Thinking About Remodeling Your Home? Here’s What You Should Know

Are you considering a home remodel - updating your kitchen or bathroom, adding more space, or doing a full renovation? You’ve probably spoken with contractors, gotten advice from friends who’ve done it, and maybe even thought about tackling the project yourself.

Here’s the truth: remodeling is full of unknowns.

While building a new home follows a more predictable process, remodeling an existing one is a different story. What lies behind your walls is often a mystery, and structural issues or poor construction can stay hidden until work begins. Successfully blending new work with the existing design, materials, and construction techniques requires skill, experience, and attention to detail. A contractor’s craftsmanship, leadership, and budget management can significantly affect the quality and outcome of the project.

Take a look at the Before and After photos below from a dramatic bathroom remodel - we think you’ll agree, the right team makes all the difference.

Use Internet Advice Cautiously

Online research can be helpful, but it often fails to consider your specific location and the unique conditions of your home. Building codes, materials availability, labor costs, frost lines, and even window pressure requirements vary significantly from one region to another.

Ask yourself:

• Is the source local and credible?

• Do they have remodeling experience in homes like yours?

• Are they trying to sell you something?

  
  

There’s a big difference between “getting the job done” and “getting the job done professionally.”

Why Does Remodeling Cost So Much?

It’s a common question—and an important one. Compared to new construction, remodeling involves more complexity:

• There’s demolition, debris removal, and disposal.

• Safety is a priority for your family, pets, and property.

• Matching existing materials like flooring, stucco, or wall texture can be time-consuming.

• Your home remains occupied, which requires daily cleanup and careful scheduling.

These added factors translate into more time and higher costs. And that’s before we get into what’s actually included in a contractor’s estimate.

What’s Behind a Contractor’s Price?

Here’s a partial list of the real costs involved in a professional remodeling project:

1. Time spent estimating, managing, and directing the project.

2. Contractor licensing, workers' comp, and liability insurance.

3. Labor, tools, vehicle expenses, and project supervision.

4. Ongoing training, certifications, and employee benefits.

5. Fees for subcontractors, artisans, and materials.

6. Demolition, waste removal, and hazardous material disposal.

7. Daily jobsite cleanup for your comfort.

8. Office space, utilities, and operational overhead.

9. Unemployment and other required insurances.

10. Legal, association, and membership fees.

11. Bookkeeping and accounting services.

12. Administrative expenses - contracts, website, stationery.

13. Warranty work and callbacks.

14. Communication systems.

15. Local business and property taxes.

16. Profit - the key to staying in business and standing behind the work long-term.

Yes - profit is essential. A contractor who runs a stable, well-managed business is far more likely to honor warranties and handle post-project concerns professionally.

In Conclusion

Remodeling is an investment - not just in your property, but in the quality of your daily life. While the cost can feel overwhelming, the results - when done right - are more than worth it. Choose a contractor who values their craft, their business, and most importantly, your home.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about turning your vision into reality.