From Vision to Reality: Leo Lantz’s Guide to Smarter Remodeling

Transcription

Bella: Hi everyone, and welcome to the Leo Lantz Construction Podcast. I’m Bella, and today I’m really excited to have a guest whose work and expertise I’ve admired. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about remodeling your home—especially your kitchen or bathroom—but not sure where to begin, then this episode is just for you.

Joining me today is Leo Lantz, the president of Leo Lantz Construction. With more than 30 years of experience in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, Leo has built a reputation not only for exceptional craftsmanship but also for the care and clarity he brings to every step of the process. Leo, how are you? Thank you so much for being here with us today.

Leo Lantz: Oh, I appreciate it. It’s always a pleasure having a conversation with RTA Marketing and getting the information out to customers and people looking to perform remodels on their projects. We always want to be a resource.

Bella: Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you.

Great, let’s start then, if you’re ready.

Leo Lantz: Of course.

Bella: Alright, well, Leo, I’d love to begin with something a little bit more personal. If you could share one message with homeowners who are thinking about remodeling or who’ve just discovered your company, what would you want them to know about you and Leo Lantz Construction?

Leo Lantz: Well, I would hope that they do their homework. Go to our website—it is full of wonderful information for those just beginning, looking to get inspiration for their projects, or who are looking for a professional contractor. There’s a whole resource there at leolantz.com. You can also go to our social media profiles on Instagram and Facebook.

And the main thing I want to tell clients is: do your homework, and you will have a much better experience for your project.

Bella: Perfect. And who is Leo Lantz, and what is Leo Lantz Construction actually?

Leo Lantz: I’m Leo Lantz. I’m a 30-plus year contractor, remodeler, builder, and designer in the Richmond market—Richmond, Virginia.

We specialize in custom kitchens, remodels, and whole-home renovation projects. We have a design-build process that is all in-house. It expedites the process and creates a very interactive experience with our clients to ensure they receive the best possible service and the design and construction for the project they want and deserve.

And we do our best to deliver for all our clients.

Bella: Perfect. That’s so nice. Good, good, good. Then, let’s dive into the questions. So we’ll start with the first step. Leo, a lot of homeowners start thinking about a remodel but aren’t always sure when they are ready to reach out. So what are three things you wish homeowners knew before reaching out to someone like you?

Leo Lantz: First, Leo Lantz Construction offers a proven design-build process that simplifies your remodel. Before contacting Leo Lantz Construction, homeowners should understand that the company follows a design-build model, which is quite different from the traditional method of hiring separate designers and contractors.

In a design-build firm like Leo Lantz Construction, the entire remodeling journey—from the initial consultation and design development through construction and final touches—is handled by one unified team. This process offers homeowners several key benefits: streamlined communication, consistent accountability, and a more accurate alignment between vision, budget, and execution.

Clients don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors or feel caught between design aspirations and real-world construction challenges. Our team handles it all under one roof, resulting in better coordination, fewer surprises, and a smoother overall experience. Homeowners should be prepared to engage in early collaborative planning to help the team understand how their home works for them—and how it could work better.

Second, quality, craftsmanship, and integrity are non-negotiable values. Leo Lantz Construction is not a lowest-bid contractor, and that’s by design. With over 30 years of experience and a solid reputation in the Richmond, Virginia area, my team and I are known for our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and doing things right the first time.

If you’re looking for a quick, surface-level renovation or a rock-bottom price, my team may not be the best fit. But if you want a thoughtfully designed space that adds value, beauty, and longevity to your home, you’re in the right place. The company emphasizes using high-quality materials, skilled people, and a well-organized process to deliver results that homeowners are proud to live in.

 My personal involvement in each project ensures that every detail meets the company’s exacting standards.

And third, planning and open communication are the foundation of a successful remodel. One of the most important things to understand before reaching out is that a successful remodel starts long before demolition begins. Leo Lantz Construction places a strong emphasis on pre-construction planning, lifestyle analysis, and budget alignment. Homeowners should come prepared to talk about how they use their home, what isn’t working, and what they envision both aesthetically and functionally.

This deep dive into goals and expectations allows the team to create a remodel that truly enhances the way clients live in their space, rather than just applying cosmetic updates. Open, honest communication throughout the project is encouraged and valued. Our company provides transparent timelines, realistic cost estimates, and regular progress updates so homeowners always know where things stand. Our goal is to eliminate the stress and uncertainty often associated with remodeling and replace it with trust, confidence, and excitement about the transformation.

By understanding these three key aspects of Leo Lantz Construction, homeowners can approach their remodel with the right mindset and enjoy a personalized, high-quality renovation that’s built to last.

Bella: Amazing. I can imagine how much smoother things go when people have those things in mind. Thank you so much for sharing that.

And let me ask you this: if someone isn’t quite ready to remodel yet, is there anything you’d recommend they work on doing early?

Leo Lantz: Well, I always say, it’s never too early to get new ideas. So do some research to find out what you actually like. Pinterest is a great resource for creating idea books. I always tell my clients: create two idea books—one with all the pictures and photos of things you like, and another with all the things you don’t like.

Then, when you’re ready to talk to us, it helps us in the design process to know which direction to go. All of that can be done without committing to any work schedule or contract. That’s the kind of homework you can do ahead of time so that when you do approach Leo Lantz Construction, you’re well ahead of the game.

Bella: Oh yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Okay, well, let’s talk about research. These days, most people check out your website before ever picking up the phone. What should a homeowner look for on your website before getting in touch?

Leo Lantz: Before reaching out, homeowners should explore the following areas on www.leolantz.com

 to get the most value and clarity about Leo Lantz Construction’s services and philosophy.

First, check out the Project Gallery. Review the completed remodels—especially kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home updates. This will help you understand the firm’s diverse design aesthetic, see the quality and scope of work, and get inspiration for your own project.

Services Offered: Check the remodeling services section to confirm they align with your project type, such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, aging in place, design-build, etc.

Client Testimonials: Read reviews and watch any available video testimonials to get an idea of client satisfaction, project timelines, and communication quality.

Design Process Overview: Learn about Leo Lantz Construction’s design-build approach so you know what to expect during planning and construction, how decisions and changes are handled, and the importance of collaboration from day one.

Educational Resources: Explore the blog or FAQs, if available. Topics often include remodeling tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and budgeting insights. This helps you start the conversation well-informed.

Contact and Consultation Information: When ready, locate the contact form or schedule a consultation. Note any required details to streamline your outreach.

By reviewing these sections, homeowners will approach the first call with confidence and clear expectations, making the process smoother and more productive from the start.

Bella: Yes, definitely. And all of these resources and information are there, and it’s very convenient to go check them out.

Leo Lantz: It’s a lot of info, yes. Collecting all that for many years.

Bella: Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. And it’ll help people get an idea about you, and you can even build trust—even at that stage.

Perfect. And when it comes to starting the process, once someone reaches out, the big question becomes: what happens next? So, can you walk us through what it looks like from the first call to getting the project started?

Leo Lantz: Step one is the Discovery Call. This is a quick phone chat to get the ball rolling. We ask a few questions to understand your goals, the scope of the project, your level of investment, and your timeline. It’s not a sales pitch—it’s a conversation to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

Step two, the Zoom Consultation. If things line up, we’ll schedule a virtual consultation. This lets us dig deeper without needing to visit your home just yet. You can share photos or even walk us through the space on video. We’ll talk about design ideas, share similar projects we’ve done, and answer your early questions about process, budget, and timing. It’s casual and super helpful for both sides.

Step three, the In-Home Visit. Now we’re ready to meet in person. I come to your house to assess the site and talk in more detail about how you want to live in your space. We’ll look at flow, function, and how to maximize what you have—or expand it.

Step four, the Design Agreement. If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll sign a design agreement. This kicks off the planning phase, where we work with you to create concept drawings, 3D renderings, and help you select finishes and fixtures. It’s a highly collaborative process built around your style, your goals, and your budget.

Step five, the Construction Proposal. Once the design is finalized, we’ll present a full proposal with a clear scope of work, a fixed price, and a construction timeline. No surprises, no vague estimates—you’ll know exactly what’s included and when things will happen.

Step six, Pre-Construction Preparation. Before we swing a hammer, we get permits approved, order materials, and walk through the logistics of how construction will go. We’ll talk about access, communication preferences, and what to expect week by week.

Step seven, Construction Begins. Now the real transformation starts. Our team shows up on time, keeps the site clean, and keeps you in the loop every step of the way. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the communication is ongoing, and the experience is designed to be as smooth as possible.

So if you’re thinking about remodeling and want a well-organized, thoughtful process from the very first conversation, that’s what Leo Lantz Construction is all about. You can learn more or schedule your discovery call at leolantz.com.

Bella: Yes, absolutely. Thank you for breaking that down. It’s really reassuring to know what to expect. And let me ask you this: at what point do you usually know if a homeowner is a good fit for your process?

Leo Lantz: After that initial conversation, we will have covered most aspects of their scope of work, their design timeline, things like that. And usually at that point, the customer will decide whether to schedule that site visit or not. So that’s kind of when we know.

Bella: Ah, good. Great. Okay, okay. Good, good, good. Now, let’s talk about making design decisions. One of the biggest stress points in remodeling is picking materials—people can get overwhelmed fast. How do you help homeowners make smart decisions without getting overwhelmed by choices?

Leo Lantz: Definitely one of the biggest fears homeowners have about starting a remodel is simply: what if I get overwhelmed by all the decisions? That’s totally fair—between cabinets, countertops, fixtures, flooring, and colors, it adds up fast. But here’s the thing: Leo Lantz Construction is very intentional about making that decision-making process smart, simple, and stress-free.

Here’s how we do it:

First, everything’s under one roof. We use a design-build approach, so you’re not juggling a designer over here and a contractor over there. It’s one team, one process, and that makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping decisions focused and aligned with your goals.

Second, we guide you through selections in stages. You’re not handed a binder with 200 tile options and told “good luck.” Instead, our team curates selections based on your style, budget, and how you live. That narrows things down fast—without limiting your creativity.

Third, we show you what it’ll look like. Before anything’s built, we have the capability to create 3D color drawings, design boards, and samples to help you visualize the finished product. It’s a lot easier to feel confident when you can actually see how it all comes together.

Fourth, we provide honest, experienced advice. If something doesn’t make sense from a long-term value or function perspective, we’ll say so and suggest a better option. That kind of candor is rare—and it saves you time and money in the long run.

And lastly, decisions are phased and paced. You’re not expected to make every choice at once. We break the process into manageable steps so you’re only focused on what matters right now—not everything all at once.

So if you’re worried about decision fatigue or choice overload, don’t be. Leo Lantz Construction helps homeowners move through the remodel process with clarity, not chaos.

Bella: Oh, that sounds so great. Having someone like you who is experienced is very helpful. What about the trust between you and homeowners? Because trust is everything in remodeling, and it usually starts before the first meeting even happens. So how do your reviews and reputation help homeowners feel confident choosing you?

Leo Lantz: When you’re trusting someone to remodel your home, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re inviting them into your life. That’s why reputation really matters, and at Leo Lantz Construction, we take that seriously.

Our reviews aren’t just five-star ratings—they’re stories. Stories from homeowners who were nervous about taking on a big remodel but came out the other side thrilled with not only the results but the experience. We hear things like, “The communication was amazing.” “They treated our home with respect.” “Leo actually listened to what we needed.”

And here’s what that tells a future client: this is a company that shows up, that follows through, and that takes pride in doing things the right way—not just the fast way.

On top of that, our reputation isn’t built on just advertising. It’s built on referrals and repeat clients. That kind of trust doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from consistency, transparency, and treating every project like it matters—because it does.

So if you’re a homeowner wondering who to trust with your remodel, take a few minutes to read our reviews. You won’t just hear about pretty kitchens or updated bathrooms—you’ll hear about peace of mind. And honestly, that’s what we’re most proud of.

Bella: Yes, wonderful. Okay. So could you please share this: have any clients ever said something that really stuck with you? It could be funny stories or nicknames, etc.

Leo Lantz: Oh gosh, there are so many of those. But probably one of my favorite clients—he was a retired chancellor judge—and he comes up to me and says, “Leo, you see these? They’re useless. That’s why you’re here.”

He knew his limitations. And a lot of times, when people know their limitations, they know who to go to for help with their needs. That was classic for me.

People have a funny way of showing their appreciation. I’ve had one client who made me company t-shirts with my picture on them. On the back it said, “Leo the Legend.” I told him, “I really appreciate that. But all the legends I know are dead, so I’m not there yet.”

And I had another client who actually took a magazine cover that I was on, sent it off, and had a bobblehead made of me. That was incredible. It’s just people’s imagination and creativity sometimes—it’s remarkable.

Bella: Yes, yes, absolutely. Amazing stories. Good, good, great stories. Thank you again for sharing those.

Okay, here we are in the final step. Let’s talk about what happens after the dust settles—the final steps. Once the project is done, people don’t always realize there is still a little bit more to the journey. What does your team do after the remodel is finished to make sure everything is just right?

Leo Lantz: So the remodel is complete—the paint’s dry, the fixtures are in, and the dust is settled. But at Leo Lantz Construction, that’s not the end of the story. In fact, it’s one of the most important parts of the whole process: the follow-through.

Once the last tool is packed up, we do a final walkthrough with the homeowner. We go over everything together—every cabinet, drawer, switch, and surface—to make sure the details are exactly right and nothing’s been missed. We encourage questions, we invite feedback, and we want you to live in the space and really feel it before we call it complete.

And we don’t disappear after that. Every project comes with a written warranty, and if anything needs adjustment—a door that settles, a touch-up here or there—we’re there to take care of it. No runaround, no finger-pointing, just accountability.

What really sets us apart is that we treat your home the way we’d want ours treated—with care and long-term respect. We’ve even had clients call us months later just to say, “We still love it,” and we’ll check in just to make sure they still do. Because to us, the project isn’t done when the tools are gone. It’s done when you feel proud to show it off, comfortable living in it, and confident that you made the right choice.

Bella: So nice, so nice. It’s so important to feel supported even after the work is done. That is fantastic. And is there anything you do that surprises homeowners after the job is technically done?

Leo Lantz: Well, we have a policy of sending a thank-you card. It’s like a trifold, so it has a picture of what the space looked like before, one photo from during the remodel, and then the after product. And people do not throw those things away. They carry them with them, and they’re so proud of where they came from that they want to show it off to all their friends. So that’s something a little different, or unique, that we do for our clients.

Bella: Yes. And it must be emotional, seeing the before and after. Good, good, good. And a lot of—

Leo Lantz: Clients—they’ve lived in the house so long they can’t imagine it any other way. And then once we’re done with it, they want to forget what it used to look like.

Bella: Yes. And it turned into something fantastic.

Leo Lantz: Oh yeah, absolutely.

Bella: Okay, ah, good. So nice. Okay, Leo, those were my questions for you today. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to add or share with our listeners?

Leo Lantz: I think we covered everything today. I look forward to seeing the footage and making sure everyone does their homework. Collect your information, and when you’re interviewing contractors, ask a lot of questions. Don’t just go on someone’s referral—do your homework. Ask for current references from the contractors you’re interviewing. Sometimes companies have staff turnover, and that may change your experience a bit.

But those are the main things: just do your homework. I know we all want to trust, but my father was in the military and he used to say, “Trust, but verify.” That’s my suggestion.

Bella: Yeah, you’re very right about asking questions, and again, referrals are very important.

Leo Lantz: When he was a young man, he had a small farm up in Louisa. The big question was always, “What should I plant?” Well, he went up to the biggest landowner there—the one with the largest farm—and asked him what to plant. The guy told him what to plant. But Dad not only listened, he went out and looked in that man’s fields to see what he had actually planted. Because a lot of times someone will tell you to plant something else if they want to make the most money. So: trust, but verify.

Bella: Yes. Okay, good, good. Great.

Well, thank you so much, Leo, for joining us today and sharing your wisdom. I really appreciate the openness and care you bring to your work. And thank you to everyone listening or watching—your support means so much.

If you’d like to learn more about Leo Lantz Construction, or connect with Leo, you’ll find the website link in the description below. Be sure to check it out for more information and resources.

Until next time, take care, and thanks for being with us.