and budget examples.
Home Remodel Cost in Irving, TX (2026 Real Numbers)
A local guide to Irving home remodeling costs, including scope-based pricing, permits, timelines, and cost drivers for 2026.
How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost in Plano? (2026)
A local guide to Plano home remodeling costs, including scope-based pricing, permits, timelines, and budget planning for 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Irving?
A 2026 Irving home building cost guide covering budget ranges, cost per square foot, major line items, and local factors that shape the final price.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Plano?
A Plano-focused guide to custom home construction costs, including price ranges, site prep, permits, labor, and practical budget planning tips for 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Dallas?
A Dallas-focused guide to custom home construction costs, including price ranges, permit factors, site prep, labor, and budget planning tips for 2026.
Tina Richardson | Fin Home Stories
What began as replacing a failing deck in her 1983 Arlington home turned into a series of upgrades that reshaped how Tina Richardson lives in her space. From expanding cramped bathrooms to refining finishes and colors throughout the home, each project built on the last, guided by a process she came to trust and results that consistently exceeded her expectations.
Home Remodeling Cost in DFW (2026 Full Guide)
Planning a home remodel in Dallas-Fort Worth? This 2026 guide breaks down real remodeling costs by project type, scope, and materials, with detailed budgets, cost drivers, and examples to help you estimate your project with confidence.
Internet Asks: Kitchen Countertop Questions Answered by Fint
Learn how to choose the right countertop with expert advice from Fint at Best Cheer Stone & Cabinets. Compare quartz, granite, and marble, understand maintenance tradeoffs, and avoid the most common mistakes homeowners make.
Internet Asks: Kitchen Cabinet Questions Answered by Emmanuel Rodriguez
Expert cabinet advice from Emmanuel Rodriguez on materials, styles, and durability. Learn why plywood outperforms MDF, whether shaker cabinets are still in style, and how to choose finishes that hold up over time.
Cost to Build a House by City (Plano, Frisco, Dallas, etc.)
Building a home in DFW can vary by hundreds of thousands depending on the city. This guide breaks down cost differences across Plano, Frisco, Dallas, and more, including labor, land, permits, and total build costs.
Cheapest Way to Build a House in DFW
Discover the cheapest way to build a house in DFW by reducing design complexity, choosing cost-efficient materials, and avoiding common mistakes that drive up construction costs.
Luxury Custom Home Cost in DFW
Thinking about building a luxury home in Dallas-Fort Worth? This guide breaks down real costs from $500K builds to $1M+ estates, including materials, architecture, and builder differences so you can understand exactly what drives pricing at the high end.
Margie Lackey | Fin Home Stories
After purchasing an 80s-era Double Oak home that needed significant updating, Margie Lackey approached the remodel in phases, beginning with essential spaces and expanding once she understood how the house truly functioned. What started as a kitchen renovation grew into a multi-room transformation that brought together new cabinetry, lighting, and shared design elements, creating a cohesive home that ultimately exceeded her expectations.
Cost of Foundation, Framing, and Major Phases (DFW)
Understand the real cost of building a home in DFW by breaking down foundation, framing, roofing, and mechanical systems. This guide shows where your money actually goes during the most critical construction phases and how early decisions shape total build cost.
Land + Build Cost in DFW (Total Project Cost)
Thinking about building a home in DFW? This guide breaks down the true total project cost – including land, site prep, utilities, permits, and real-world examples – so you can estimate a realistic budget before you start.
Cost per Square Foot to Build a House in DFW (2026)
Discover the real cost per square foot to build a house in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026. See exact price ranges, build tiers, cost drivers, and full project examples so you can estimate your budget with confidence.
Cheap vs Luxury Kitchen Remodel (DFW Cost Comparison)
Compare cheap vs luxury kitchen remodels in DFW with real cost breakdowns for $15k, $40k, and $100k budgets. See what you actually get at each level and where to spend wisely.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by City (Plano, Frisco, Dallas, etc.)
Kitchen remodel costs in DFW vary significantly by city. See how Plano, Frisco, Dallas, and surrounding areas compare, including labor, permits, and real pricing differences that impact your total budget.
Open Concept Kitchen Remodel Cost in DFW
Planning an open-concept kitchen remodel in DFW? This guide breaks down the real cost of removing walls, structural vs non-structural changes, electrical and HVAC updates, timelines, and real project examples so you can budget with confidence.
Cost of Kitchen Cabinets in DFW (Full Breakdown)
Kitchen cabinet costs in DFW vary from $4,000 to $50,000+ depending on stock, semi-custom, or custom options. This guide breaks down pricing per linear foot, installation costs, materials, and real examples so you can plan your remodel with clarity.
Kitchen Remodel ROI in DFW
A kitchen remodel can return 50–70% of its cost in DFW, though the real outcome depends on how well your upgrades align with buyer expectations. This guide breaks down which kitchen upgrades add the most value, how ROI changes across budget levels, and when remodeling actually makes financial sense.
Kitchen Remodel Timeline in Texas
Planning a kitchen remodel in Texas? Most projects take 4–10 weeks, but the real timeline depends on cabinets, countertops, inspections, and coordination between trades. This guide breaks down each phase, common delays, and how timeline decisions impact total cost.
Kitchen Remodel Labor Cost in DFW
Kitchen remodel labor costs in DFW typically account for 30% to 40% of your total budget. This guide breaks down labor vs materials, trade-by-trade pricing, permit costs, and the key factors that drive labor pricing across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Material (DFW Breakdown)
Kitchen remodel costs in DFW vary dramatically based on materials. This guide breaks down cabinets, countertops, flooring, backsplash, and labor so you can see exactly where your budget goes and how each decision impacts total cost.
High-End Kitchen Remodel Cost in DFW (Luxury Breakdown)
Thinking about a luxury kitchen remodel in Dallas-Fort Worth? This guide breaks down high-end kitchen costs from $40K to $150K+, including custom cabinets, premium appliances, and luxury materials, so you can plan your project with clarity and confidence.
Small Kitchen Remodel Cost in DFW (2026 Guide)
Small kitchen remodel costs in DFW range from $15,000 to $80,000+ depending on layout, materials, and labor complexity. This 2026 guide breaks down real pricing by size, layout type, and budget tier, with detailed examples and cost tables to help you estimate your project accurately.
Cheap vs Luxury Bathroom Remodel (DFW Cost Comparison)
A $10K, $25K, and $50K bathroom remodel in DFW deliver completely different results. This guide breaks down what you actually get at each level, including materials, durability, ROI, and where your money matters most.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by City (Plano, Frisco, Dallas, etc.)
Bathroom remodel costs in DFW vary widely by city, with Plano, Frisco, and Dallas all showing different price ranges due to labor demand, home values, and permitting differences. This guide breaks down real cost comparisons, labor rates, and local factors so you can estimate a realistic remodel budget based on where you live.
Cost to Convert Tub to Shower in DFW
Thinking about replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower? This DFW-focused guide breaks down real conversion costs, from $10K basic installs to $40K+ custom showers, including plumbing, waterproofing, timelines, and ROI.
Walk-In Shower Remodel Cost in DFW
Walk-in shower remodel costs in DFW typically range from $6,000 to $15,000+, with high-end custom builds exceeding $20,000. This guide breaks down tile, glass, plumbing, and labor costs, along with timelines, mistakes to avoid, and when a shower-only upgrade makes sense.
Bathroom Remodel ROI in DFW (Is It Worth It?)
Bathroom remodel ROI in DFW depends on smart budgeting, buyer psychology, and choosing the right upgrades. This guide breaks down what adds value, what doesn’t, and how to maximize return.
Bathroom Remodel Timeline in Texas (Step-by-Step)
A bathroom remodel timeline in Texas typically ranges from 1 to 8+ weeks depending on scope, planning, and coordination. This step-by-step guide breaks down each phase – from demolition to final inspection – so you know exactly what to expect, where delays happen, and how to keep your project on schedule.
Bathroom Remodel Labor Cost in DFW (Contractor Pricing Explained)
Bathroom remodel labor costs in DFW typically make up 40% to 60% of your total budget, but the real story is how that labor is priced, structured, and executed. This guide breaks down contractor pricing, trade-by-trade costs, markup, permits, and the hidden factors that cause quotes to vary by thousands so you can evaluate bids with clarity and avoid expensive mistakes.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Material (DFW Breakdown)
Bathroom remodel costs in DFW are heavily influenced by material choices. This guide breaks down the cost of tile, vanities, countertops, fixtures, and flooring with real installed pricing, helping you understand where your budget actually goes and how to choose materials that keep your project on track.
Master Bathroom Remodel Cost in DFW (2026 Guide)
How much does a master bathroom remodel cost in DFW in 2026? This guide breaks down real price ranges ($25K–$80K+), cost by size and features, labor vs materials, timelines, and real project examples so you can plan your remodel with confidence.
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost in DFW (2026 Guide)
Small bathroom remodel costs in DFW typically range from $10,000 to $35,000 depending on size, materials, and layout changes. This 2026 guide breaks down pricing by size, budget tier, labor, and real examples so you can plan accurately and avoid costly mistakes.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in DFW? (2026 Price Guide)
Kitchen remodel costs in DFW typically range from $30,000 to $80,000+, depending on size, materials, and scope. This 2026 price guide breaks down costs by kitchen size, remodel type, labor vs materials, timeline, and city so you can plan your project with clear, realistic expectations.
Julie Moulas | Fin Home Stories
When Julie Moulas bought her Flower Mound home, she knew some spaces would eventually need to change to reflect her style. She began with the downstairs guest bathroom – the room every visitor sees – transforming an overly ornate design into a bright, welcoming blue-and-white space through a smooth remodel that stayed organized even during a stressful time in her personal life.
Daniel Czyz | Fin Home Stories
After living for nearly three years in a partially finished 1980s Grapevine home, Daniel Czyz committed to a full-scale remodel that reworked two-thirds of the layout. By removing walls, leveling a sunken floor, eliminating outdated features, and adding a thoughtfully designed patio, the project transformed a closed-off structure into a cohesive open-concept home built around how he actually lives.
Is Building a Custom Home Cheaper Than Buying in Texas?
Wondering whether it’s cheaper to build or buy a home in Texas? This guide breaks down the real costs of building a custom home vs buying an existing one, including cost per square foot, land prices, hidden expenses, and when building can actually make financial sense.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Texas?
Building a custom home in Texas typically takes 9 to 18 months, but the exact timeline depends on factors like design complexity, permitting, weather, and construction decisions. This guide breaks down the full process – from planning and permits to foundation, framing, interior finishes, and final inspections – so you know what to expect before starting your custom home build.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in DFW? (2026 Price Guide)
Wondering how much a bathroom remodel costs in Dallas-Fort Worth? This 2026 price guide breaks down average remodel costs in DFW by bathroom size, remodel type, materials, labor, and city so you can estimate a realistic budget before starting your renovation.
Internet Asks: A Cabinet Expert Answers the Most Common Kitchen Cabinet Questions
Cabinet expert Brenda Crane answers some of the internet’s most common questions about kitchen cabinets, including resurfacing vs replacement, cabinet quality, custom vs semi-custom options, and whether cabinets should be installed before flooring.
Kwaku Akoi | Fin Home Stories
Akoi and his family loved their neighborhood in Richardson, but their 1950s, 1,300 square foot home no longer fit their growing needs. Rather than move, they chose to expand – adding a master suite, en suite bath, patio, and a redesigned backyard in just over four months. The result was a seamless addition that allowed them to stay rooted where they wanted, without compromising on space, quality, or value.
Les Abernethy | Fin Home Stories
As her neighborhood in Little Elm steadily evolved, Les Abernethy knew her home needed to keep pace. With foundation issues beneath an inefficient kitchen layout, the renovation required both structural repair and thoughtful redesign. By stabilizing the foundation and opening the kitchen into a cohesive living space, the project transformed a small, outdated home into one aligned with the area’s rising value and long-term potential.
Before You Order Cabinets: What Every Kitchen Remodel Should Get Right
Kitchen designer Brenda Crane of J&K Cabinetry shares what homeowners should think about before ordering cabinets, common layout mistakes to avoid, and the kitchen design trends she’s seeing heading into 2026.
Las Colinas Kitchen Remodel in Irving, TX: Terry's Story
After 43 years in her Las Colinas home in Irving, Terry Martella was ready for a complete kitchen transformation. With a background in purchasing and building, she carefully evaluated six design-build contractors before choosing a team that offered clear timelines, structured planning, and disciplined execution. The result was a full down-to-the-studs remodel that replaced a closed-in layout with an open, thoughtfully designed space – delivered exactly as promised.
Clay Young | Fin Home Stories
When Clay Young realized relocating wasn’t the right move, he chose to fully renovate instead – taking his 1965 Dallas kitchen and master bath down to the studs and rebuilding them the right way. With water intrusion repairs addressed, drawings approved upfront, and a disciplined 60-day timeline that finished in 58, the project delivered what was promised and left him with what he calls a “brand-new 1965 house.”
Rebirth of Mineral Wells: The Story of The Crazy Water Hotel
Nearly a century after first welcoming travelers to drink its famous mineral water, The Crazy Water Hotel is once again at the center of Mineral Wells’ revival. In this interview, General Manager Bridget Shelton shares how local investors, new programming, and a renewed focus on wellness are helping spark the town’s next chapter.
Construction Loans Explained: How Custom Homes Are Funded
A construction loan works differently than a traditional mortgage. Instead of receiving the full amount upfront, funds are released in stages as your home is built, and you typically pay interest only on what has been drawn. When structured correctly, this process protects both you and the lender and creates a clear financial path from breaking ground to moving in.
How Texas Winter Storms Create Ice Dams and Roof Leaks
After the recent Texas winter storm, ice dams may be forming on roofs, trapping melting snow and forcing water under shingles. Because most Texas homes are not built for freezing conditions, this can lead to leaks and hidden roof damage after the storm.
DFW Home Building Cost Guide 2026
Building a home in DFW in 2026 is more complex – and more expensive – than most homeowners expect. This guide breaks down real construction costs, timelines, and budget drivers using current DFW data, so you understand exactly where the money goes, what affects pricing, and how to plan intelligently before you ever request a bid.
2026 Texas Remodeling Trends: What Homeowners Are Upgrading Right Now
From kitchen upgrades to durable flooring and smart home features, these are the Texas home remodeling trends homeowners are investing in for 2026, with a clear focus on practicality and long-term value.
Buying Property at Possum Kingdom Lake
Buying property at Possum Kingdom Lake is different from buying in a typical neighborhood. This article covers lake-specific considerations like shoreline rules, utilities, access, and long-term ownership realities that often surprise first-time buyers unfamiliar with lakefront property.
Structural Changes, Permits, and Mistakes in Home Remodeling
Remodeling carries real structural risk when key decisions are overlooked. This article outlines the most common structural mistakes homeowners make, why they happen, and how cutting corners with planning, engineering, or contractors can lead to expensive and dangerous long-term consequences.
Living with Wildlife at Possum Kingdom
Living at Possum Kingdom Lake means sharing space with native wildlife. This article explains the most common mistakes new homeowners make, how everyday habits affect animals and safety, and what residents can do to protect both their property and the surrounding ecosystem.
Which Remodels Add the Most Value?
Which remodels actually pay off depends on where money meets buyer psychology. This article breaks down the upgrades that consistently boost resale value, the ones that mostly add enjoyment, and how local market expectations shape real returns on remodeling investments.
Fin Home Building & Remodeling Costs in DFW
At Fin Home Custom Contracting, we specialize in luxury custom homes and remodels that balance elegance with value. Our long-standing relationships with skilled trades ensure costs remain fair while workmanship stays at the highest standard. As a full-service design-build partner, we guide you seamlessly through every stage of the process.
The Questions To Ask A Remodeler Before Hiring One In DFW
These are questions for you to ask a potential remodeler (or general contractor) before hiring them for your home project. They are designed to help you evaluate their experience, transparency, and fit for your needs, so you don’t get stuck with costly mistakes or unreliable contractors.
