Most homeowners dream of a beautiful remodel or a high-end backyard ADU… and then get blindsided by stress, delays, surprise costs, and contractors who don’t call back. Stress-Free Renovations is your crash course in how construction really works—written by a poor kid turned multi-million-dollar general contractor who built his life, and his company, one job at a time. Raised with the lights getting shut off and more bills than money, Ryon Harris didn’t come from connections or privilege. He learned construction the hard way: tile, framing, concrete, roofing, finish work, then full home builds and ADUs. Today he leads Carter Family General Contractor in Oregon, known for luxury remodeling, additions, and income-producing accessory dwelling units. In this book, he opens the hood on the remodeling industry and shows you how to renovate without losing your mind, your marriage, or your savings. Inside, you’ll learn how to: • Plan a stress-free renovation from day one so you’re in control instead of reacting to emergencies. • Talk to your general contractor, project manager, and crew so expectations are clear and there’s less conflict. • Build clean, realistic budgets for kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, additions, garages, and ADUs. • Protect yourself from change-order disasters, scope creep, and “we ran into a surprise” invoices. • Turn your property into a wealth-building engine using smart, high-ROI upgrades and ADU rentals. • Decide where to spend (structure, waterproofing, mechanical, kitchen, baths) and where you can safely save. • Live through construction with kids, pets, and neighbors without chaos taking over your life. You’ll also see exactly how an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) can become a long-term financial safety net. One small home in your backyard can help cover your mortgage, stabilize your monthly bills, and create a lifetime income stream for your family. Over decades, that extra rent can add up to millions of dollars in value—without you having to flip houses or become a full-time landlord. If you’ve ever searched “how to hire a contractor,” “how much does a remodel cost,” “how much does an ADU cost,” or “how do I avoid getting ripped off on my renovation,” this book was written for you. It’s packed with practical checklists, real stories from job sites, and simple frameworks you can use to compare bids, choose materials, and keep your project moving. This is not a fluffy design book full of pretty pictures. It’s a real-world homeowner’s guide to: • Home renovation and remodeling • Kitchen and bathroom remodels • Home additions and whole-house updates • Backyard ADUs and multigenerational living • Working with builders, designers, and inspectors • Budgeting, scheduling, and surviving the process Ryon writes the way contractors actually talk on site—direct, honest, sometimes raw, but always on your side. He shares the personal story behind the Carter Family brand, including health scares and hard losses that forced him to ask, “What am I really building, and who am I building it for?” The answer became his motto: Because Family Means More. Whether you live in Oregon or across the country, Stress-Free Renovations will help you think like a builder, negotiate like a pro, and lead your project with confidence. Read this before you sign your next contract, break ground on that dream kitchen, or start designing your ADU. You’ll save money, protect your sanity, and come out of the experience with more than a beautiful space—you’ll come out with a stronger home, a stronger family, and a clear plan for using your property to build long-term security and legacy. If you’re ready to stop fearing your renovation and start using construction as a tool to create freedom, stability, and generational wealth, this book is your blueprint.