“What’s it going to cost?” is hands down the most common question we’re asked about remodeling. The true answer is … it depends.

Think about it this way: how much is a new car? You can buy smaller new cars for around $30,000. On the other hand, you can buy a luxury car for $120,000+. So what’s the price of a new car? It really depends on many factors and the same holds true for remodeling. Here are some of the major factors that affect the price of a remodeling project.

Goals – Know your goals so that your remodeler can offer suggestions for getting there. If your goal is to create a spacious, open kitchen, you may need to do an addition. You may also be able to achieve your goal by combining an existing kitchen and a dining room that’s rarely used.

Your Home – Any remodeled space should be commensurate with the rest of your home. If you have a builder grade home, then doing a builder grade basement, for example, is probably ok. If, on the other hand, your home is higher end, you probably want to extend that level of finish throughout the space you are remodeling.

Age of the Home – Older homes, with all their charm, can also increase remodeling costs. Building codes change over time. Homes built prior to 1978 must be remodeled following strict lead-safe procedures. Electrical panels must be brought to code. Older homes are also more likely to reveal “surprises” that can lead to unexpected costs. For example, asbestos containing materials that will be disturbed must be safely removed.

Existing Conditions – Just like no two people are the same, neither are two houses. Some homes are built and maintained better than others and lend themselves more readily to remodeling.

Scope of Work – Are you doing a cosmetic or a custom remodel? Will the remodel be contained to a single area, or will flooring extend throughout an entire floor to create a consistent flow? An addition and a small bath remodel require very different levels of planning and project management, not to mention materials and infrastructure, all of which affect the cost of the project.

Materials – It seems quite logical that higher end materials increase the cost of remodeling, and they do, but it’s incremental. Regardless of the level of materials, two remodeling projects - similar except for the level of materials - still require planning, design, electrical, plumbing, hvac, general labor and project management. Don’t think you’ll spend half as much by using average materials.

You – How close will you stay to your budget? If you have a firm budget, stick with it throughout the planning process (and make sure that your remodeler is sticking with it as well). Beware of the “well if we’re going to do this, then we might as well do that” mentality. A series of seemingly small changes can add up quickly!

Before you even begin meeting with contractors, you can investigate average costs for common remodeling projects in the Des Moines area at costvsvalue.com. Curious about a specific project for your home? Just reach out for a complementary consultation. We’ll help you Love Your Home!

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While it seems that the early 2000s were just a few years ago, it's actually been more than twenty years since we left the 1900s. A lot has changed in 20+ years, including preferences in kitchen finishes, and these homeowners were ready for some upgrades that will take them through the next twenty years.

The homeowners were happy with the kitchen's layout, in general, but wanted new cabinetry to be better suited to how they use the space plus more storage capacity. Because our cabinetry is ordered specifically for each project, we were able to talk through how the homeowners want the kitchen to function. A mix of drawers and cabinets, along with drawer and cabinetry inserts to make the space user-friendly. Taller upper cabinetry allows for more storage and is a better overall use of vertical space.

Our project designer worked with the family to create a warm and inviting space where sleek stainless appliances are juxtaposed against natural wood and stone materials. The remodeled kitchen blends contemporary design elements like white cabinetry and stainless appliances with more rustic elements like the stained island and flooring into the perfect gathering space for family and friends. While the cabinetry and finishes can work with a number of styles, the space has a modern farmhouse vibe that's flooded with natural light.

An existing recessed niche in the dining room was the perfect place for custom built-in cabinetry. While the homeowners chose the same finish and profile that's used in the kitchen, it's perfectly acceptable to change things up. The glass-front cabinetry (most of our cabinetry can be ordered glass-ready) allows the homeowner to display collectable pieces while storing serveware in the base cabinets below. Unlike a furniture piece, the built-in has a durable quartz service for serving buffet style or for using the space as a drink or dessert station.

Stop living in the 1900s and reach out for a complementary remodeling consultation. Let Red House Remodeling help you love your home again! 

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The most commonly remodeled spaces are kitchens and baths, but when these homeowners reached out about creating a first floor guest suite, we were excited to help. First floor guest suites are excellent for guests who have difficulty with stairs, and for separating guests from second floor and basement family areas. While the home had a well-placed first floor office/den that the homeowners were ready to transition into a guest room, the only bathroom was a disconnected powder bath.

The Red House Remodeling design team began looking for ways to expand the powder bath and proposed borrowing space from an adjacent mudroom area. Incorporating this space allowed for a shower, and the family can still access this bathroom from the mudroom when it's not being used by guests. But how would guests access the space from the guest room? Using borrowed space again, this time from a corner of the garage, the design team created a dedicated hallway connecting the guest room to the guest bath.

Our favorite finish in the remodeled bathroom is the Evergreen Fog maple vanity. Muted greens are popular color choices for bathrooms due to their versatility and calming nature. Evergreen Fog is a soft, muted green-gray that can complement a variety of design styles and is the perfect base for the Luce Oro quartz countertop. The homeowners chose an Onyx shower system. Onyx shower systems are great for remodels because they are completely customizable, durable and easy to clean.

The finishing touches in this space include floating shelves in a natural finish. Floating shelves are a flexible design element that can be used for purely decorative purposes or functionally for storage. The hardware in the space is has a matte black finish from Delta's Nicoli line.

Whether it's a change to your floorplan or aesthetic updates, Red House Remodeling can help you Love Your Home. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.