In Texas, there is no state-level license required or offered for general remodeling contractors. This sometimes surprises homeowners, because many other states have licensing systems in place. While Texas does not issue a general contractor license, both Bryan and College Station require contractors to obtain permits for work. Stearns Design Build complies fully with all local regulations to ensure projects are properly permitted and inspected.
Because Texas does not provide a formal license for remodelers, one of the best indicators of a contractor’s professionalism is their commitment to carrying proper insurance. We go above and beyond to protect our clients by maintaining both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
General liability insurance protects your home and property in the event of accidental damage. For example, if a water line bursts during construction and causes damage to your flooring, liability insurance covers the cost of repairs.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects both our team and our clients in the event of an injury on the job. If someone is injured while working on your home, workers’ compensation ensures that medical costs and lost wages are covered without putting responsibility on the homeowner.
Hiring a contractor without proper insurance can leave homeowners vulnerable to unexpected costs or even legal liability. Unfortunately, some companies try to cut corners by working without full coverage, which can create serious risks for clients.
At Stearns Design Build, we believe in doing things the right way. Our compliance with local permitting requirements, combined with full liability and workers’ compensation coverage, ensures that your project, your home, and everyone working on it are fully safeguarded. This commitment to transparency and protection is part of why so many Bryan and College Station homeowners trust us with their remodeling projects.
Protecting your home and belongings is one of our top priorities during every remodeling project. We understand that allowing a construction team into your personal space requires trust, which is why every member of our in-house crew completes a thorough background check before joining our team. This ensures that the people working in your home are reliable, professional, and respectful of your property.
During construction, we use multiple layers of protection to keep your home clean and safe. Professional-grade floor coverings shield high-traffic areas, while dust barriers and air scrubbers keep particles from spreading beyond the work zone. We also use a system called negative draft, which creates a controlled air flow to draw dust and debris away from the rest of your living space. These steps reduce mess and help protect your indoor air quality throughout the project.
We also take security seriously. At the end of each workday, all tools and materials are organized and the job site is secured. Windows and access points in the construction area are closed and locked to maintain your home’s safety. For added peace of mind, we recommend that homeowners temporarily remove wall hangings, keepsakes, or fragile items near the work zone. This helps ensure that your valuables remain safe and undisturbed.
Our goal is to give you confidence that your home will be respected at every stage of the remodel. By combining strict background checks, advanced dust control systems, professional floor and surface protection, and daily security procedures, we make sure your project is completed with the highest standards of care. These efforts allow you to enjoy the excitement of a remodel without worrying about the safety of your family, your belongings, or your home.
The fact that you’re here means you’ve already taken your first step. Planning a remodeling project can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear steps will help you move forward with confidence. The process starts long before construction begins, and careful preparation ensures your remodel fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. From here, we suggest:
- Define your goals
Think about more than what looks outdated. Ask yourself how your home should function better. Do you need more storage, open spaces for entertaining, or private retreats for quiet time? Being specific about your goals provides direction and helps you make decisions throughout the project. - Evaluate if remodeling is the best solution
Sometimes remodeling is the right choice, but in certain situations it might be more practical to consider moving or making smaller updates. Taking time to evaluate your options now ensures you invest your money and energy wisely. - Determine your approach
Decide whether you want to work with a design-build team, hire a general contractor, or manage parts of the project yourself. Each option has advantages. A design-build team, like ours, provides a streamlined process that includes building and managing a project schedule and its participants, as well as ordering supplies and maintaining project space cleanliness. On the other hand, general contractors and DIY approaches offer different levels of control and responsibility. The right choice depends on your priorities, schedule, and tolerance for managing details. - Set a realistic budget
A remodel is an investment in your home. Establish a financial framework early to avoid surprises later. Include both essentials and upgrades that would add comfort or joy. It is also wise to set aside a contingency fund in case unexpected issues arise once construction begins.
By working through these steps, you create a strong foundation for your remodeling project. From there, you can partner with professionals who will help refine your vision, create accurate designs, and guide you through the construction phase. With a clear plan, your remodel becomes less stressful and much more exciting.
Choosing the right remodeling contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home project. The contractor you select will not only impact the quality of the finished work but also your overall experience throughout the process.
Start by looking at qualifications and experience. A reputable contractor should have a strong history of completed projects similar to yours. Ask about their training, certifications, and time in business. Experienced remodelers can anticipate challenges and guide you through decisions with confidence.
Next, consider reliability and communication. Remodeling is a partnership, and you need a contractor who shows up on time, keeps you informed, and responds to your questions quickly. Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps your project on track.
Reputation is another key factor. Read reviews, ask for references, and look at past project samples to see how the company delivers results. Reliable feedback from previous clients provides a clear picture of what you can expect.
Finally, think about fit. Beyond skills and references, the right contractor should align with your values and the way you prefer to work. You’ll be spending a lot of time interacting with their team, so it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in the relationship.
Naturally, we’d say you only need to call us at 979.696.0524. But for an objective perspective, we’ve also created a helpful guide: 9 Keys to Choosing a Remodeling Contractor. This resource walks you through qualifications, reliability, reputation, and fit so you can make this important decision with clarity and confidence.
At Stearns Design Build, we use a team leader system that blends the best of both worlds of subcontractors and a highly-trained in-house remodeling team. Most of the work on your project is completed by our highly trained in-house professionals. Our in-house team gives us direct control over craftsmanship, scheduling, and communication. Because these individuals are part of our company, they are aligned with our culture, standards, and commitment to quality.
There are times when it makes sense to bring in trusted subcontractors, especially when specialized expertise or additional efficiency is required. For example, trades such as roofing, HVAC installation, or certain custom finishes may be completed by subcontractors who focus exclusively on those areas. This ensures that your project benefits from the highest level of skill while staying compliant with local codes and best practices.
Using subcontractors strategically can also help reduce costs and keep the project timeline on track. However, not all subcontractors are created equal. We only partner with professionals we know and trust, and we hold them to the same high standards we set for our own team. Every subcontractor we work with is carefully vetted for qualifications, reliability, and reputation.
To make sure nothing is left to chance, your project leader and our in-house staff oversee every step of the work, whether it is performed by our employees or by subcontractors. This means you benefit from the consistency and accountability of an in-house team, while also gaining access to specialized expertise when it is needed.
By blending in-house professionals with carefully selected subcontractors, we ensure that your remodeling project receives the best balance of quality, efficiency, and value. This approach gives you peace of mind that every aspect of your remodel is being handled with care and professionalism.
Yes. Budget alignment is at the core of our process. Our role is to balance your goals with your budget by factoring in aesthetics, durability, craftsmanship, and cost. The goal is to create a remodeling plan that delivers what you value most without unexpected financial surprises.
We begin with a feasibility analysis, where we listen to your goals and provide a ballpark cost range before any design work begins. This early step helps you understand whether your vision is realistic for your budget and gives you the chance to adjust priorities if needed.
From there, we move into conceptual design. As drawings and specifications develop, we refine the cost estimate into a more accurate range. This allows us to identify where investments will have the most impact and where adjustments can be made if the budget is tight. Throughout this process, you stay in control by making informed decisions.
Once the design is finalized, we prepare a fixed-price contract before construction starts. This number is based on detailed plans, real material selections, and accurate bids from trusted trade partners. Unlike some contractors who provide vague estimates that change later, we commit to that fixed price. The only time the cost changes is if you decide to add or alter the scope through a written change order.
This approach ensures transparency and peace of mind. You know upfront what your remodel will cost, and you can trust that the final number will not shift unexpectedly. Our estimating process is designed to give you both financial clarity and confidence that your project will be completed within the budget we agree upon together.
The length of a remodeling project varies depending on scope, complexity, and the level of detail involved. While every home and every client is different, we follow professional project management standards to ensure your remodel moves forward smoothly and stays on track.
In most cases, the process is divided into two key phases:
1. Design phase
The design phase usually lasts a minimum of one month, though it can extend several months for larger or more complex projects. During this stage, we work closely with you to clarify your goals, develop drawings, explore options, and finalize selections. The time invested here ensures fewer surprises once construction begins and helps create a remodel that truly reflects your vision.
2. Build phase
The construction timeline depends heavily on the size and scope of the project. A small-scale project, such as a bathroom remodel, may take only a few weeks once construction starts. A kitchen remodel often lasts two to three months, while major additions or full-home renovations can take several months to complete. Factors such as weather, permitting, and material availability can also influence timing.
To provide clarity, we develop a detailed project schedule before construction begins. This schedule outlines milestones, key dates, and what to expect week by week. Our team leader and project manager keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand.
While we cannot predict every variable, our commitment is to provide a clear timeline early in the process and communicate openly if adjustments are needed. With proper planning and proactive management, you can feel confident that your remodeling project will be completed within a reasonable and realistic timeframe.
Yes, most of our clients remain at home during their remodeling projects. Whether you decide to stay or temporarily relocate depends on the scope of work, your comfort level, and your daily routines. We design our process so that it works either way and keeps your experience as smooth as possible.
For smaller projects, such as a bathroom or single-room remodel, most homeowners choose to remain in the home. Our team sets up dust barriers, uses air scrubbers, and closes off the construction zone to minimize disruption to your living areas. We also make sure essential systems like heating, cooling, and water remain accessible whenever possible.
For larger projects, such as full kitchen remodels, major additions, or whole-home renovations, moving out temporarily can reduce inconvenience and sometimes shorten the project timeline. Without the need to work around daily household routines, crews can often progress more efficiently, which may save on labor costs.
If you do stay, we recommend planning ahead for temporary inconveniences. For example, during a kitchen remodel you may want to set up a small cooking area in another room, or during a bathroom remodel you may need to adjust schedules if multiple family members are sharing a single bathroom.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. We will discuss the scope of work during the planning phase and give you honest guidance on whether staying home or relocating will be most comfortable. Either way, you can be confident that our team will respect your space, protect your belongings, and keep the process as stress-free as possible.
Absolutely. We provide a standard one-year warranty, but our commitment goes far beyond the industry norm. Remodeling is an investment in your home, and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing the work is built to last.
Our warranty covers both workmanship and materials for the first year, which means that if any issue arises related to the construction or installation, we take care of it promptly.
Beyond the first year, we continue to stand behind our work. We view our projects as long-term relationships, not one-time transactions, and we want clients to know they can reach out if questions or concerns come up.
To ensure that everything continues to perform as promised, we schedule phone call check-ins at three months, six months, and one year after completion. During these calls we review how the space is performing, answer questions, and note any issues that may need follow-up. If something requires attention, we coordinate the appropriate fix.
This level of service goes beyond what many remodeling companies provide. Some contractors end their involvement once construction is finished, leaving homeowners to handle issues on their own. At Stearns Design Build, accountability does not end when the last nail is driven. Our warranty and ongoing support reflect our dedication to quality and to the lasting satisfaction of our clients.
When you choose us, you can feel confident that your remodel is protected by both a formal warranty and a company that truly stands behind its work for years to come.
One of the main advantages of the design-build approach is that it greatly reduces surprises and scope creep. Because the same team manages both design and construction, there is stronger communication and fewer opportunities for misunderstandings. This means clients experience fewer delays and fewer change orders compared to traditional contracting methods.
That said, construction projects sometimes uncover hidden issues, such as substandard framing, water damage, or outdated electrical systems. When these situations arise, we address them promptly and with full transparency. We use written and signed change orders so that every adjustment is clearly documented. This ensures that both the homeowner and our team agree on the scope, cost, and schedule before any changes are made.
If a client requests a modification during the project, such as adding new features, changing finishes, or expanding the scope, we handle it the same way. We provide a clear explanation of how the change will affect the budget and timeline, and we document it through a formal change order. This process avoids surprises and keeps decision-making in the homeowner’s control.
Delays can sometimes occur due to factors outside anyone’s control, such as weather or backordered materials. In these situations, our project leader communicates openly with clients about the impact, provides updated timelines, and works with the team to minimize disruptions.
Our goal is always to balance flexibility with accountability. By combining proactive planning, thorough documentation, and open communication, we maintain clarity and keep projects moving forward—even when unexpected circumstances arise. This approach gives homeowners confidence that their remodel will be handled with professionalism, no matter what challenges come up.
Every remodeling project we take on has a dedicated project leader who serves as your primary point of contact from start to finish. This person functions as your project manager, overseeing the daily progress of construction, answering questions, and making sure everything stays aligned with the approved design and schedule. Having one point of contact gives you consistency, accountability, and peace of mind throughout the process.
Your project leader is onsite every day to supervise the work and ensure that quality standards are being met. They also coordinate between our in-house professionals, trusted subcontractors, and the design team so that everyone is working toward the same goals. This structure minimizes miscommunication and helps keep projects running smoothly.
When it comes to communication, we believe clarity and accessibility are essential. We schedule a standing weekly check-in meeting—usually about 15 minutes—to review progress, confirm upcoming tasks, and address any questions. These meetings provide structure and predictability so you always know what is happening and what comes next.
Outside of these scheduled updates, you will always have direct access to your project leader. Whether by phone, email, or an in-person conversation onsite, your project manager is available to provide updates or discuss any concerns. This open line of communication means you never have to wonder about the status of your remodel.
Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and supported throughout the remodeling process. With a dedicated project leader, regular check-ins, and open communication, you can feel confident that your project is being managed with professionalism and that you will always know exactly where things stand.
Yes, we’re proud to provide remodeling references and past project samples to help you feel confident in choosing us. We use a trusted third-party company to conduct surveys after every project. Because this system is unbiased, it gives you authentic insight into our clients’ experiences. The feedback we receive is transparent and provides a reliable way to measure our performance.
For homeowners who want to hear directly from past clients, we can share written testimonials and references. These give you the chance to understand what it is like to work with our team, how we communicate, and how we handle challenges when they arise. Many of our clients have worked with us on multiple projects over the years, which speaks to the trust and relationships we build.
We also provide samples of past projects so you can see the quality of our craftsmanship for yourself. Our portfolio includes kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-home remodels throughout Bryan and College Station. You can explore before-and-after galleries, case studies, and photos that highlight both design creativity and construction detail.
Having access to remodeling references and past project samples helps you make an informed decision. Rather than just taking our word for it, you can see proof of the work we deliver and hear directly from people who have gone through the remodeling process with us.
We’re proud of our history, our craftsmanship, and the lasting relationships we have built with our clients. Sharing this feedback and these project examples is one way we demonstrate our commitment to quality, transparency, and client satisfaction.
