Frequently Asked Questions About Home Remodeling & Renovation
When do I need a permit?
Always check with your local code enforcement agency, but in general, a building permit is required for any construction, installation, repair, or alteration exceeding $5,000. Also, any alteration, addition, or change in a load-bearing member or electrical/plumbing/mechanical system requires a permit.
Who should I contact for my remodeling project?
There are several approaches to beginning the remodeling process, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The four main types of remodeling professionals are the general contractor, the architect, the designer, and the design/build contractor.
If your project doesn’t require design services, the general contractor could be the right solution because of their knowledge and expertise to execute most remodeling projects.
If you have a larger, more complex project that requires professional plans for permitting, an architect might be the right place to start. They have the formal education and licensing credentials needed for professionally engineered plans required for building permits, however, architects may not be willing to accept smaller projects.
The designer may be best suited for a “specialty” project like a kitchen or bathroom, and could develop a professional design you can then present to a licensed contractor to do the work.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the design/build contractor can generally handle everything from start to finish, including design, budgeting/pricing, and construction. This benefits the homeowner by hiring one professional to perform all the tasks associated with a remodeling project.
Which contractor should I choose and why are their prices all different?
Choosing the right contractor comes down to experience, reputation, company structure, and personality. There are many different contractors to choose from, all with different attributes that could positively or negatively affect the outcome of a project.
No matter who you choose, always check a contractor’s credentials through license and insurance certificates, references, and third-party consumer affairs agencies like the BBB.
Ask about a contractor’s structure and process. Do they have their own employees, or do they hire all subcontractors? This is a major factor directly impacting the quality, service, and price of a particular project. A remodeler with all subcontractors may bring the price down, but also increases the risk of compromising the overall quality and consistency of the work and the reliability of those performing the work.
Also, one of the more underrated factors in hiring a remodeling professional is personality. Is this someone who makes you feel comfortable, with whom you can effectively communicate and trust? Remodeling is very personal, so trust and communication are key.
Finally, if you get three different quotes from three different contractors, make sure you’re comparing the same scope of work, with details of the project clearly stated in writing. Don’t be the homeowner who goes with the lowest bidder and then gets hit with an avalanche of additional expenses that should have been included from the beginning.
What do I need to do to prepare for my remodeling project?
Remodeling can be a messy process, so it’s best to remove as many belongings as possible from the work area. This includes furniture, electronics, photos, art, rugs, and the contents of cabinets or closets. Cover anything that can’t be moved with plastic or canvas dropcloths.
Our team will take steps to protect anything that’s left, but it’s best to leave the space as empty as possible, both to protect your belongings and increase the available work area. Before the project begins, we’ll coordinate with you to create a timeline that minimizes disruptions to your schedule and family life.
Do I need to have design ideas before I start the remodeling process?
It’s not necessary. Our talented designers can work with you to create a design you’ll love, fleshing out any concepts or ideas you may already have. You can also visit our portfolio to gain inspiration from our past projects. We’ll bring the design to life with a full 3D rendering so you can be confident in your choices.
How long will my remodeling project take to complete?
The timeline depends on the project’s size, scope, and complexity. The average custom remodeling project can take anywhere from:
- 12 to 14 weeks for kitchens and bathrooms
- 14 to 18 weeks for home additions
- 16 to 14 weeks for multiple areas in the home or whole-home remodeling
Face-lifts or pull-and-replace projects can have a shorter timeline.
What is the typical cost of a home remodeling project?
Costs vary greatly depending on the size, scope, and complexity of your remodel. The average custom remodeling project can cost anywhere from:
- Kitchen remodels: Small kitchen remodels typically cost $75K to $125K, medium-sized remodels cost $125K to $175K, and large kitchen remodels cost $175K or more.
- Primary bath remodels: Small primary bathroom remodels tend to cost $75K to $100K, medium-sized projects cost $100K to $150K, and large bathroom remodels cost $150K or more.
- Additions: Small home additions typically cost $150K to $250K, medium additions cost $250K to $500K, and large home additions may cost $500K or more.
- Whole-home remodels: Smaller projects with a few rooms tend to cost $150K to $250K, medium-sized projects typically cost $250K to $500K, and large whole-home remodels will cost $500K or more.
Face-lifts or pull-and-replace projects can have lower costs.
What type of return on investment can I expect (after selling) from remodeling parts of my home?
Though most remodeling projects won’t earn a profit, they can increase the final selling price and minimize the time your home remains on the market. Here are some examples of the typical return on investment (ROI) for select projects, according to Remodeling Magazine:
- Minor kitchen remodel: 80% ROI
- Major kitchen remodel: 59% to 62% ROI
- Primary suite addition: 50% to 59% ROI
- Bathroom remodel: 60% to 67% ROI
- Bathroom addition: 50% to 58% ROI
- Deck addition: 70% to 75% ROI
- Patio installation: 55% ROI
Typically, high-end or popular features will increase the return. In kitchens and bathrooms, smaller projects can actually earn higher returns. Large projects make sense if you’re not selling right away and will be there to enjoy them.
Can I live in my home during the remodeling process?
Most of the time, yes. DiFabion Remodeling emphasizes job site cleanliness and safety, beginning with a thorough site prep and containment of the affected area of the home and the paths leading in and out of the construction zone.
With larger, whole-home projects, it may make sense to move out with so much disruption in so many different areas.
What steps do you take to ensure the safety of my home during remodeling?
We’ll conduct a detailed walk-through with you to address the main questions and concerns.
We invest in thorough site prep and containment of the affected area of the home and the paths leading in and out of the construction zone.
We’ll conduct daily and weekly quality control measures. We’ll stay in constant communication throughout the project so you’re up-to-date on our progress.
How do you keep dirt and dust out of other parts of my home?
During the remodeling process, we’ll seal HVAC vents and cover doorways between the work area and the rest of the home with plastic. We’ll use exhaust fans to draw out dust, and we’ll clean and sweep the work area often to minimize dust accumulation.
