At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we believe that every home has the potential to become a personalized retreat. When clients come to us seeking luxury remodeling, they’re not just looking to update a space—they’re aiming to transform their lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a whole-home renovation or targeting specific high-impact areas, it’s important to understand what sets high-end remodeling apart, how to prioritize your investment, and how others are navigating the journey of creating a luxury home.

What is high-end remodeling?
High-end remodeling, also known as luxury remodeling, involves more than just aesthetic upgrades. It’s a comprehensive process that combines premium materials, custom craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and cutting-edge technology to deliver a truly bespoke living experience. For us at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, luxury remodeling means working closely with clients to tailor each detail—from the textures on the walls to the lighting control systems—to their unique lifestyle and preferences. High-end projects often include amenities like spa-inspired bathrooms, chef-grade kitchens, custom millwork, and smart home integrations. It’s about blending form and function in a way that enhances daily life while also increasing home value.
Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?
The answer depends heavily on the size of the home, its condition, and your goals. In Birmingham and surrounding areas, $100,000 can fund a meaningful renovation, but whether it qualifies as “luxury remodeling” depends on how the budget is allocated. For example, if your focus is a high-end kitchen or primary bathroom, $100,000 can go a long way toward custom cabinetry, designer tilework, top-tier appliances, and more. However, if you’re aiming for a full-home luxury remodel, you may need a more robust budget—especially if structural changes, HVAC upgrades, or specialty finishes are involved. Our team works closely with clients to maximize value and prioritize investments that deliver both beauty and function.
Which rooms to remodel first?
When planning a luxury remodel, we often recommend starting with the areas that have the biggest impact on daily living and home value: the kitchen and the primary bathroom. These spaces are the heart and soul of a home, and upgrading them to luxury standards can improve both functionality and comfort. Kitchens, in particular, are often gathering places for family and friends, making them a smart first choice. Primary bathrooms can become personal sanctuaries with features like soaking tubs, steam showers, and heated floors. After these key areas, living rooms, outdoor spaces, and guest suites are also prime candidates for upscale upgrades. We always help clients balance their lifestyle needs with the practical benefits of each room’s renovation.

Do you renovate walls or floors first?
This is a great question and one we encounter often. In general, we recommend addressing walls before installing new floors. During a luxury remodel, walls may be moved, opened, insulated, or wired for new electrical or smart home systems. Completing drywall, painting, and trim work before flooring helps protect high-end materials from damage. Once walls are complete, we then move on to flooring—installing premium hardwoods, natural stone, or specialty tile to bring the design vision to life. This order not only ensures a cleaner installation but also preserves the integrity of the materials chosen for your luxury space.
What is the most expensive thing when renovating a house?
In most luxury remodeling projects, the kitchen tends to be the most expensive room. This is due to the combination of appliances, custom cabinetry, high-end countertops (like quartzite or marble), lighting, and plumbing fixtures that must all be coordinated to create a cohesive, high-performance space. However, structural changes—such as removing load-bearing walls, relocating plumbing, or adding square footage—can also drive up costs significantly. Additionally, integrating smart home features, such as automated lighting, sound systems, and climate control, can add to the investment. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we guide our clients through every decision, offering transparent pricing and cost-saving alternatives without compromising the luxury experience.
How do most people afford renovations?
Luxury remodeling is a major investment, but it’s also a rewarding one—both in terms of lifestyle and long-term property value. Many of our clients finance their renovations through a combination of savings, home equity loans, or renovation-specific financing programs. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in clients leveraging the equity in their homes to fund upgrades that make their homes more enjoyable and energy efficient. Some opt to phase their remodeling projects over time, prioritizing the most important spaces first and scheduling additional work in future stages. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we connect clients with trusted financial partners who specialize in home improvement loans, ensuring a smooth and stress-free funding process.

Luxury remodeling isn’t just about making your home look beautiful—it’s about crafting an environment that supports the way you live, entertain, and relax. Whether you’re considering a $100,000 kitchen transformation or planning a whole-home upgrade, our team at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is here to help you dream bigger and build smarter. We bring years of experience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how to blend timeless elegance with modern convenience. If you’re ready to explore what luxury remodeling can do for your Birmingham-area home, we’d be honored to guide you through the journey, one personalized step at a time.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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