THE expert TEAM BEHIND REMODELWISE LLC
When you invite someone into your home, trust matters more than anything. RemodelWise LLC was built on that simple truth. We are an experienced home remodeling team based in Kansas City, Missouri, and everything we do reflects 30 years of combined construction experience, a genuine respect for your space, and a commitment to getting it right the first time. No shortcuts, no "good enough," and no mess left behind.
Meet the Team
TWO OWNERS, ONE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Valerie Austin leads project planning and client communication. She is the creative and strategic voice of every project, guiding clients through the process from first call to final walkthrough. Her focus is on making sure the vision is clear, the plan is solid, and the experience feels collaborative rather than stressful. Thomas Sawtelle leads technical craftsmanship and field operations. He oversees structural integrity, construction execution, and the day-to-day work that turns a plan into a finished space. Together, Valerie and Thomas bring more than 30 years of combined construction experience to every project, and their joint venture model means both owners are actively involved from start to finish. That is not something you find at most contracting companies. The result is a level of accountability and craft that shows in the finished product, whether we are finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen, or correcting the damage left behind by a previous contractor who did not do the job right.
Your Questions, Answered
What Kansas City Homeowners Ask Us Most
What sets RemodelWise LLC apart from other remodeling contractors in Kansas City?
RemodelWise is a business co-led by two owners who are hands-on at every project. With more than 30 years of combined construction experience rooted in institutional property management, the team applies a level of precision and accountability that most residential contractors do not match. The focus is on treating your home with care, which means clean work areas, honest communication, and craftsmanship that does not cut corners. The BBB A+ rating, held since January 2023, provides third-party verification of that commitment.
Who founded RemodelWise LLC and what is their professional background?
RemodelWise LLC was established in February 2022 by Valerie Austin and Thomas Sawtelle. Both founders transitioned from large-scale property management, where they accumulated more than 30 years of combined experience overseeing maintenance and construction at a portfolio level. Valerie leads design and client communication, while Thomas leads technical operations and field execution. Their move into client-direct residential remodeling was intentional, driven by a desire to bring professional-grade standards to the Kansas City homeowner market.Is RemodelWise a good fit for homeowners who feel uncomfortable with traditional contractors?
Yes, and that is a core reason the company was built the way it was. The team is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for every client. Whether you have had a bad experience with a previous contractor, feel uncertain about letting strangers into your home, or simply want a team that communicates clearly and respects your space, RemodelWise is designed with those needs in mind. The goal is to replace the typical stress of remodeling with a collaborative, artisan-led process.
What areas does RemodelWise serve, and when is the team available to take calls?
RemodelWise is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the broader KC Metro area and surrounding communities throughout Missouri. The team is available seven days a week, including weekends, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Weekend availability is intentional, as that is when many busy professionals and homeowners have time to think through renovation plans. The fastest way to connect is by calling or texting 816-301-5076, or you can use the contact form and expect a prompt follow-up.How does the process work when I first reach out to RemodelWise?
The process follows three clear steps. First, there is a free consultation call where the team gets aligned on your project vision and a general timeline. Second, there is a $75 on-site walkthrough to assess the full scope of work in detail; that fee is waived for projects billed hourly. Third, a design estimate is prepared at $150 per room, which includes basic drawings and a material list; that fee is waived once you accept the estimate. Once the estimate is accepted, a deposit of 25 to 50 percent is required to secure your spot on the schedule, with priority given in the order deposits are received.Does RemodelWise hold any formal accreditation I can verify independently?
Yes. RemodelWise LLC has held a BBB A+ rating since January 2023. This accreditation reflects the company's track record of ethical business practices, responsive client communication, and commitment to resolving any concerns professionally. For homeowners who want third-party reassurance before hiring a contractor, the BBB rating provides an independent benchmark that is publicly verifiable.Can RemodelWise handle projects in older homes with existing structural problems?
Yes. The team has direct experience working in homes with complex structural challenges, including cases where previous contractors left behind compromised framing, plumbing, and drywall. One documented example involved a 120-year-old Kansas City home where prior work had created significant problems throughout the structure. RemodelWise identified and corrected those issues as part of the renovation. This kind of work requires diagnostic skill and craftsmanship that goes well beyond standard remodeling, and the team approaches it with the same precision applied to every project.
