A full-house remodel transforms every aspect of your home. While it’s an exciting journey, it can also be intimidating due to the extensive planning required. However, the payoff can be very rewarding.
Whether you plan to sell your house for a profit or simply make it more enjoyable and comfortable, the preparation remains the same—careful planning, budgeting, and selecting a contractor, among other things.
How Much Does a Full-House Remodel Cost?
When it comes to determining the cost of a whole-home remodel, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
The final cost of your remodel can be affected by several factors, including:
- Project Scope: Larger or more complicated projects often require extensive planning, specialized permits, and coordination among multiple contractors. The larger the project, the more you’re likely to pay for it.
- Design Choices: Your preferences for the final design will affect the final cost of the project. Premium finishes, unique fixtures, and custom features can add up to the final price quote.
- Location: Local factors play an important role in calculating the final costs of your full-house remodel project. Labor rates and material prices can vary significantly depending on your location. Understanding your local market or working with a local contractor can help you get a more accurate look at how much you can expect to pay for your remodel project.
Because each project is unique, it’s best to work closely with a contractor or design professional like RENOTIGHT Construction to get a clear estimate that fits your project’s specific needs and vision.
Considerations for Resale Value
If you plan to live in your remodeled home long-term, resale value might not be your top concern. However, a well-executed remodel can still add significant appeal to future buyers.
Keep in mind that certain remodel projects offer a higher return on investment than others.
Nearly Full Return Projects
Some remodel projects can yield returns of 95% of their cost or more. These include:
- Incorporating vinyl siding
- Replacing the entry door with a steel door
- Using stone veneer on the exterior
- Replacing the garage door
- Converting from a gas-burning HVAC system to an electric one
Moderate Return Projects
Other projects may return at least 50% of their cost, such as:
- Building a wood deck
- Replacing the roof with composite shingles or asphalt
- Midrange bathroom remodels
- Replacing windows with wood or vinyl options
- Minor kitchen remodels
- Replacing siding with fiber-cement materials
A Look at the Complete Process for a Successful Full-House Remodel
Hire a Reliable Contractor
The first step in any successful remodel is partnering with a contractor you can trust. A reliable contractor helps you refine your design ideas, sets realistic timelines, and coordinates the entire project.
They will offer expert advice on what’s feasible within your budget and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Their experience is invaluable when it comes to planning, sourcing materials, and managing subcontractors. Essentially, this collaboration forms the foundation of your remodeling project.
Demolition
Once plans are in place, the next phase is demolition. This involves the careful removal of outdated or damaged materials.
Whether it’s tearing down walls or stripping old flooring, the goal is to clear the way for new construction.
Proper demolition isn’t just about knocking things down—it also includes safely hauling away debris and preparing the site for the next steps. A well-executed demolition phase minimizes potential hazards and sets the stage for smooth progress.
Rebuild Major Structures
After demolition, the focus shifts to rebuilding essential structural components. This step typically involves repairing or replacing subfloors, support beams, and walls.
These elements are critical because they support the entire house. Investing time and resources into this phase ensures that your remodel will be both durable and safe.
Reinforcing or updating these structures can also improve energy efficiency and overall stability, making your home more comfortable and secure.
System Upgrades
Upgrading your home’s systems is a crucial part of the remodeling process. Modernizing HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems not only enhances functionality but also ensures compliance with current building codes.
This step improves energy efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Whether you’re installing a new furnace, rewiring the electrical panels, or updating the plumbing, these upgrades can lead to long-term savings and increase your property’s value.
Install Drywall and Flooring
Once the major systems are in place, it’s time to install drywall and flooring. Drywall creates smooth walls ready for painting, while new flooring sets the tone for the interior design.
This phase transforms the raw structure into a livable space, providing a clean slate for the upcoming aesthetic touches.
Add Fixtures
Next, add fixtures such as appliances, lighting, cabinets, and other built-ins. These elements are both functional and decorative, contributing significantly to the room’s final look.
They bridge the gap between structural work and final decor, ensuring that each room meets both practical needs and stylistic preferences.
Finishing Touches
Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches. This stage involves incorporating décor, trim work, and other details that complete the overall design.
The finishing touches tie together all the elements, resulting in a harmonious and inviting space that reflects your personal style.
How to Plan for a Successful Full-House Remodel
Determine Your Design Goals
Before starting the project, develop a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Remodeling for resale is very different from remodeling for personal enjoyment.
If you’re remodeling for resale, staying updated with the latest design trends is crucial to appeal to potential buyers. In this case, consulting with contractors, architects, designers, and renovation experts is advisable.
If your goal is to enhance your personal living experience, choose a design plan that fits your needs. For example, you might prioritize the kitchen and dining areas over entertainment spaces. Carefully assess your personal preferences before discussing your ideas with your contractor.
Securing Funding
A home remodel requires a significant financial investment, and cash alone might not cover the entire cost. Fortunately, there are several funding options available, and you can often combine them to find the best solution:
- Cash: No interest or repayment required.
- Credit Cards: Useful for smaller purchases like fixtures, flooring, or cabinets, though high interest rates and borrowing limits may apply.
- Home Equity Loan: Borrow against your home’s value. This secured loan typically offers lower interest rates, with your home serving as collateral.
- Home Improvement Program: Government-funded loans designed for rehabilitating structures or correcting code violations. These can cover essential projects like siding and roofing, though they may not qualify for non-essential upgrades such as swimming pools, decks, or hot tubs.
Do You DIY or Hire Professionals?
For your remodeling projects, you can choose to do it yourself, hire professionals, or combine both approaches. Given that a whole-house remodel is a massive undertaking, it’s unlikely you can handle every task on your own.
Professionals can help create new floor plans, assess whether walls are cosmetic or structural, and expertly install electrical wiring, plumbing, and lighting.
Even if you’re a skilled DIYer, it’s best to let the professionals handle electrical and plumbing work.
Deciding between DIY and hiring professionals depends on the complexity of each task. Projects like installing plumbing fixtures, minor electrical work, tile installation, painting, hauling, and demolition may be suitable for a DIY approach if you have the necessary skills.
Finding a Reliable Contractor
The best way to find a reliable contractor is to seek recommendations from people who have previously worked with them. You can also search online and read reviews.
A contractor plays a significant role in your remodel by managing subcontractors, creating schedules, coordinating material deliveries, collaborating with inspectors, and obtaining permits. Since your contractor is working on your behalf, it’s best to let them manage the process with minimal interference.
RENOTIGHT Construction can help you with your whole-house remodel. In addition to residential services, we also offer commercial remodeling. For more information, please email us at info@renotight.com.