Have you ever wondered how your remodeler decides just how much your renovation will cost? These factors affect remodeling costs in Seacoast New Hampshire.
Project Scope
The size and complexity of your remodel is a determining factor in remodeling costs. Renovating your family room or turning a spare bedroom into a walk-in closet will generally be less expensive than adding a bedroom and bathroom to your basement or completely remodeling your home.
Your price will increase if you’ll be changing your home’s floor plan, adding rooms, or constructing an addition. Kitchen and bathrooms are usually the most expensive rooms to remodel. According to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can expect to pay $145,000 for a major, upscale kitchen remodel in Southern Maine, more than $149,000 in Seacoast New Hampshire, and approximately $164,000 in Northern Massachusetts.
Upscale bathroom renovations cost $88,000 in Northern Massachusetts, $75,000 in Seacoast New Hampshire, and $67,000 in Southern Maine.
Timeline
The length of your project also affects what you’ll pay for a renovation. It may be possible to finish an uncomplicated project in just a few weeks, while a more extensive or complex remodel could take months.
Labor costs are higher in lengthy projects, but that’s not the only factor to keep in mind. You may also need to consider housing costs if you’ll need to move out of your home temporarily during the renovation. Although the cost to rent a hotel or apartment may not technically be part of your remodeling estimate, housing expenses can derail your budget while you’re remodeling if you’re not prepared for them.
Labor and Material Costs
Labor, a significant factor in renovation costs, tends to vary from region to region. In less populated states with lower costs of living, subcontractors are willing to work for less. In the New England areas where Oxland Builders work, labor costs tend to be higher.
The quality of the materials used in your renovation also influences the cost of your remodel. For example, exotic hardwood floors will cost more than laminate or porcelain tiles designed to look like wood. You’ll also pay more for custom features, like intricate, one-of-a-kind newel posts for your staircase, a family room mural painted by a local artist, or custom kitchen cabinets.
Basically, any type of upgrade will cost you more. A standard range costs as little as $700, while a WiFi-enabled, commercial-style range could add $10,000 to your budget.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
You’ll need a larger budget if you plan to add, replace or reroute plumbing and electrical lines while renovating your home or building an addition. Electricians may need to run new circuits for your wine chiller or extra dishwasher, while a complete plumbing makeover may be needed if you’re borrowing space from your underused den to create a spacious modern kitchen.
Unfortunately, you never know what you’ll find when you open up walls and floors in old homes. Outdated wiring or leaky pipes will add to your renovation costs. Although your remodeler strives to give you an accurate project cost, problems lurking behind your walls could increase the cost.
The Contractor You Chose
You already know that remodeling prices can vary significantly from company to company if you’ve received a few renovation estimates. When choosing a remodeler, it’s important to remember that experience costs more.
Solo contractors usually charge less than larger companies, but the lower price tag may come with a few drawbacks. Although your remodeler may be highly skilled in one area, a one-person company will probably need to subcontract several tasks. Larger remodeling companies often have carpenters, builders, and designers on staff and don’t have to subcontract these jobs.
If you choose a solo contractor, you’ll have to find your own architect, which will extend your remodeling timeline. Design-build remodeling companies, like Oxland Builders, can design and construct your renovation, saving you time and money.
No matter what the size of the company, it makes sense to choose a remodeler who has extensive experience with your type of remodel. Although the estimate from a renovator with less experience may look attractive, keep in mind that your project may be a learning experience for him or her. Experienced contractors have encountered nearly any issue that could complicate a project and take steps to prepare for challenges that could slow down your timeline or increase your costs.
Is your kitchen outdated, your bathroom unattractive, or your master bedroom suite too small? There’s no need to move when a remodeling project can help you fall in love with your home all over again. If you’re ready to remodel, take a look at our project gallery, then give us a call and let us know how we can help you.
