In this budget-conscious flip, Lauren and Lincoln from Homemade transformed a dated 1995 house in Round Rock, Texas, into a modern, market-ready home. With a purchase price under $300K and a total investment of $373K, they focused on strategic upgrades—foundation repair, cosmetic fixes, and smart design choices—without breaking the bank. The result? A gorgeous transformation with a 21% return on equity and a stunning aesthetic that blends bold design with budget discipline.
Design on a Budget: The Renovation Decisions That Paid Off
Foundation First: Fix What Matters Most
Before any cosmetic updates could begin, the team at Homemade had to address one of the home’s biggest issues—foundation damage. Cracks were visible on nearly every wall, the tile was shifting, and the floors were uneven. These signs pointed to a deeper structural problem, which is common in homes built on the clay-rich soil found throughout Central Texas.
To correct this, they raised and stabilized the slab using piers, then conducted a hydrostatic test to confirm that the plumbing underneath had not been damaged. These foundational repairs were critical for making the property eligible for financing and insurance. With the structure secure, the team could begin repairing drywall, applying texture, and painting to restore a clean, solid interior.
Investor insight: Structural issues may seem daunting, but resolving them early can increase a property’s marketability and value. It also allows for smoother resale by opening the door to traditional financing.
Kitchen Transformation: Budget-Friendly with Bold Impact
The kitchen became one of the most striking areas of the home without requiring a full gut renovation. Instead of replacing the dated cabinets, the team chose to keep them and invest in a fresh coat of dark green paint. The result was a high-impact, moody aesthetic that immediately modernized the space. Gold hardware added a stylish contrast and completed the upgrade.
Additional improvements included a new creamy beige backsplash with a subtle shimmer, updated countertops, and all-new appliances. Modern pendant lighting added visual interest and helped define the space within the open floor plan. The kitchen now feels high-end and efficient, even though the footprint remained the same.
Investor insight: Retaining functional elements and enhancing them with updated finishes can save thousands while still delivering a modern, polished look.
Modernized Bathrooms: Smart Solutions with Stylish Results
Both bathrooms were heavily dated and full of 90s character. There was floral wallpaper, green tile, and even wall-to-wall carpet in the primary bathroom. Despite these challenges, the team found ways to update the spaces without overspending.
In the hall bathroom, the existing green tile was reglazed to a clean, bright white. This preserved the original surround and avoided the need for demolition. A new vanity, updated fixtures, and unique lighting gave the room a fresh and playful vibe.
The primary bathroom received more extensive updates. The carpet was removed and replaced with durable slate tile. The original tub was refinished, and bold green tile was added behind it to introduce character. A new vanity, white shaker cabinets, and updated light fixtures tied the design together and brought the room into a much more current look.
Investor insight: Reglazing tile and reusing what’s in good condition can reduce costs and simplify the renovation process without sacrificing the end result.
Clever Cosmetic Choices: Small Changes That Deliver Big Impact
This flip shows how well-executed cosmetic updates can completely transform a home. New wood-look flooring with gray undertones gave the home a unified, modern appearance. Warm beige walls softened the overall tone, replacing the harsher 90s palette. Updated light fixtures, including sleek fans and stylish flush mounts, brought in charm and modern functionality.
One of the smartest choices was staging. The front room had a narrow, undefined layout that could confuse buyers. By staging it as both a formal living room and dining area, the team gave the space purpose and clarity. They also removed an awkward triangular nook and replaced outdated fixtures to help the layout feel more natural and intentional.
Investor insight: Thoughtful cosmetic upgrades and smart staging can elevate a property without major construction. These details make a big difference in how a space is perceived.
Financial Breakdown
- Purchase Price: $275,000
- Renovation Costs: $74,000
- Financing & Holding Costs: $24,000
- Total Investment: $373,000
- Listing Price: $425,000
- Gross Profit: $22,000
- Return on Equity: 21%
Pro Tip – You can use New Silver’s Free House Flipping Calculator to analyze the net profit of any house that you are thinking about investing in.
5 Key Lessons for First-Time Flippers
Flipping your first property can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. This Round Rock renovation offers practical insights for anyone starting out and looking for their first house to flip. Here are five lessons to help you avoid common mistakes and stretch your renovation dollars wisely.
1. Foundation Issues Can Be an Opportunity
Many buyers walk away from homes with structural problems, but they often come with discounted prices. In this project, fixing the foundation early added real value and made the home eligible for financing, which opened it up to more buyers.
💡 Tip: Always inspect the structure and get repair quotes. The cost may be worth it if it turns a dealbreaker into a profit-maker.
2. Use the Layout You Have
Instead of reconfiguring the entire floor plan, the team worked with the existing layout and used staging to define key spaces. This saved money and helped buyers envision how the home could function.
💡 Tip: If the layout is usable, focus on enhancing it with smart staging rather than doing major structural work.
3. Work With What You’ve Got
The biggest budget wins came from keeping and improving what was already there. The team painted the cabinets, reglazed old tile, and reused solid materials that still looked great with a little updating.
💡 Tip: Prioritize visual updates. New paint, hardware, and lighting can dramatically modernize a space without a full remodel.
4. Stage to Show Purpose
This home had an awkward front room that could easily confuse buyers. By staging it as a formal living and dining area, the space felt more intentional and welcoming.
💡 Tip: Always stage challenging spaces. Buyers need to understand how a room can be used before they can fall in love with it.
5. Make a Statement with Color
The deep green cabinets and bold tile choices gave this flip personality and helped it stand out in the market. These updates were affordable but packed a big design punch.
💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid of bold design. A single feature with color or contrast can make your flip memorable without adding major cost.
Work out what your property will be worth after your repairs, use our FREE ARV calculator below.
Who are the Austin Flipsters?
The Austin Flipsters are Lincoln and Lauren, two long-time friends who teamed up to turn real estate investing into a creative and engaging business.
Lincoln is a seasoned real estate developer and entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in the Texas market. He has bought, sold, and developed more than $300 million in residential and commercial properties. With a finance degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Lincoln brings deep industry knowledge and business strategy to every flip.
Lauren is the creative vision behind the Flipsters’ unique design style. A self-described real estate junkie, she began by renovating her own homes and later expanded into rental properties and house flipping. With a marketing degree from Texas A&M University, Lauren consistently delivers stylish, high-end designs that appeal to today’s buyers in Austin’s fast-moving market.
Together, Lincoln and Lauren built the Austin Flipsters into a brand that makes flipping houses both fun and educational. Through their company, Homemade, and their popular YouTube channel, they help homeowners and investors learn how to renovate smart, stay on budget, and add serious value to every project.
