How Much Does Home Remodeling Cost?

Fill out the form to compare prices and estimates from local remodeling companies.

The cost to a 1,000 square foot is around $17,500, while a 3,000+ sq foot home costs an average of $33,200. Here’s what you need to know.

Your home is most likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. In 2018, American homeowners were projected to spend a whopping $340 billion on remodeling jobs in that year alone.

Whether it’s updating tile in the kitchen or getting some simple repairs, it’s essential to find a knowledgeable and honest remodeling contractor to help you get the job done right the first time.

Before you sign on the dotted line, what are some things to look out for?

• Kitchen Remodeling
• Attic Remodeling
• Basement Remodeling
• Bathroom Remodeling
• Garage Remodeling
• Full House Remodeling
• Home Additions

Here, we discover a few helpful tips so you can compare contractor costs and customer experiences that could save you a ton of remodeling money.

How Much Does Home Remodeling Cost?

When determining the cost of a home remodel, the scope and scale play a big role. If you were to gut and re-do your entire kitchen, the price will certainly be higher than if you were to knock down a wall in the living room.

It’s recommended that you get at least three estimates for every job you’re considering. This will help you perform a clear side-by-side comparison before making your choice.

Ask the contractor if you can see a portfolio of some of their finished projects. You’ll have a better vision of how your home might look and you’ll also get some clearer insight into their work and what it looks like in “real life.”

While there’s no set dollar figure on how much home remodeling costs, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars for bathrooms or kitchens if they are a complete remodel. Smaller jobs may cost less, but these two rooms are typically the most expensive due to plumbing and other finishes.

Of course, you certainly want to save money but keep in mind that the lowest cost does not always mean you’re getting the best results or the best quality work.

Do Your Homework on a Remodeling Contractor

Almost any contractor you’re considering is going to show you a portfolio of their best work. With that in mind, get references whenever possible.

Customer reviews are helpful, but personal references from people who have used the contractor in the past will give you confidence and prove that the contractor is reliable, trustworthy, and does quality work.

Ask questions like:

• Were they timely and on schedule?
• How were their workers in terms of cleanliness and thoroughness?
• Did you encounter any last minute, unexpected charges?
• Was the contractor communicative and helpful throughout the process?
• Does the work look as good as it did the day it was completed?

By asking essential questions, you’ll have a clear picture of what you can expect from the same contractor.

Remember, a quality contracting company should be more than happy to provide you with a list of references you can call.

Speed Does Not Equal Quality

When you’re looking at a home renovation contractor, you’re probably ready to just get it done. And of course, timeliness is an excellent quality for anyone to have.

But with a home renovation, speed is not necessarily a good thing. Your home remodeling contractor should communicate a timeline with you in advance and stick to it. If they are finished much sooner than anticipated, it’s not always a great sign.

Typically, when contractors are done extremely early they’ve rushed through the job.

The average bathroom remodel can cost in the tens of thousands. The same goes for a kitchen remodel, which is usually even more expensive. Make sure your contractor sticks to the timeline, but that they’re also paying attention to detail.

Don’t be afraid to check up on them and ask questions as they go. After all, it’s your home.

Look Out for Red Flags

Since you’re investing your hard-earned money in your home remodel, you want it to be done correctly.

There are a few important “red flags” you should look for in the contractor’s past work that is a good indication they aren’t the one for you.

Look for things like loose trim, uneven tiles, cracked grout, or sloppy paint jobs for living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

If you’re looking for exterior work like decks, be aware of red flags like loose boards, gaps or cracks between boards, and swelling.

Customer reviews are also extremely helpful and if someone posts something negative in detail, it might be a good idea to ask them about it in private or consider a different company altogether.

All of these red flags should be easy to spot once you know what to look for, and you should be able to see them in the contractor’s portfolio. Alternatively, your references might be able to tell you about problems they encountered so you’ll know to steer clear.

Essential Questions

No matter how you go about choosing a remodeling contractor, there are several essential questions you definitely need to ask. This includes:

• How long have they been in business, and have they been doing business in the same area the entire time?
• Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
• When can they start and what is the timeframe for the job?
• Will the written estimate be broken down with plenty of details?
• Are all permits going to be obtained before work begins?

By asking these simple questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of how the job should progress. Trustworthy contractors should easily be able to provide these answers to you in a timely manner.

You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to find out how the contractor is rated and look for any red flags that might appear there.

Diligence is Key

Whether it’s your dream kitchen or a small change in the master bedroom, a remodeling job can make your home look and feel new again.

By doing your part to remain diligent, you can be sure you’re getting a reliable and trustworthy remodeling contractor who will get the job done right.

Ask questions, check references, and always look at their past work whenever possible so you have a clear picture of what to expect.

Check out our blog for more information on home remodeling and more.

Hiring a remodeling contractor? Here are some simple common-sense tips on how to compare contractor costs. Some of them could save you a fortune.

Popular Areas to Find Remodelers: