There’s nothing like a whole house remodel to increase your home’s value and improve your family’s comfort. How much a whole house remodel costs varies with house size, condition, and product selections, but the general characteristics of most homes can help us come up with a ballpark figure.
What is a Whole House Remodel?
It’s different for everyone, but a top-to-bottom update of your home typically includes all or some of the following:
- Complete remodel of the kitchen, ranging from pull and replace to full gut.
- Complete remodel of one or more bathrooms.
- Replacement of windows and doors.
- Replacement of all interior doors, including trim.
- Installation of wood flooring or refinishing of existing floors.
- Wall and ceiling repairs.
- Entire interior painting, including walls, ceilings, and woodwork.
- Replacement of light fixtures, switches and plugs.
- Installation of custom closet systems.
- Replacement of exterior trim and siding.
- Preparation and painting the house’s exterior.
- Replacement of mechanical systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and HVAC.
The Cost of a Whole House Remodel
Most sites you find online break down remodeling cost by room. One of the best resources, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, estimates average costs in the Greater St. Louis area for popular remodeling projects:
- Major kitchen remodel: $62,933
- Bathroom remodel: $18,892
- Master Suite addition: $121,236
- Basement remodel: $73,043
- Family room addition: 90,638
Budgeting for your whole house remodel is not as simple, though, as adding up the different rooms you want to change. For example, each of these estimates includes the labor involved. A whole house remodel can actually save you time and money because tradespeople can work on multiple rooms at the same time which increases efficiency and reduces costs.
Square foot pricing is another way to estimate your whole house remodel cost, but it rarely matches reality. There are always mitigating factors that affect the bottom line. One or more wall removals, fireplace installation, roof replacement, furnishings, fixtures, add-ons, and upgraded systems all affect your final investment. Here are some things to consider.
- Adding square footage and/or removing walls has a big impact in how your family will use the living space. Depending on your needs, the cost will vary. Knocking down an interior wall is relatively inexpensive, but if it’s a load bearing wall, it will require additional framing and installation of a beam. Walls that house electrical or plumbing can increase the price, as can those that have lead paint or are lath and plaster, both of which require more intricate processes to remove.
- If a basement remodel is included, it can be a very big job. A full basement remodel involves installing floors, building walls, and adding additional utility lines. People often choose to install a new bathroom. Square footage and cost of materials are the main factors to consider for this type of job.
- If you’re changing the layout, you’ll most likely need additional plumbing, electrical, and structural work done. Those costs should be added to your budget.
Finally, many whole house remodels require building permits. Fees vary, but they should be included in your estimate.
Planning for a Whole House Remodel
Depending on the size and age of your home, a whole house remodel can be time-consuming and disruptive to your family’s life. But, it’s also an extremely rewarding experience when the job is completed. Some clients do choose to move out while the work is being done. If you’re considering that option, be sure to include the costs of living somewhere else in your budget.
J.T. McDermott helps you evaluate all the factors that influence the complexity and cost of a whole house remodel. Thorough planning and good communication will help you anticipate the expense of your project. Executed properly, a whole house remodel visually, structurally, and functionally transforms your Greater St. Louis area home in a way smaller remodels do not.
To learn more about whole house remodel costs or to discuss any remodeling project you have in mind, drop us a line today. We look forward to meeting with you!
