When it comes to remodeling your home in Seattle, asking about the cost is akin to inquiring about the price of a red car at a dealership. Are you interested in a Chevy, or are you interested in a Cadillac? Just as the cost of a vehicle varies depending on the make and model, the price of a home remodel can vary significantly based on your priorities, objectives, and how your project is managed.
What we can help you understand are common influences surrounding your project's price and how to ensure your general contractor gives you a price to complete the project, not just to get you in the door.
It’s crucial to understand the importance of providing conservative cost estimates that err on the side of caution, ensuring that you are not caught off guard by unexpected expenses down the road. Our commitment to transparency and trust extends from the initial conversation to the moment we hand over the keys.
Financials Are Based on Your Priorities and Objectives - What Are You Willing to Invest?
The first step in understanding the cost of a home remodel is to establish your priorities and objectives. Your vision for the project is unique, and effective communication is key to aligning our understanding with yours. We recognize that we cannot accurately estimate home renovation costs until we have completed the design phase. However, our 35 years of building experience have shown us that we can make educated guesses around price ranges or thresholds. For example, since 2021, our team has not executed a full-gut kitchen renovation for less than less than $225,000. While this may seem like a high figure for a kitchen remodel, it is based on real-world experience and ensures that the project is done not just adequately but exceptionally.
Similarly, we may be able to provide ideas of the average cost for a bathroom remodel on the low-end or high-end, but that doesn't mean that is the cost of your bathroom renovation project. Beyond building a new home from the ground up, providing estimates strictly based on price per square foot will rarely be accurate.
When comparing home renovation project costs, it's essential to consider the unique aspects of your home and the feelings it will evoke when the project is completed. Our team comprises trained professionals who, like you, live in the same communities, making quality workmanship and community support a top priority. If you receive a proposal with a cost range or total cost significantly lower than our estimate, it's crucial to scrutinize it for any missing elements.
What Type of Home Renovation Project Are You Considering?
The cost of a home renovation project is influenced by the type of renovation you want. Are you considering a whole-house renovation, including structural changes for an open-concept floor plan? Does your older home require updates to mechanical items like an HVAC system or a roof replacement? Are you planning to add square footage with a home addition? Answering these questions in detail will determine the overall cost of your remodel.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, it is critical to collaborate with a professional design-build partner who can help you create a phased master plan based on your current and future needs. Don't rush into a project based solely on a reasonable quote; instead, work with a team that considers the bigger picture.
The Emotional Costs of Home Improvement
Remodeling projects often focus solely on financial costs, overlooking the additional costs of the emotional and physical toll they can take on your family. A renovation is a life-changing event; its outcome depends on choosing the right interior designer and design-builder/homeadvisor for your home improvement project. Your willingness to invest, both financially and emotionally, sets the tone for the project's success.
Working with the right team ensures that there is always a "wow factor" in your project, regardless of the financial investment. Most homeowners embark on remodeling projects because they've identified a source of discomfort or pain in their living space, and their home value is not living up to the standard of living they deserve. Choosing the right design-build partner is crucial to minimize the emotional toll and maximize the intangible return on investment that enhances the quality of life within your home.
Hidden Costs That Contribute to the Total
Many homeowners overlook the hidden costs associated with remodeling. Beyond construction costs, you must account for built-in sales tax, design expenses, building permit fees, land costs, contractor fees, and financing costs. These may collectively be referred to as overhead costs, and they play a vital role in ensuring a successful project and a positive homeowner experience.
It's also important to note that material costs can impact the overall budget significantly. You should plan for upgrades you may want after the project begins. Installing a budget-friendly $5 tile requires the same labor costs as a $100 tile, emphasizing the need to balance material quality and labor expenses. It’s tempting to try and save on some labor costs by taking a DIY approach to some steps, but remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right (professionally).
Trust the Process
At Better Builders, we understand that perfection is elusive, but we are committed to transparent and effective communication throughout your project. Our approach is simple: we take ownership of our shortcomings and do what is right, regardless of the challenges. Finding the right building partner upfront is crucial to ensuring a successful home remodel project that meets your needs and results in a wonderful experience.
To delve deeper into Better Builders' approach to being your trusted advisor when designing, estimating, and building home remodel projects, we invite you to download our eBook, Better Builder’s Proven Roadmap to Create the Home of Your Dreams. Trust in our expertise, and let us help you turn your vision into reality.
