2011
The first cornerstone
AJ Ballantine founds Cornerstone Remodeling in Ellicott City with a simple mission: help homeowners realize the true potential of their living spaces.
About Us
Better remodelers. Better people.
Founded by AJ in 2011, Cornerstone was built on a simple mission: help homeowners realize the true potential of their living spaces — with outstanding results and a seamless experience.
It started with a conviction: remodeling should feel as good as the finished room looks.
The leaders of Cornerstone embarked on their journey in home remodeling with a clear mission: help homeowners realize the true potential of their living spaces. Inspired by their own experiences with renovation, they understood the importance of creating personalized, functional, and beautiful environments that fit the unique needs and lifestyle of each client.
Driven by a passion for design and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, AJ established Cornerstone in 2011 to deliver outstanding results and a seamless remodeling experience. Fifteen years later, the mission hasn't changed — we strive to be better: better remodelers, better designers, better craftsmen, better friends, better people.
Our story
Fifteen years of building better
From a one-man mission to an award-winning design-build team.
2015
Design comes in-house
Lauren Weber joins as the first in-house designer — the beginning of true design-build under one roof.
2018
The field team grows
Heath Runkles takes the lead in the field, pairing calm expertise with a love for the craft on every job site.
2022
A new chapter
Lauren steps up as General Manager, fostering the creative, collaborative culture that defines the office and field teams today.
2024
Recognized statewide
MBIA Award of Excellence winner, Best of Howard County, and a Remodeling Big50 firm.
2026
Baltimore's best
Voted The Baltimore Sun's Readers' Choice Best Remodeler — thanks to the homeowners who invited us in.
What we believe
The values behind the craft
Craftsmanship
In-house designers, project managers, and craftsmen who hold one shared standard.
Transparency
Clear budgets, daily portal updates, and no surprises from first sketch to final walkthrough.
Care
We treat every home like our own — tidy job sites, respectful crews, lasting relationships.
Testimonials
What homeowners say
G5.0 on Google★★★★★
S
GSarah M.Ellicott City, MD
★★★★★
Cornerstone remodeled our kitchen and we could not be happier. The design team listened to how we actually cook and live, and the crew was meticulous and on schedule every single day.
J
GJames & Kelly R.Clarksville, MD
★★★★★
From the first consult to the final walkthrough, everything was under one roof — one contract, one team. The daily portal updates made the whole build feel effortless.
D
GDavid T.Sykesville, MD
★★★★★
They turned our unfinished basement into a guest suite and home gym. Tidy job site, respectful crew, and the finished space exceeded the 3D renderings.
How long does a typical remodel take?+
It depends on scope — most bathrooms run 4–6 weeks of construction, kitchens 6–10, basements 8–12, and additions 3–6 months. You'll get a detailed schedule before we break ground, with daily updates in your client portal.
Do you handle permits and inspections?+
Yes. As a full design-build firm we handle all drawings, permits, and county inspections across Howard, Carroll, Montgomery, and Frederick Counties.
Do we need to move out during the project?+
Rarely. We contain the work area with dust barriers and keep essential spaces functional — most families live comfortably at home through kitchen, bath, and basement remodels.
How does pricing work?+
After an in-home consultation we provide a detailed fixed proposal — design, materials, and construction in one contract. Our Investment Guide shares typical ranges before you even call.
Are you licensed and insured?+
Yes — MHIC 129673, fully insured, and award-winning since 2011, including Baltimore Sun's Best Remodeler 2026.
Ready to meet the team?
Let's discuss your goals and create a plan that gets results. Every project starts with a conversation.
410-336-7011