Energy-Efficient Home Builders in Austin

“We hired Katz to undertake a significant renovation of our home, a roughly 3,000 sq ft split-level, and the project ran from March 2023 through March 2025. The scope was extensive: adding approximately 900 sq ft, primarily by building a new second floor over the original primary bedroom to create a new primary suite with views, while also gut-renovating the rest of the house down to the studs. The renovation included complete replacement of electrical and plumbing systems, replacement of all windows, spray foam insulation throughout the exterior walls, expansion of the rear footprint, and updates to all major living spaces. One of the defining challenges was a protected heritage oak tree governed by city regulations. Katz proactively brought in an arborist and worked closely with the city to preserve the tree while shaping the design so the new second story fit beneath it, which speaks to their professionalism and problem-solving approach. Katz also provided design support to help develop the new primary suite while keeping the rest of the house functional and thoughtfully updated without unnecessary changes. They helped future-proof the home by incorporating accessibility-minded features such as a curb-free primary shower and planning for a lift. We were also supported extensively in making finish selections—plumbing fixtures, kitchen design, lighting, tile, flooring, and more—through their recommended designer, Inés Lombardi, who was a joy to work with. Midway through the project, Zack and AC joined the team as project managers. Both were highly organized, proactive, and consistently ahead of issues. Problems were often resolved before we even realized they existed, which made a meaningful difference over the long timeline. Budget awareness was a constant theme throughout the project. Katz ensured we understood the implications of design or material changes and never allowed decisions that would significantly impact the budget without transparency. This approach built trust and helped avoid unpleasant surprises. The quality of the subcontractors Katz works with is outstanding. When an original cabinetry vendor proved unreliable, Katz switched vendors, which paid off tremendously. The cabinetry throughout the home—including the kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and office/library—is exceptional. The plumber was an artist, thoughtfully future-proofing systems, and the flooring team went above and beyond, including carefully matching wood flooring color on site to a showroom selection. On a personal level, Lucy and Joel are wonderful to work with. Lucy makes you feel genuinely cared for, while Joel brings deep expertise and steady leadership. Large renovations are never easy, but working with Katz gave us confidence that quality would not be compromised and issues would be handled professionally. We are extremely happy with our home and would not hesitate to recommend Katz to anyone considering a complex, high-quality renovation.”

“Catalyst Construction has recently completed a total renovation of a bathroom from floor to ceiling in our vacation home a 1000 miles away. We found this group incredibly responsive, creative in solving problem, and attentive to every detail of the project. Home improvement projects are difficult but especially at a distance. The two most important strengths were project management and willingness to deliver on our design concepts. The project met our personal time tables and to our tradesmen expectations. All there tradesmen were talented, hardworking and efficient. The project management kept well informed with daily updates and photos, always listening to our requests. We would certainly engage them again for other projects.”

“Nanco Homes was fabulous to work with. They went above and beyond to ensure our home was exactly what we wanted. I highly recommend them for all your needs. From new home to remodeling.”