Introduction
After years helping homeowners renovate and upgrade their living spaces, I‘ve seen every remodeling scenario imaginable. As a home improvement professional skilled in projects from minor repairs to full gut renovations, I‘m sharing my expertise in this comprehensive room-by-room remodeling guide.
Whether you‘re looking to make a few DIY updates or embark on a major redesign, you‘ll find tips to maximize your investment. Follow this advice to complete your home refresh or remodel with stunning, cost-effective results. Let‘s get started!
Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Even modest upgrades here create big Impacts.
Cabinets
New cabinets instantly modernize a kitchen. Stock cabinets cost $100-200 per linear foot. Semi-custom runs $200-500. Opt for durable plywood boxes, soft-close hinges and hidden shelves. Painting cabinets adds color for $30-50 per cabinet.
Countertops
Granite, quartz and laminate are popular options. Granite is classic and durable, averaging $60-150 per square foot. Low-maintenance quartz ranges $80-140 installed. Economical laminates run $10-30 per square foot.
Appliances
Splurge on the cooking workhorses. All-gas or induction ranges provide even heating. Expect $4,000-9,000 installed. Brighten up with a fingerprint-resistant stainless refrigerator for $1500-4000.
Lighting
Dimmable LEDs reduce glare. Recessed lights at $25-75 each create ambiance. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates tasks for $10-15 per foot.
Flooring
Water-resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring resists cracking and scratches at $3-7 per square foot installed. Classic oak hardwood offers timeless appeal from $6-15 per square foot.
Backsplashes
Mosaic glass or ceramic tile backsplashes prevent stains for $10-25 per square foot installed. Consider wipeable polished porcelain or acrylic sheets for $20-50 per square foot.
Best Practices
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Review building codes before renovating. Secure all required permits.
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Create a budget and add 10-20% contingency for unexpected issues.
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Hire a certified kitchen designer for expert layouts maximizing function and flow.
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Gather 3+ contractor bids for comparison. Verify licensing and insurance.
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Visit showrooms to choose finishes. Bring home samples to preview in your space.
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Upgrade ventilation. Adding a range hood removes odors and moisture.
Bathroom Updates
Even small bathroom upgrades boost enjoyment and home value exponentially.
Fixtures and Faucets
- Replace toilets, $200-600 each, improving water efficiency.
- Install stone vessel sinks for $200-600 to save counter space.
- Brass fixtures add classic warmth, $100-300 per piece. Choose waterfall faucets.
- Frameless shower doors, $700-1500, maximize space and light.
Tile and Surfaces
- Large-format porcelain floor tile, $5-15 per square foot, resists cracking and water.
- Subway tile bath surrounds are timeless, $5-10 per square foot installed.
- Quartz counters offer durability with hundreds of color and pattern options. $80-150 per square foot installed.
Storage and Organization
- Floating vanities boost storage and simplify cleaning. About $500-1500 installed.
- Add built-in shower niches, $100-300 each, to hold toiletries handy.
- Ensure proper ventilation with ENERGY STAR bath fans, $110-220 each.
Luxury Touches
- Radiant heated floors, $6-15 per square foot, for comfort underfoot.
- Spa-like steam showers, $2,000-5,000, to de-stress.
- Voice-activated lighting simplifies use, $100-200 per fixture.
Bedroom Improvements
Bedrooms should facilitate restful sleep and efficient mornings.
Beds
Invest in a quality mattress, $1,000-2,000, for better sleep. Platform beds with storage drawers maximize space efficiency. Expect to pay $600-1,200.
Lighting
Install LED reading lamps by the bedside, $50-150 each. Overhead fixtures should be dimmable to set the mood. Add $100-250 per light.
Storage
Built-in closets with custom shelves and drawers ensure everything has a place. Expect to pay $1,500-3,000 per closet for professional installation.
Flooring
Plush wall-to-wall carpeting insulates sound and feels cozy underfoot. Prices range $3-7 per square foot installed. Hardwoods also add warmth at $6-15 per square foot.
Window Treatments
Insulating cellular shades maintain privacy and block light for $100-300 per window. Or install softening drapes for $50-150 per window.
Accessories
Don‘t neglect finishing touches like:
- Cozy sitting chairs for reading nooks, $300-600.
- Charging stations to stay powered up, $50-150.
- Plenty of conveniently placed outlets.
- Soothing artwork and decorative mirrors.
Major Renovations – Things to Know
Full home remodels allow dreaming big and reimagining every space. But major renovations require sizable investments and lengthy coordination.
If tackling a whole-home overhaul, remember:
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Obtain all required permits and comply with building codes. Reputable contractors will do this automatically.
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Be prepared for a lengthy timeline – potentially 6 months to a year depending on scope. Build in contingencies for supply chain and labor issues.
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Hire an architect to draw up preliminary plans if altering layouts. Their expertise saves costly mistakes. Expect to pay $70-150 per hour.
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Meet with kitchen and bath designers early to spec finishes and cabinetry. Custom pieces involve long lead times.
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Interview at least five respected general contractors. Compare experience, pricing, and responsiveness.
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Constant clear communication avoids headaches! Verify every step of the process in writing.
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Expect approximately $100-200 per square foot for a complete renovation. Higher for luxury finishes and expansive projects.
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Add 20% cushion to your budget for inevitable hiccups like damaged subfloors or tricky plumbing.
With careful planning and an experienced team, you can realize your dream home! Reach out anytime for personalized guidance.
