Remodeling FAQ

Choose Between Better or Cheaper
Even a wide-ranging whole-house remodel will still be cheaper than tearing down and building anew. According to Roger Greenwald, RA, AIA, “the cost of tearing down and rebuilding will be about 20 percent higher than engaging in an extensive whole-house remodel.

Small Projects
Paint the house, inside and out, to give it a fresh feeling. Replace the flooring, using wood if you can, to add value. Re-landscape the front and back lawns for curb appeal. Install new bathroom and kitchen hardware if a total renovation is out of your budget.

The Kitchen
People say kitchens sell houses. … An average kitchen remodel will pay off more than a high-end renovation. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, a mid-range kitchen remodel costs $63,829 and homeowners recoup $37,637, which is 59 percent.

The best order for basic remodeling are:
Make a Plan. …
Set a Budget. …
Talk to Your Insurance Agent. …
Hire a Contractor. …
Secure Permits and Order Materials. …
Start Demolition. …
Work Behind the Walls. …
Paint and Install Flooring.

The average cost to remodel a house is $19,800 to $73,200, depending on the extent, home’s size, and quality of materials and appliances. Whole house renovation costs $15 to $60 per square foot on average, while only remodeling a kitchen or bathroom runs $100 to $250 per square foot.

Paint the house, inside and out, to give it a fresh feeling. Replace the flooring, using wood if you can, to add value. Re-landscape the front and back lawns for curb appeal. Install new bathroom and kitchen hardware if a total renovation is out of your budget.

You can absolutely get your bathroom to remodel down to around $5,000 but most contractors will tell you you’re crazy and that you don’t know what you’re talking about if you approach them with this scenario.

Like most have said, it’s just a matter of which finishes you want. As long as you’re not pulling down walls and doing structural work, you can do nice upgrades with a budget of $25-50K on a home that size. Yes you definitely can

Cash or credit card. I know cash and credit cards seem like opposites. …

  • A second mortgage. According to mortgage lender James Dix, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan can both be decent options for financing minor home renovations. …
  • Cash-out refinancing. …
  • Renovation loans.

Typically, you can expect to spend at least $100 to $200 per square foot on any renovation. When you’re deciding on your home renovation budget, it can be easier, and more affordable, to prioritize projects by room and build a budget around the cost of each individual project.