Proudly Serving the Fargo-Moorhead & Surrounding Area for Over 26 years
ISSUE NO.6
How-To Remodel Without the Stress page 6
How-To Hire the Right Remodeler page 10
How-To Maximize Your Remodel Budget page 32
OUR MISSION: BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER WE REMODEL HOMES TO BRING FAMILIES CLOSER - ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Let’s build a space your family will love. Get started today with a FREE Remodel Phone Consult!
218-287-1249 WWW.HOMEAUTHORITYINC.COM Scan Here to Schedule!
CONTENTS
4 Letter From The Editor
6-9 How-To Remodel Without the Stress 10-12 How-To Hire the Right Remodeler
13 Remodel Contractor Research Checklist
15 Team Spotlight
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16-21 How-To Create a Home That Grows with You 22-29 How-To Design a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years 30 Authority Highlights 32-39 How-To Maximize Your Remodel Budget
41-47 How-To Turn Your Inspo into a Real-Life Room
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a letter from the editor
There’s something deeply meaningful about taking a house and turning it into a home. Not through one small update at a time, but through thoughtful choices, intentional design, and bold steps that reflect who you are and how you live. This issue was created with a simple goal: to take the overwhelm out of remodeling and offer guidance that feels like a trusted conversation. The kind of how-to’s that don’t just walk you through the steps—but help you make confident, inspired decisions every step of the way. Because remodeling isn’t just about what your home looks like—it’s about how it feels. It’s about crafting spaces that work for your family, support your lifestyle, and set the stage for years of memories to come. At The Authority Companies, we believe that a well-designed home should make your everyday life better. That’s why we approach every project—from kitchens to basements to full-home transformations—with a deep understanding of your goals and a commitment to getting the details right. We’re not just here to check boxes; we’re here to create something that feels like you. We also know that trusting someone with your home is a big deal. It’s personal. That’s why our process is built around clear communication, expert guidance, and a level of care that turns first-time customers into lifelong partners. We want you to feel informed, supported, and genuinely excited—not just about the outcome, but about the journey it took to get there. Our hope is that as you read this issue, you’ll find inspiration—but more importantly, you’ll find direction. Because knowing how to move forward is what transforms ideas into action. And when you're ready to take that next step, we’ll be right here—ready to walk with you, every step of the way.
With Gratitude,
THE AUTHORITY COMPANIES PRESIDENT, CEO RACHAEL BOYER Rachael Boyer
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Design Your Dream Space with Clarity + Confidence
You know your home needs a change—but where do you start? My Design by Studio A takes the guesswork out of remodeling. Whether you’re planning to DIY or want our team at The Home Authority, Inc. to bring your vision to life, this tailored service gives you the tools to move forward with confidence. From expert space planning and floorplans to beautifully detailed 3D renderings, My Design by Studio A helps you see the possibilities before any work begins. It’s your roadmap to a home that looks, feels, and functions exactly the way you want —designed on your terms.
218-620-9127 Call Today!
More Info! Scan For
STRESS
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Remodeling your home is supposed to be exciting—but more often than not, it starts with overwhelm. Between budgeting, choosing materials, coordinating schedules, and navigating unexpected surprises, it’s easy to feel like you’re in over your head before the project even begins.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right plan, the right team, and the right expectations, remodeling can actually be a process you enjoy. In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on how The Home Authority, Inc. takes the stress out of remodeling—so you can stay focused on what really matters: creating a home you love.
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STRESS
At The Home Authority, Inc., we believe remodeling should feel like a smart investment—not a financial guessing game. That’s why we start every project with realistic, region-specific cost insights and help you prioritize where your budget will make the biggest impact. Whether you're updating your kitchen or planning a whole-home transformation, we’ll guide you through smart material choices, layout decisions, and design upgrades that offer both immediate enjoyment and long-term value. Our goal is to help you invest where it matters most—so you can feel confident your remodel not only fits your lifestyle, but also protects your bottom line.
One of the biggest sources of stress during a remodel? Making design decisions that feel permanent. With countless options for finishes, fixtures, and styles, it’s easy to second-guess every choice. That’s where our Studio A design team steps in. We work closely with you to define your style, understand how your space is used, and thoughtfully select materials that reflect your personality and complement your existing home. Whether you’re blending new elements into a lived-in space or starting fresh, we help you strike the right balance— so every decision feels intentional, beautiful, and rooted in your everyday life.
A smooth remodel isn’t just about design—it’s about trust, timing, and knowing what comes next. That’s why The Home Authority, Inc. handles every detail of the schedule, so you don’t have to. From coordinating the team to keeping materials on track and timelines moving, we manage the process from start to finish with transparency and intention. You’ll always know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and who to contact if you have questions. With one point of contact and a clear, proactive plan, you can relax and actually enjoy watching your home take shape.
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Steps to a Stress-Free Remodel
At The Home Authority, Inc., we believe remodeling should feel exciting—not overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed a clear, streamlined process designed to take the guesswork out of every step. From first conversation to final walkthrough, our proven approach gives you the confidence to move forward with clarity, ease, and a team you can trust. 1. Start with a Free Remodel Phone Consult We get to know you, your home, and your goals. This no-pressure conversation helps us understand your vision, priorities, and budget from the start. 2. Get a Clear Budget Snapshot Before diving into design, we’ll walk you through realistic cost ranges based on your project type and local pricing trends. No surprises—just clarity. 3. Define Your Design Direction With the help of our Studio A design team, we identify your style and choose materials that work beautifully with your existing home and your lifestyle. 4. See It Before You Build It We bring your vision to life through floorplans, 3D renderings, and layout plans —so you can make confident decisions with visuals that match the final result. 5. Receive a Detailed, Fixed-Price Estimate No vague line items or shifting costs. You’ll get a fully transparent scope of work, including timeline, materials, and pricing you can trust. 6. Let Us Manage the Moving Parts From scheduling the team to coordinating deliveries and keeping everything on track, our team handles every detail—so you don’t have to. 7. Watch the Vision Take Shape With clear communication and one point of contact, you’ll always know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and what’s next. 8. Love Your Home (Without the Headaches) The best part: walking into a space that feels just right, knowing every detail was handled with care and intention—from the first call to the final reveal.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE REMODEL CONSULT TODAY!
REMODELER
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Hiring the right remodeler can make all the difference—not just in the outcome of your project, but in how you feel throughout the process. It’s about more than skill or credentials (though those matter too). It’s about trust, communication, and finding a team that sees your home the way you do. In this article, we’re sharing what to look for, what to avoid, and how to move forward with a partner who will help bring your vision to life—without the stress. Too often, homeowners choose a remodeler based on the lowest bid or a quick timeline— only to end up frustrated by miscommunication, unexpected costs, or disappointing results. A great remodeler will not only help you plan and execute your project, but will also guide you through decisions, anticipate challenges, and keep the experience as smooth as possible. The right team doesn’t just remodel your home—they protect your peace of mind along the way.
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REMODELER
Hiring someone to remodel your home means inviting them into your life—often for weeks or months at a time. That’s why trust is the foundation of a successful remodel. The right remodeler will take the time to understand your goals, ask thoughtful questions, and communicate openly from the very first meeting. You should feel comfortable sharing your vision, your concerns, and even your budget. A strong remodeler-customer relationship is built on transparency and mutual respect, and those early conversations can reveal a lot about whether someone is truly a good fit. Trust isn’t just about credentials—it’s about how you feel when you hand them the keys.
It can be tempting to go with the lowest estimate, especially when remodeling comes with so many unknowns. But a bid without context—without a clear scope, detailed materials, and realistic timelines—can lead to costly surprises down the road. The right remodeler will offer a fixed-price estimate that reflects real-world pricing, current market conditions, and thoughtful consideration of your priorities. They’ll walk you through the numbers, explain where your investment is going, and help you make informed choices. Instead of focusing on what costs the least, focus on who helps you feel most prepared for what’s ahead.
A great remodeling experience doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders. It takes a team of experts working together behind the scenes to manage timelines, source materials, maintain quality, and keep the project running smoothly. When hiring a remodeler, ask about who else is involved—designers, project managers, trade partners—and how they’ll support you throughout the process. The right company will have systems in place to keep things organized, but also real people who genuinely care about the outcome. You want more than a contractor; you want a partner who’s as committed to your home as you are.
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Remodel Contractor Research Checklist
Use this list to evaluate your options and feel confident before signing a contract.
Research & Reputation ☐ Check online reviews on Google, Houzz, and social media ☐ Look for before-and-after photos of completed projects
☐ Ask for references from recent customers ☐ Confirm the company is licensed and insured
Communication & Fit ☐ Schedule a phone consult or in-home consultation ☐ Note how quickly and clearly they respond ☐ Ask how they handle changes, delays, or unexpected issues ☐ Make sure they listen to your goals and concerns Scope & Process ☐ Request a detailed, fixed-price estimate—not just a rough number ☐ Ask who will manage the project day to day ☐ Understand their timeline, including lead times and trade scheduling ☐ Clarify how design, permits, and inspections are handled Transparency & Trust ☐ Ask how they handle budgets—and what happens if things change ☐ Ensure they provide a fixed-scope proposal with clear deliverables ☐ Learn how they communicate during the project (email, calls, software?) ☐ Confirm they offer warranties or post-project support
Bonus Tip: If you feel uneasy at any point, trust your instincts. The right remodeler will make you feel informed, respected, and excited—not overwhelmed.
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THE BEST LOOKING GARAGE ON THE BLOCK TRANSFORM YOUR GARAGE JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER HOSTING WITH CUSTOM COATINGS
218-620-9128 WWW.COATINGSAUTHORITY.COM
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TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Sarah George | Interior Designer STUDIO A
WWW.DESIGNBYSTUDIOA.COM
Sarah George , one of our talented interior designers, brings passion and creativity to every project—from cabinetry layouts to full home transformations.
One of her favorite projects was a kitchen remodel in a historic home, where she helped design a custom butler pantry complete with a unique hood and handpicked corbels. The collaborative process and personal touches made the space as distinctive as the family who lives there. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys lakeside summers and cozy, creative time with her husband Patrick and their two kids, Miles and Lucy—whether they’re painting, building, reading, or settling in for a movie night.
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How-To How-To Create a Home That Grows with You DESIGNING FLEXIBLE, Create a Home That Grows with You
FUTURE-READY SPACES THAT EVOLVE WITH YOUR LIFE
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THINK BEYOND THE NOW
Designing a home that grows with you means planning not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s possibilities. Families change, routines shift, and the way we use our homes evolves over time. That’s why flexible design is about more than open floor plans—it’s about creating spaces that can adapt as your life does.
This starts with smart, intentional planning. Whether you’re welcoming a new child, shifting to remote work, caring for aging parents, or just craving a little breathing room, the layout of your home should be able to flex with you. From multi-use rooms to reconfigurable furniture and storage solutions, future-ready design builds in the space—and grace—you need to live well now and later.
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DESIGN WITH PURPOSE, NOT JUST STYLE
A beautiful home is only as good as its ability to serve your lifestyle. That’s why thoughtful design goes deeper than aesthetic choices—it solves real-life challenges. Want a home office that could later become a guest suite? Need a mudroom that works for strollers now and sports gear down the road? These are the types of questions we help you think through from the beginning. Our Studio A design team works alongside you to find opportunities for dual-purpose spaces, smart traffic flow, and finishes that hold up beautifully over time. We don’t just ask what you want—we ask how you live, so we can help you make decisions that create both harmony and longevity in your home.
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CREATE A HOME YOU WON’T OUTGROW
There’s a difference between remodeling to keep up with trends and remodeling to build a foundation for the future. When your home is designed with flexibility in mind, you’re less likely to need constant updates or drastic changes down the road. Instead, you can make strategic upgrades that feel right now—but continue to support your lifestyle years from now.
Whether it’s an in-law suite tucked into the basement, extra outlets and built-ins for future tech, or space-saving cabinetry that makes everyday life easier, the best remodels make room for what’s next. It’s not about having more—it’s about designing smarter, with intention and vision.
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Your Life, Your Layout Every family’s needs are different—and they’re always evolving. That’s why we take a personalized, long-view approach to every remodel. It starts with asking the right questions: How do you spend your time at home? What’s missing in your current layout? What might your needs look like five or ten years from now? By exploring those answers together, we’re able to design spaces that adapt and support—not just your lifestyle today, but the way you want to live in the future. Maybe that means adding hidden storage that keeps clutter at bay as your family grows, carving out a quiet nook that can evolve from nursery to study space, or installing accessible features that allow you to age in place with comfort and dignity. We believe that flexibility doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or character —it means building in the freedom to evolve. Your home should be a reflection of your story, with room to write every new chapter. When your layout supports your life—not the other way around—you’ll love your home longer, and live in it better.
Check out our design process!
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HOW-TO HOW-TO DESIGN A KITCHEN YOU’LL LOVE FOR YEARS KITCHEN YOU ’ LL LOVE FOR YEARS
DESIGN A
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START WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST...
A lasting kitchen design starts with function. Before diving into colors, finishes, or trends, think about how you use the space every day. Do you love to cook elaborate meals or prefer quick, on-the-go prep? Are you hosting big gatherings or wrangling after-school chaos? A kitchen that stands the test of time is one that truly supports your lifestyle.
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...THE LAYOUT
We always start with the layout—making sure the flow between prep, cooking, and clean-up feels effortless. From there, it’s about placing appliances, work zones, and key features in ways that make daily routines feel smooth, not stressful. When the layout works, everything else can be layered on with intention.
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STORAGE THAT WORKS SMARTER...
Storage is one of the most important elements of kitchen design—and one of the easiest to overlook. A beautiful kitchen won’t stay that way if it’s cluttered or lacking functional organization. That’s why we approach storage with the same level of strategy as layout and style.
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...NOT HARDER
From hidden trash pull-outs to oversized drawers for pots and pans, from custom spice racks to walk-in pantries that double as prep zones, every detail counts. Smart cabinet inserts, adjustable shelving, vertical tray storage, and built-in appliance garages are just a few of the ways our design team helps you make the most of every inch—so everything has a place and daily life runs more smoothly.
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CHOOSE STYLE THAT GROWS...
While it’s tempting to chase the latest kitchen trend, longevity comes from choosing a style that feels personal and grounded. That doesn’t mean playing it safe—it means finding the right balance between timeless design principles and your unique aesthetic.
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...WITH YOU
We recommend starting with a neutral foundation—think quality cabinetry, durable countertops, and classic finishes—then layering in personality through lighting, hardware, paint, and even art. These are the elements you can easily refresh down the road, keeping your kitchen feeling current without a full remodel. When done well, your kitchen won’t just age gracefully—it’ll evolve right alongside you.
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AUTHORITY HIGHLIGHTS Welcome to "Authority Highlights," our column where we feature the most exciting happenings and developments. Stay tuned for exclusive updates, insider perspectives, and a front-row seat to all the action that makes our community so vibrant!
TARIFFS & YOUR REMODEL WEBINAR: PART ONE Gave homeowners a behind-the-scenes look at how global pricing impacts material costs.
LAUNCHED NEW PHONE CONSULT FOR REMODEL PRICING
Our new Remodel Pricing Consult offers homeowners a simple, no-pressure way to get clear, realistic cost insights before starting their project. UPDATED OUR REMODEL FINANCE OPTIONS We’ve expanded our Remodel Financing options to give homeowners more flexible, accessible ways to fund their projects with confidence.
WRAPPED UP OUR LATEST REMODEL
We recently completed a stunning kitchen and main level remodel—bringing fresh design, smart function, and personalized style to every square foot.
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THE REMODEL RUNDOWN
COMIC
Do I need permits?
Pick paint color before or after backsplash?
Order tile early—or late?
Why didn’t you just put that at the top?
Is this in the budget?
Step 1: Call The Home Authority, Inc.
Structural wall?
Call cousin’s friend’s contractor?
STEP ONE??
We’ll turn the ‘how-to’ into ‘done-for-you’—with expert guidance, thoughtful design, and a seamless remodeling experience from start to finish.
THE HOME AUTHORITY, INC. 2821 Highway 10 E Moorhead, MN 56560 BUSINESS HOURS: M-F (8AM-5PM CST) PHONE: 218-620-9126 EMAIL: info@homeauthorityinc.com
Explore how you can tailor a remodel to fit your specific need without stretching your budgets. Focusing on three key areas— kitchen, bathroom, and basement—let’s look at various scalab remodeling examples that adapt to different financial situatio
How-To Maximize Your Remodel Budget Smart Planning and High-Impact Choices That Make Every Dollar Count
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ds —the ble ons.
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Work with a Contractor Who Understands the Current Economic Climate Material costs, labor shortages, and shifting tariffs all impact today’s remodeling prices—and working with a contractor who’s in tune with those realities can save you time, stress, and money. The right team won’t just give you a ballpark estimate—they’ll provide insight into current market conditions, supply chain timelines, and smart substitutions that preserve style without inflating your budget. Current Market Conditions
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Supply Chain Timelines
Smart Material Substitutions
At The Home Authority, Inc. we constantly monitor these changes to help customers make cost-effective decisions that still deliver high-impact results.
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Weigh Your Financing Options
There’s more than one way to fund your remodel—and understanding those options upfront can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. From home equity loans and renovation-specific financing to 0% credit offers and partner programs, the key is choosing the path that aligns with your financial goals. Financing your project now can help you lock in costs before prices rise further, while keeping your cash reserves intact for other needs.
Local Lending Partners
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Elevate Financing Program
Flex Financing Program
Our team helps you explore every option so you can make the most strategic choice for your situation.
Learn more here!
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Know Your Numbers Before Demo Day
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is diving into demo without a full understanding of the budget breakdown. Before any walls come down, you should have a clear scope of work, a fixed-price contract, and a solid plan for how design choices affect the bottom line. Knowing where your dollars are going —from cabinetry and flooring to permits and labor— empowers you to prioritize what matters most.
Fixed-Price Contract
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Clear Scope of Work
Dedicated Design Choices
That’s why we offer pricing consults and design- first planning tools to ensure you're never caught off guard mid-project.
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Cooking Has Never Been Easier!
CUSTOM CABINET STORAGE DESIGNED TO WORK THE WAY YOU DO!
Tired of digging through cluttered cabinets and overstuffed drawers? Our custom cabinet organization solutions are designed to keep your kitchen running smoothly—so every tool, pan, and spice has its place. Prep, cook, and clean up with ease in a space that works as hard as you do.
218-620-9126 WWW.HOMEAUTHORITYINC.COM/CUSTOM-CABINETS
HOW-TO TURN YOUR INSPO INTO A REAL-LIFE ROOM
FROM MOOD BOARD TO MEASURABLE PLAN—BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE WITH PURPOSEFUL DESIGN
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BATHROOM BALANCE
It’s easy to fall in love with bold bathroom trends—patterned tile, moody paint, dramatic lighting—but turning those dreamy ideas into a space that works for daily life takes balance. A well-designed bathroom blends personality with practicality. That means choosing materials that hold up to humidity, layouts that maximize space, and features that make your routines easier, not just prettier. Our design team helps you translate your favorite inspiration photos into smart, livable choices—so your bathroom looks beautiful and functions flawlessly from morning rush to evening wind-down.
BEFORE
AFTER!
BEFORE
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Moisture-Resistant Material Functional Lighting Smart Storage
Durable Flooring Timeless Finishes Efficient Layout
AFTER!
AFTER!
BEFORE
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KITCHEN CONFIDENCE Designing a kitchen you’ll love for years starts with a foundation of function. While it’s tempting to focus on colors and finishes, lasting satisfaction comes from a layout that flows, surfaces that hold up, and storage that makes daily life easier. The goal isn’t just to create a beautiful kitchen—it’s to build one that supports your lifestyle with confidence. From cabinet choices to countertop materials and everything in between, our team helps you make smart, stylish decisions that feel right for your home today and tomorrow.
BEFORE
AFTER!
BEFORE
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Functional Layout Quality Cabinetry Durable Surfaces
Ample Storage Timeless Finishes Personalized Touches
AFTER!
AFTER!
BEFORE
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BETTER BASEMENT A basement remodel is full of potential—but only when it’s designed with intention. Whether you’re creating a cozy family lounge, a guest suite, a playroom, or all of the above, a great basement balances comfort, storage, lighting, and flow. Since lower levels often come with layout quirks and limited natural light, thoughtful planning is key to making the space feel just as inviting as the rest of your home. Our team helps you reimagine your basement with purpose—so it doesn’t just feel “finished,” it feels like home.
BEFORE
AFTER!
BEFORE
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Defined zones Cozy lighting Ample storage
Smart flooring Neutral palette Inviting layout
AFTER!
AFTER!
BEFORE
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Thank You!
Thank you for reading The How-To Issue of our magazine. At The Authority Companies, we believe that great remodeling begins with great guidance—and it’s our privilege to walk alongside homeowners as they turn inspiration into reality. Whether you're just beginning to dream about remodeling or are already knee-deep in planning, our goal is to make the process approachable, empowering, and—most of all—enjoyable. We know the remodeling journey comes with big decisions and even bigger hopes, which is why we’ve built a process that’s thoughtful, transparent, and tailored to each family we serve. Our team is here to help you navigate not just layouts and finishes, but timelines, budgets, and real-life challenges. We bring together expert designers, skilled craftspeople, and dedicated project leads who treat your home like their own—because to us, this work is deeply personal. We also understand that remodeling is an investment, and timing matters. That’s why we offer a range of tools and resources—from flexible financing to personalized pricing consults—to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Your home should serve you well now and in the future, and we’re honored to be part of making that happen. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the how-to. It’s about creating spaces that reflect who you are, support how you live, and bring your family closer together. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey—and for trusting us to help you build not just a better home, but a more meaningful one.
The Authority Companies Team
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Curious what your remodel might cost? Our quick and easy phone consult gives you a realistic ballpark based on your project type, insight into average pricing in our region, and the key factors that impact overall cost. It’s a no- pressure first step toward planning your remodel with clarity—and partnering with a team that understands how to bring your vision to life. What Will Your Remodel Cost? What Will Your Remodel Cost?
Scan Here to Schedule!
THE AUTHORITY COMPANIES
It takes multiple skill sets and craftspeople to bring a home project to life. We've built our companies on a foundation of quality, and brought together a truly talented team to give you a home remodel that will withstand the test of time.
authoritycompanies.com
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