Great Advice from RR12 Contractors

Matthew Lundgren is the owner of Ranch Road 12 Contractors, proudly serving Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country communities. With 29 years of hands-on construction experience, RR12 Contractors specializes in remodels, custom builds, outdoor living, ADUs, and storm damage recovery. Matthew has some great advice below on hiring a general contractor, starting a home remodel, and summer strom damage.

Hiring a General Contractor

The right contractor can make or break your project — and it goes beyond just the lowest bid. Here are a few things I always tell homeowners to look for:
First, check their experience and range. A contractor who’s handled everything from kitchens to full custom builds to storm damage recovery has seen problems before they become expensive surprises.

Second, ask about communication. Can you actually reach them? Do they return calls the same day? In my 29 years in this trade, I’ve found that most homeowner frustration comes down to a contractor who disappeared after the contract was signed.

Third, get a clear, written scope of work — not just a price. You want to know exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how changes will be handled.

Finally, ask for local references. Talk to neighbors who’ve used them. In a community like Dripping Springs, reputation is everything — and it should be.

A free consultation is always a good sign. It shows a contractor is confident in their work and willing to invest time before asking you to invest money.

Before You Start a Remodel

A remodel is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, so it pays to ask the right questions upfront.

Start with “What’s realistic for my budget?” A good contractor will be honest about what you can accomplish — and where you might need to make trade-offs. I’d rather steer a homeowner toward a plan that gets done right than overpromise and underdeliver.

Next, ask “How long will this take, and what could cause delays?” Weather, material lead times, permit timelines — in the Hill Country, all of these can shift a schedule. An experienced contractor will
build that into the plan from day one.

Then ask “Who will actually be on-site?” You want to know who’s running the project day-to-day. Is it the person you met at the estimate, or someone you’ve never spoken to?

Finally, ask “What happens if something unexpected comes up?” Because in remodeling, it always does — especially in older homes. You want a contractor who handles surprises with solutions, not change orders that blow your budget.

The best projects start with good communication and realistic expectations. That’s what 29 years in this business has taught me.

Summer Storm Damage

Texas Hill Country weather is no joke — we get hail, high winds, and flash flooding that can do serious damage, sometimes without you even noticing right away.

Here are the warning signs I tell every homeowner to watch for:
On the roof, look for missing or cracked shingles, dented flashing, and gutters pulled away from the fascia. Inside, check ceilings and walls for new water stains or soft spots — that usually means water is getting in somewhere.

Windows and doors that suddenly stick or don’t close right can signal structural shifting from water intrusion around the foundation.

Outside, inspect your fence lines, decks, and hardscaping for damage. These areas take the brunt of wind and hail but often get overlooked.

The biggest mistake I see? Waiting too long. Small storm damage becomes big, expensive damage fast — especially in our heat, where moisture turns into mold quickly.

If you’re unsure, get a professional assessment. Most reputable contractors will do a walkthrough at no charge and can help you navigate the insurance process too.

Don’t wait until the next storm makes it worse. Take action now and protect your investment.

Reach Matthew at 512-722-3111 or rr12contractors.com.