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A Guide to Remodeling a Bathroom in Washington DC

Lee Wallender — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:18:23 +0000

What to know about bathroom remodeling in Washington DC from costs and permits to ventilation

Washington DC has limitless possibilities that make it one of the most exciting places to live in the U.S. If you are considering bathroom remodeling in Washington DC, you may find a parallel set of challenges and possibilities for your project. Not to worry: in this guide, Sweeten outlines the basic elements to know before you renovate a bathroom in the DC area.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Defining the area around Washington DC

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC first means hammering down its geography.

The commonly held notion is that DC consists of the District, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Sweeten currently services the DC area, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland, and select counties in Virginia, including Fairfax and Arlington.

Exterior architecture

Part of what makes the DC area so appealing is its architecturally significant buildings. Many older and noteworthy buildings are within the District, specifically Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, and Dupont.

Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia do have some historically important buildings, but not to the extent that the District does.

In the District, Preservation Reviews by the Office of Planning tend to concentrate on exterior work. Interior alterations and non-structural interior demolition are both permitted activities but are exempt from Preservation Reviews.

Renovation bathroom costs in Washington DC

The cost of remodeling a high-end bathroom in the South Atlantic region, which includes the DC metro area, is higher than the national average. Starting costs for a low-end bathroom remodel is $16,500. A mid-range budget starts at around $26,000. A high-end remodel starts at $38,000 for a 4– or 5–piece bath. (You can read more in Sweeten’s bathroom remodeling cost guide for Washington DC). Contractors will be able to provide you with more detailed estimates after a site visit. It’s also important to meet with licensed general contractors in Washington DC with local experience who are up-to-date on codes and regulations.

“Rip-and-replace” bathroom remodels in older homes

A “rip-and-replace” bathroom remodel will always save you money over a full remodel. Like the name says, fixtures are pulled out and replaced. The footprint does not change, nor does the drywall, subfloor, pipes, or wiring. In a “rip-and-replace,” the most expensive items are the toilet, tub or shower, faucet, sink, and cabinet.

But there is a catch: Washington DC has a significantly older housing stock. East of the Capitol, north of the K Street business district, up Georgia Avenue, and on either side of the 16th Street corridor, houses can be 100 years old or more. This means that a “rip-and-replace” remodel is usually not possible if the bathroom is in its original state.

Bathroom remodels for these older homes usually require a full gutting to expose the insides of the walls, including pipes and wiring. Knob-and-tube wiring, common in these homes, must be replaced with modern non-metallic wiring. Additionally, the service panel should be updated. When the studs are bowed or broken, they can be sistered with a parallel stud to the side.

Many of these older DC homes were solidly built with materials considered premium for their time. Common materials that DC homeowners will encounter are cast iron tubs, two-by-fours that actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches, heavy joists, and linoleum. These items can be difficult to remove. For example, homeowners removing cast-iron tubs will need to break or cut them apart on-site to assist with removal.

The effect of climate in DC

The DC area can get hot—really hot. While DC’s spring weather is pleasant, the summer climate turns quickly—with record temperatures over 100 F and averages in the 80s. DC’s high humidity keeps everything wet, especially moisture-prone bathrooms.

Explore with a general contractor the full range of measures to keep condensation in the bathroom at bay:

Adequate bathroom exhaust fan
Openable window, if possible
Dehumidifier
Heated flooring
Wall heater
Mold-resistant paint
Install a moisture-resistant ceiling
Use moisture-resistant materials such as waterproof drywall or ceramic tiles

Permits for Washington DC remodels

Bathroom remodeling permits are required in the District, Montgomery County, and Fairfax County.

District: An Alteration and Repair Permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is required. You must submit architectural plans. Since your bathroom remodel will likely be under the Department’s 1,000-square-foot cut-off, you can have your bathroom remodel project fast-tracked with a counter review.
Montgomery County: The Department of Permitting Services will require a Residental Alteration permit. You may need additional electrical and mechanical permits, too.
Fairfax County: Land Development Services requires a permit for interior alterations, as well as for individual projects related to bathroom remodeling such as installing new plumbing fixtures.

Building approvals

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC proper generally will be more involved than in the suburbs due to the larger number of condos and other board-controlled buildings. Within DC, this will be less of an issue as you move northward to Tenleytown, Petworth, Chevy Chase, and Takoma since more single-family residences are located there.

Even though you own everything within the walls of the condo, condo boards typically require that you submit alteration plans for approval or attend meetings to discuss your proposal. Bathroom remodels are of special interest since these projects touch on critical services such as electrical and plumbing that affect other units. Logistics like parking for workers, elevator usage, and demolition removal must be considered.

Condo boards each have their own personalities and requirements. Board approval can be tricky. But if you are working with an experienced general contractor for the bathroom remodel, they will help you navigate the approval process.

Remodeling a bathroom in Washington DC? Now is the time.

Don’t let the possible challenges of remodeling a DC bathroom stop you. There are clear benefits of remodeling to consider; like creative exploration, personal enjoyment, and higher resale value.

When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in Washington DC.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

The post A Guide to Remodeling a Bathroom in Washington DC appeared first on Sweeten.

2020 Costs for Home Renovation in Washington DC

Serena Solomon — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:19:06 +0000

Remodeling costs in Washington DC in 2020, including kitchen, bath, and whole-home (plus building additions and permit tips!)

UPDATED: Read our most-up-to-date Washington DC Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

A stately Capitol Hill rowhouse. A mid-century modern jewel in Falls Church. A unique craftsman’s cottage in Kensington. Whatever your abode, it’s a great time to renovate in Washington DC, the sixth most populated area in the country. If you’re ready to make your own splash to a home and increase its value, one of your first steps is to create a budget to cover your remodeling costs in DC.

Sweeten offers a cost guide to give you a sense of how to budget for remodeling costs in the DC area, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland, and select counties in Virginia, including Fairfax and Arlington. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Here’s a quick overview of budgets for some standard renovation projects:

Gut renovation: Starting at $100 per square foot (psf)
Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $20,000—$25,000
Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $30,000—$40,000
High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $68,000
Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $12,000—$15,000
Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $21,000 or $600 psf.
High-end bathroom remodel and extension: Starting at $40,000
Adding square footage: Starts at $120 psf

Total Gut Renovation Costs for a DC Home

A total gut renovation in Washington DC that brings a home down to its frame and studs could start at around $100 psf. Doing it all at once will get you the best price per square foot if you are already planning multiple projects.

How much does a Washington DC kitchen remodel cost per square foot?

A best-value kitchen remodel typically starts between $20,000—$25,000. This allows the replacement of cabinets and countertops from big-box stores, a stocked appliance package, and tile flooring.
For a mid-grade kitchen, expect starting costs between $30,000—$40,000. This pricepoint would include semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, upgrade in appliances, and an island (with no sink).

Remodeling‘s Cost Vs Value report found the average cost in the Washington DC area costs around $68,000. This works out to be $340 psf. About 60 percent of the cost is recouped in the value it adds to your home. With a budget of this amount, you can remodel a 200-square-foot space with countertops, semi-custom wood cabinets, and a stainless steel sink with a standard single-lever faucet. It also allows the addition of a built-in microwave, dishwasher, and custom lighting. Other than adding a kitchen island, the layout, such as where the oven and dishwasher are installed, must remain the same as the original design. Keeping your layout will be the biggest influence in a low budget down.

For a high-end kitchen remodel, costs start at $68,000 and include a stone or marble countertop as well as opening up the space or removing a wall.

A luxury remodel comes in at an average of $135,000 for Washington DC, the Cost Vs Value report found. The psf cost is $675. This project can add 58 percent of the budget to your home’s value. A high-end kitchen remodel can consist of custom cabinets, built-in sliding shelves, stone countertops, and imported ceramic or glass tile backsplashes. The appliances would also kick up a few notches to include a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood. The kitchen can also have designer faucets and a water filtration system.

How much does a DC bathroom remodel cost per square foot?

For a best-value bathroom, expect a typical project to start between $12,000—$15,000. At this budget, it would not be a gut but a refresh.
A mid-grade bathroom remodel has costs at $21,000 or $600 psf. These figures come from the Cost Vs Value report. For this price, you can remodel a 35-square-foot bathroom. It includes adding a porcelain-on-steel bathtub, ceramic tiles, and a recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting. This renovation can add $14,000 to a home’s value. That’s 65 percent of the project’s cost.
A high-end bathroom remodel starts at $40,000. This budget includes a 3 or 4-piece bath such as the sink, shower/tub combination, and toilet. For $67,000, a 5-piece bathroom could be installed.

According to the 2020 Cost Vs Value report, the average price in this category is around $67,000. For this price, you can expand your bathroom from 35 square feet to 100 square feet. The new bathroom can have features like a freestanding soaker tub. On top of that, you can have a shower with recessed shelves, a frameless glass enclosure, and body spray fixtures. Your budget can also afford a double sink and double-mirror vanity with custom draws and wall cabinets.

Adding square footage to your DC home

Enlarging living space to an existing floor plan starts at $120 psf and can easily go up to $200 psf. The most economical addition is adding square footage over a crawl space. An extension where you are adding or adjusting the foundations will come in around $150 psf. The cost increases to $200 psf if a wet space—bathroom, laundry, or kitchen—is added. The cost of adding a second floor can start at $150 psf.

Remodeling costs in DC: Permits

The District of Columbia is a compact city of only 69 square miles. The Council of the District of Columbia issues building permits for this area. Permits cost two percent of the budget for work over $1,000. For example, a permit for $20,000 bathroom will cost $400.

Prince George’s County, to the east and south of the city, uses an equation for permit fees. $50 + (Construction Costs x 0.008) = permit fee. So, a $20,000 renovation would cost $210. Watch out for specific fees for projects such as basement finishing which is $340.

In Montgomery County, the area to the north, building permits for alterations, additions, and repairs start at $270.

Enjoy making your DC home your own! Know the costs and find the right renovation team to bring your vision to life. Post your project on Sweeten and you’ll be one step closer to your home sweet home!

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Six steps on how to start your renovation and finding the right general contractor for your scope.

How much does a home gut renovation cost in Washington D.C.?

Plan to spend an average of $100 per square foot for a Washington D.C.-area gut renovation. Want to keep gut renovation costs down? If you are planning gut renovations of multiple rooms, doing them all at once allows for maximum efficiency, which will help you get the best price per square foot.

How much does a Washington D.C. kitchen remodel cost?

Most budget kitchen remodels near Washington D.C. start between $20,000—$25,000. Mid-grade remodels typically start between $30,000—$40,000, and can increase based on finish level and layout changes. Luxury kitchen remodels start near $68,000 and go up significantly, to as much as $135,000, or $675 per square foot.

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., a budget remodel (not a gut remodel) of a bathroom will start in the $12,000—$15,000 price range. Mid-grade bathroom remodels increase; starting near $21,000, or about $600 per square foot. For a luxury bathroom project, Washington D.C owners can expect costs to start at $40,000 and increase from there.

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