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When budgeting for a bathroom tiling project, it’s easy to become focused on the cost of the tile itself. After all, tile is at the heart of the project; it’s the main look of all of this. However, crucial (and often overlooked) steps like prep and time for labor can impact how much it’ll cost you to tile a bathroom. 

In this guide, Sweeten outlines three categories that go into the cost to tile a bathroom: prep, materials, and labor.

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

Tiling prep work

Before beginning the tile project, a number of items in the bathroom must be removed. After they have been removed, the subfloor must be assessed.

Using ceramic tile in your bathroom?

Ceramic tile requires a stable base (substrate) that is rigid and does not bend. The bathroom’s existing subfloor should either be strong enough or it should be strengthened. For natural stone tile, the industry group Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) recommends that the substrate be twice as rigid as for tiling with ceramics or porcelains. If the substrate is not smooth enough, it may require an additional layer of underlayment.

Removing bathroom items

• Toilet: The toilet must always be removed before tiling a floor. The toilet will either be replaced, or a new toilet may be installed.
  
• Baseboards: Wall baseboards and any type of horizontal wall molding that touches the floor must be removed before tiling.
  
• Door casing: Door casing—the vertical trim that forms a door frame—usually doesn’t need to be removed. Tile workers can cut the bottom of the casing and fit the tile underneath.
  
• Shower/bathtub and bathroom cabinet: Showers, tubs, sink cabinets, and any permanent pieces do not need to be removed. However, sometimes they are removed during a full bathroom remodel.
  

Preparing (or repairing) the subfloor

When installing tile in a remodeled bathroom, it is common to find a damaged subfloor. This damage tends to be concentrated around the toilet, sink, and shower/bathtub. If you are removing the shower or bath, you may find even more damage under the shower pan or bathtub.

Sometimes, large sections of the subfloor may need to be removed and replaced with a new subfloor. In some cases, the damage may extend to the floor joists (the beams below the subfloor). Both of these fixes are separate from the tiling.

If you are working with a general contractor, the contractor will remove all of the necessary items and make repairs. This prep work should be done ahead of time before the tile subcontractor begins.

While removing items is heavily a labor cost, some materials may figure in. This depends on the scale of the project. For example, large projects may require the rental of a dumpster. 

Raw materials for prepping

Though tile is the most visible feature of bathroom tile, a support system of other materials makes a bathroom tile surface possible. 

Subfloor prep materials

• Solid subfloor: Exterior-grade, tongue-and-groove plywood is a standard subfloor material.
  
• Underlayment on top of subfloor: Many tile pros recommend laying down an additional layer of thin cement board on top of the subfloor.
  
• Leveling compound: Dips in the subfloor can be corrected with a liquid leveling compound. Poured directly onto the subfloor, this compound is self-leveling. It fills gaps up to 1-1/2-inch deep.
  

Tiling materials

• Thin-set: Thin-set is the mortar base that is applied under the tile.
  
• Grout: Grout is the filler that is applied to the joints between the tiles.
  
• Grout tint: Grout usually comes in a few variations of gray, black, cream, or white. But grout can also be tinted to nearly any color you desire.
  
• Grout sealant: Grout is porous and must be sealed to prevent moisture infiltration.
  
• Haze remover: A light haze remains from the grouting process. A liquid haze remover is needed to clean this up.
  

Optional materials

• Uncoupling material: When installing tile on concrete, many tile professionals recommend that you use a special material to avoid cracking. An uncoupling material disconnects the tile from the concrete slab. This prevents concrete from transmitting cracks to the tile. CTEF recommends that all concrete floors with pre-existing cracks be installed with uncoupling material.
  
• Radiant heating: To combat cold tile floors, many homeowners opt for radiant heating underneath the tile. This electrically operated mesh is embedded in the thin-set mortar. It is controlled by a wall thermostat.
  

Time and cost of labor

Many types of home projects are DIY-friendly. But tilework is a long-established, highly skilled craft that can be tricky for many DIYers to master. So, hiring pros to expertly lay the tile pays for itself many times over.

If the cost of tiling materials (thin-set, grout, etc.) is not broken out in an estimate, it may be included in the labor cost. If so, it will be noted as such.

One more factor that affects the cost of tile installation labor is the need for the tile contractor to return several times to the job site. After setting the tile, workers must allow at least 24 hours before returning for grouting. After grouting, workers must wait at least another 4 hours before returning to remove the grout haze. All consults and the clean-up are usually included in the installation cost.

Choosing the style and color of your bathroom tile is an exciting remodeling step. But as you now know, there are many other factors that can impact the total cost to tile a bathroom. Knowing those factors will give you a leg up in understanding the bottom-line total cost when discussing the project with your contractor. 

Ready to get paired with an expert contractor to retile, remodel, or fully gut your bathroom?

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Not sure which big-box cabinet retailer to use? Sweeten explains the difference between IKEA, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Cabinets To Go.

Take a look at five classic styles of bath tile that Sweeten homeowners chose for their bathroom renovations.

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.

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When the global pandemic of 2020 hit, few homeowners were thinking about home remodeling. Yet as the pandemic wore on, life returned to (some) idea of normal and home remodeling once again became a topic. It was top of mind for homeowners who had already started a remodel before COVID-19 spread. Homeowners who had only considered remodeling also started to plan their projects in earnest.

However, when it comes to remodeling, COVID-19 has impacted material costs and changed the supply chain. Sweeten outlines what a homeowner might expect to encounter while taking on a remodel during COVID-19, and how to navigate those obstacles to get your renovation plans back on track.

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

We’re noticing our homes in new ways, every day

Homeowners now spend more time than ever at home. Flaws that were merely annoying with that bathroom or kitchen are now magnified. Homeowners who only wondered if their home was ready for a remodel now know.

This need isn’t just imaginary, either. More people at home means that renovation is a necessity. Even if only a couple of people live there, everything in the house is being used more often.

Savings from 2020 allow for renovations in 2021

The pandemic has hit many people hard—the job market, businesses, people’s health. Some homeowners have been lucky, and employers have found ways to keep workers employed from home.

However, there is a rare upside to the COVID-19 pandemic for some Americans. Many homeowners’ expenses have shrunk dramatically. What has contributed to this? With less driving, gas and vehicle expenses drop. Less dining out and entertaining means lighter credit card bills. Vacation plans have been canceled.

This has caught many experts by surprise, too. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies had previously predicted a slowdown in home remodeling in 2021. But as 2020 wore on, the group revised its prediction. They now indicate that home remodeling is going stronger than ever, with a projected uptick in home renovation and repair spending from 2020 to 2021.

Indeed, at Sweeten, we saw an increase in home renovation projects. Our fourth quarter saw 110% growth year-over-year from 2019 to 2020. The trend is continuing into 2021 as well, with 99% growth for January 2021 vs. 2020. We attribute this growth to homeowners realizing their homes need to be so much more than a place to just sleep. More than ever, we’ve needed our homes to provide us space for work, play, self-care, and recovery.

Act fast, or prepare to wait for building materials

Homeowners intent on remodeling may find themselves blocked due to a severe slowdown in the supply of materials. In many sectors, the manufacturing of building materials drastically slowed or came to a complete stop. Even if manufacturers are functioning again, they are doing so at a reduced capacity due to social distancing.

The pandemic shows how much the U.S. depends on overseas building products like lumber, roofing, and windows. For one, many homes’ kitchen and bathroom remodels use ceramic and porcelain tile. However, over 81% of U.S. tile comes from China, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Brazil. Both Spain and Italy were hard hit particularly by COVID-19.

Home centers are ordering up to 300% more product due to the high level of DIY home repairs and remodels. This has a significant impact on the supply chain for builders.

Pro tip: Don’t wait! For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. If you do wait, prices will only continue to go up.

Labor lag-time is a reality

Soon after the pandemic hit, over 25% of building projects came to an immediate halt or were delayed, according to an industry group. For any homeowner thinking of a remodel, this means that all other projects in the queue must come first.

Even materials that are acquired and on-site do no good unless there are workers to install them. Workers who have had to tend to family members affected by COVID-19 have left the workforce or even the U.S. At the same time, other workers who are eager to work have filled in the vacuum.

Tips on handling your COVID-19 remodel project

The future is unclear, but one thing is certain: COVID-19’s effects are long-lasting. Even after vaccines are widely dispensed, there will be an effect in building and remodeling. Here’s what proactive homeowners can do to position themselves well for a remodel during COVID-19 recovery.

Book a contractor now

The desire to remodel has increased, and in many markets, demand outstrips supply. If you delay speaking to a contractor, you’ll have even more orders jump into the line ahead of you. With vaccines being widely distributed, there will only be more people booking a contractor. Begin setting up appointments to meet general contractors for site visits.

Conduct virtual site-visits

Sweeten offers a streaming video conference on the platform. The virtual site visit replaces both the general contractor’s walk-through of the property and the face-to-face conference between contractor and homeowner.

If done effectively, it can give the contractor enough information to begin drawing up an estimate. This allows for both parties to safely review the renovation project virtually, without meeting in person.

Take note: a physical site visit will need to be done at some point for the contractor to take their own measurements and account for every detail. Virtual site visits are a good option, however, if an initial in-person site visit isn’t possible or safe.

Expect higher costs, but shop smartly for savings

Some experts predict that home remodeling not only will take longer but will cost up to 50% more than in pre-pandemic times. Don’t worry: this gives motivated homeowners the chance to shop for items on their own. Make sure to seek the best possible prices out there, and select your contractor carefully.

Make the most of your space with clever design

Speaking early on to a general contractor or designer will help you solidify your ideas. Hone your design with care and avoid waste.

The transformation of under-utilized spaces is a trend here to stay. Basements, attics, or garages are performing in new ways. At Sweeten, we’re seeing attics turn into places for children to learn and play. Basements are mostly getting turned into gyms. Garages are becoming studios or offices that could be rented out in the future.

With multiple family members at home during the day, the installation of glass panels has gained traction. People aren’t looking for visual separation—they need acoustic separation when working from home.

Outdoor spaces and outdoor kitchens will be popular. It’s unknown if we’ll still be social distancing through the summer. Being able to host the whole event outside, not having to run back and forth inside, makes the event a better experience.

Ready to find licensed, vetted general contractors for help with a remodeling project?

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ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

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 How the COVID -19 Pandemic May Affect Your Home Remodel appeared first on Sweeten.

(Above) Marissa + Jeremy installed bright lights for future aging in place in their kitchen remodel

What is aging in place design? What does accessible design mean?

To some, “aging in place” is a design term that means creating living spaces that are safe and accessible for people who want to stay in their homes and care for themselves as they grow older.

To others, the term “accessible design” or “living in place” is more applicable, as it means designing spaces that suit the needs of children and adults in one home. In both cases, the goal is to create living spaces that are, safe, accessible, and also make design sense.

Sweeten gives an overview of aging in place design costs, plus costs for accessible designs, and gives tips for when these designs can be beneficial to the family lifestyle.

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

How much does accessible design cost?

When part of a major renovation, the cost to include accessible techniques can be minor. “Things don’t necessarily need to cost more, they are just different,” said Julie Schuster of Julie Schuster Design Studio and is a certified living in place professional (CLIPP). “If you are remodeling a kitchen you probably want under cabinet lighting. Why not upgrade slightly to add bright LED lights that are good for aging eyes?” 

There are two approaches to accessible living spaces: 

• Remodel to suit the urgent needs of the homeowner.  A wheelchair user will need, among other things, wide doorways and hallways, and a curbless shower with a bench and grab bars. A family with young children may want night lights in the hallways, non-slip bathroom floor tiles, and anti-scald shower valves.
  
• Remodel to make the design flexible for future improvements. “It is important to learn the things that could crop up in the future and then design backward for them. I install blocking behind a shower wall while renovating, so grab bars or a built-in bench can be added later. Putting in the blocking does not add to the overall cost,” said Kammi Reiss of Kammi Reiss Design.
  

For Sweeten contractor Aaron, being flexible in design is key. In one condo project, they placed a removable panel in front of the kitchen sink so a wheelchair user can roll up to the sink for use. 

What does aging in place cost?

While many accessible design techniques have similar costs as any renovation project,  some projects do have an increased cost. For example, the combination of slippery surfaces and a wet setting in bathrooms often cause accidents, especially for people with mobility issues or poor eyesight. 

Here’s a comparison from the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report that compares a standard  5-foot by 7-foot bathroom of mid-range quality to an accessible one of the same size. The accessible bathroom includes 36-inch-wide doors, flat panel electric switches installed at sitting level, walk-in curbless shower with fold-out seat, adjustable shower head, thermostatic mixing valve, LED lighting, ceramic tile walls with contrasting color stripes, towel bars (grab bars) that can support 250 pounds each, night lights, and reconfigured storage accessible to someone in a seated position, among other items.

Here’s an example of what universal design can recoup at resale at a national level.

• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Costs $24,424 recouping 60% at resale
• Standard universal design remodel: Costs $38,813 recouping 58% at resale

“Remodeling asked us to revise the remodeling project for them,” said Louie Delaware, co-founder of the Living in Place Institute. “Everyone assumed that it would cost much more and would not be worth as much.”  While there are increased costs, the return on investment is similar to that of the accessible bathroom. 

Costs for accessible design projects:

Here are some estimated costs for common projects often associated with accessible designs:

• Entrance ramp: $1,300 to $ 3,500
  
• Door widening to accommodate wheelchairs: $400 to $800, each
  
• Chair lift: $3,000 to $6,000, curved stairs will cost more
  
• Widening hallways (often includes moving plumbing, heating and cooling and electrical lines):  $500 to $2,000
  
• Grab bars with decorative finishes: $100 to $200, each
  
• Curbless showers: $2,000 to $8,000
  
• Faucets with lever controls: $200 to $400
  

Many of the techniques used in accessible design or aging in place design are the same, whether planning for yourself, someone who wants to age in place, or to suit the needs of a growing family. The goal is to create a safe, accessible design for everyone to enjoy.

©2021 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data from the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

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Read how aging in place and living in place can bring ease to day-to-day living for every family member.

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.

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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.

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 2020 Costs for Home Renovation in Washington DC appeared first on Sweeten.

(Above) Westchester home renovation by Sweeten general contractor Alan

UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Westchester County Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

Moving into a new house—or realizing an older home hasn’t kept up with your lifestyle—can make renovation feel like a path to reinvention. However, creating a budget for a remodel is unique to every project! Budgets depend on many factors, like the materials you choose, changes in layout, or moving plumbing or gas lines.

Sweeten has compiled a guide to renovation costs across Westchester County, New York, focusing on four categories: kitchen, bathroom, basement, and permits. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Here’s a breakdown of typical starting costs compiled from Sweeten renovations and Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report.

• Full home renovation: $100—$250 per square foot (psf)
  
• Budget kitchen remodel: Starting from $25,000—$30,000 for under 100 square feet
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $40,000—$50,000
• High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $70,000
  
• Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $16,000
• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $22,000
  
• High-end bathroom remodel:Starting at $32,000 (for a standard full-size bathroom) or $46,000 (for a master bathroom)
• Basement remodel: $50 psf
  

Keep in mind: every professional contractor will want to have a detailed conversation and inspection of your home before developing an estimate specific to your needs and wants.

Westchester home remodeling costs per square foot

It’s no secret that Westchester County, with its close proximity to New York City, is one of the pricier areas when it comes to real estate. That is also reflected in the cost of renovations. On average, many Sweeten projects can range from $100 psf—$250 psf. Based in Westchester, Sweeten contractor Gregory has worked on projects that involve multiple rooms or a gut renovation at the $250 psf range. 

Anything higher, he said, “usually applies to one or more specialty trades, such as architects or engineers, and insurance costs which factors into the overall budget.” Choice of material will also affect the cost per square foot.

Similarly, a higher cost stems from the quality and experience of the skilled workers the contractors hire for the project. “Costs for construction vary based on experience, which increases for a higher-end result,” said Sweeten contractor Chuck who handles projects in the Westchester area. For instance, “A presentation representing the finished product—design and organizing, scheduling, and advising on the materials—is a service that adds to the budget.”

One thing to note: While Sweeten contractors attempt to explore all avenues to stay competitive, it is an industry that is affected by trade. Therefore, the prices you’re quoted at any given time may not be the same six months or a year from now. Prices on labor and materials fluctuate and this will be reflected in your overall quote.

How much a Westchester kitchen renovation costs

• Budget kitchen: Sweeten kitchen remodels can start at $25,000—$30,000 for under 100 square feet with budget-friendly finishes from retailers such as Home Depot.
• Mid-grade kitchen: Expect to see starting budgets from $40,000—$50,000 for a typical mid-grade kitchen.
  

Westchester-based Sweeten contractor Majid has worked on projects costing $40,000 for 150 square feet, or about $260 psf. This budget includes mid-grade finishes.

Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report puts $350 psf or $70,000 total, as an average for Westchester County. These figures are based on a 200-square-foot kitchen with standard finishes, like an energy-efficient range, built-in microwave, and ventilation system. It also includes garbage disposal, custom lighting, and resilient floorings such as vinyl, linoleum, or cork.

• High-end kitchen: Sweeten has seen projects start at $70,000 for a high-end kitchen.
  

In the Cost vs. Value report, the average high-end kitchen remodel cost more than $137,000 for a 200-square foot space. A project in that price range includes custom cabinets, built-in sliding shelves, stone countertops, and imported tile backsplashes. The appliances can include a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood as well as high-end faucets and a water filtration system.

According to Sweeten contractor Majid, a large part of a high-end kitchen can be attributed to the cabinets. For example, one of Majid’s clients recently spent $50,000 on fully custom European cabinets.

How much a Westchester bathroom renovation costs

• Budget bathroom: A budget bathroom renovation, including demo, plumbing work, and new finishes, can reach $16,000, said Oziel. Bathrooms in this category typically lean on big-box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot to source the majority of materials.
  
• Mid-grade bathroom: A mid-grade bathroom in Westchester County will cost on average $22,000, according to the Cost vs. Value report, which is $628 psf for a 35-square-foot bathroom. This includes a recessed medicine cabinet, a standard toilet, solid-surface vanity counter, and a porcelain-on-steel tub.
  
• High-end bathroom: Prices can start at around $32,000 for a standard full bath with high-end finishes. However, homeowners are more likely to splurge for high-end in their master baths, bringing the starting cost for a typical high-end bathroom to around $46,000.

With a higher budget, clients are looking at faucets that can cost $2,000 apiece, marble flooring, custom vanities, built-in medicine cabinets, a rain shower, and top-of-the-line lighting fixtures. At times, those pricey finishing materials can amount to half the budget. Whether it is budget or high-end, good general contractors can strategize with a reasonable budget to help clients achieve renovation goals.

Costs for a basement renovation in Westchester

Sweeten contractors have worked on basement renovations that cost anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000. A $20,000—$30,000 or $50/psf budget would update an already finished basement. This includes painting, flooring, and lighting. If the space is raw and being renovated to a finished living area, the cost is around $75,000. For this budget, a bathroom, a kitchen, and HVAC can be added.

For Majid, a simple basement remodel can cost as little as $50 a square foot, which works out to be about $40,000 for an 800-square-foot space. Adding a toilet or shower could increase your budget, plus any necessary work to bring the room up to code. Waterproofing and drainage can also push up a basement project’s cost. 

Some town regulations might require two forms of egress or natural light (by adding a door or a window) or a certain ceiling height, which means digging down and lowering the floor. An average basement conversion in Westchester is $75,000, according to the Cost vs. Value report. A project with this budget includes a 20×30 foot room, a 5’×8′ bathroom with a shower and bar area, plus insulation and laminate flooring. This example project works out to $117 psf.

Costs for permits in Westchester

The cost of permits changes from town to town in Westchester County. Typically, home renovation costs will be determined by your budget, and require some basic math to figure out. For example, the permit costs below are broken out among the different towns across the County:

• Pelham: Building permits cost $250 for a project costing under $5,000 plus $12 per each additional $1,000.
  
• Scarsdale: Building permits cost $255 for a project costing between $10,000 and $50,000. For projects budgeted over $100,000, a permit costs a flat fee of $1,755 plus $14 for each $1,000 or fraction over $100,000.
  
• Katonah: Permits cost $14 for every $1,000 of a budgeted project.
  
• Hastings-on-Hudson: The fee will cost $17 per $1,000 of the estimated construction cost.
  

These figures provide a jumping-off point for your Westchester County renovation budget. On the (more fun) planning side, Sweeten’s Renovation Checklist offers you a downloadable roadmap to organize all of the moving parts of a renovation including laying out your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.”

Thinking about renovating? Sweeten can help!

Post your project on Sweeten and we’ll match you with multiple vetted general contractors to provide estimates for your renovation. Sweeten also checks in with you until project completion. Talk with your general contractor to develop an accurate budget, and you’ll be on your way to the home you’ve always wanted.

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ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

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 2020 Cost Guide for a Home Renovation in Westchester County appeared first on Sweeten.

The post 2020 Cost Guide for a Home Remodel in Dallas appeared first on Sweeten.

UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Fairfield County Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

Creating a budget for a renovation is unique to every project; the many variables, from your own taste for materials and quality of work to whether you are changing the layout or are moving plumbing or gas lines in a kitchen or bathroom, all factor into the equation.

Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, has compiled a general guide to renovation costs in Fairfield County focusing on four categories—kitchen, bathroom, basement, and permits.

Here’s a breakdown of typical starting costs compiled from Sweeten renovations and Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report.

• Full home renovation: $150—$350 per square foot (psf)
• Budget kitchen remodel: $25,000
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: $335 psf or $67,000
• High-end kitchen remodel: $630 psf or $133,000
• Budget bathroom remodel: $15,000 to $20,000
• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: $600 psf or $21,000
• High-end bathroom remodel: $665 psf or $66,500
• Basement remodel: $117 psf or $75,000

Keep in mind that every professional contractor will want to have a detailed chat and inspection of your home before developing an estimate specific to your needs and wants.

What a Connecticut home remodel cost per square foot

The general range for a gut renovation in Fairfield County, CT is $150 to $250 psf, according to Elizabeth, an architect in the Sweeten network. That price can easily sneak up to $300 to $350 a square foot, she advised, depending on how complex your renovation is (structural issues, layout changes, etc.) and how expensive your tastes are in terms of fixtures and finishes. Those figures also do not include fees for architects and engineers who might be necessary throughout the course of the project.

Residential renovation costs have increased on average 5.7% each year between 2013 and 2018. For most contractors, cost increases or decreases in all areas—labor, materials, etc—can fluctuate year to year and even throughout the year. Sweeten contractor Oziel, who works in Westchester as well as Fairfield, also pointed out that finishes—tiles, flooring, countertops, lighting, appliances, faucets, etc.—go up each year, as do overhead costs for workers compensation and general liability insurance.

Jerry, a Sweeten contractor in Fairfield County, said he tries to absorb the increases in insurance costs. He also said that while construction items go up every year, most of the increase goes to framing and electrical materials. Sweeten architect Elizabeth noted that a shrinking construction labor force in wealthy areas raises the price for skilled plumbers, electricians, and framers.

Costs for a Connecticut kitchen renovation

• Budget kitchen: Sweeten kitchen remodels can start at $25,000 for under 100 square feet with budget-friendly finishes from retailers such as Home Depot.  Sweeten contractor Majid has done a budget kitchen for $40,000 that was 150 square feet. This budget includes semi-custom cabinets and granite or quartz countertops with no changes to the layout.
• Mid-grade kitchen: A typical mid-grade kitchen renovation in Fairfield County is priced at $335 psf, or $67,000 according to the Cost vs. Value report. These figures are based on a 200-square-foot kitchen with laminate countertops, a standard sink, and faucet, with an energy-efficient range, built-in microwave, and ventilation system. It also includes a garbage disposal, custom lighting and resilient floorings such as vinyl, linoleum, or cork. New kitchens that Elizabeth’s architectural firm has worked on usually cost between $25,000 to $60,000, but it is easy to surpass that, she said.
• High-end kitchen: For a kitchen renovation, this could mean fully custom cabinets, sourcing the best materials from overseas, and dealing with the added expense of a layout change, said Alfonso, a Sweeten contractor. A recent kitchen renovation he worked on came to $125,000. The cabinets alone were $70,000, the countertop material was shipped in from Italy, and changing the layout of the kitchen also bumped up the cost and involved substantial plumbing and electrical work.

The example Alfonso used came in a little under the Cost vs Value report’s average price of a high-end kitchen of $133,000 or $630 psf. This includes more expensive materials such as stone countertops, an imported tile backsplash, a water filtration system, commercial-grade cooktop, and vent hood, plus a built-in microwave unit.

Costs for a Connecticut bathroom renovation

• Budget bathroom: Sweeten bathroom remodels can start at $15,000 to $20,000 for a 5’ x 8’ space with budget-friendly finishes from retailers such as Home Depot. Majid has worked on projects costing $15,000 for a minimum space measuring 5’ x 8’ that includes labor and rough materials. A budget of $15,000 to $20,000 is typical for a full bathroom renovation in the Fairfield area, according to Elizabeth.
• Mid-grade bathroom: A mid-grade bathroom in Fairfield County, Connecticut will cost on average $21,000, according to the Cost vs Value report which equates to $600 psf for a 35-square-foot bathroom. This includes a recessed medicine cabinet, a standard toilet, solid-surface vanity country, and a porcelain-on-steel tub.
• High-end bathroom: That same report put a high-end bathroom renovation and expansion at $66,500. The sample bathroom was expanded from 35 square feet to 100. It amounted to $665 psf.

One of the more expensive bathrooms Alfonso worked on came in at $88,000. This included a walk-in closet that led into the bathroom. The client wanted a custom-made European toilet, major structural changes, and marble shipped from Italy, which had a lead time of three months for delivery.

Costs for a Connecticut basement renovation

Basement renovations by Sweeten contractors have ranged from $30,000 to $100,000. An average basement conversion across the county is $75,000, according to the Cost vs Value report. The project for this size budget includes a 20′ x 30′ room and a 5′ x 8′ bathroom with a shower and a bar area as well as insulation and laminate flooring, which comes to $117 psf.

The elements that tend to inflate the budget include adding a toilet or a shower and work needed to bring the room up to code. Some town regulations might require two forms of egress or natural light (so adding a door or a window) or a certain ceiling height, which means digging down and lowering the floor.

Costs for permits

Each town in Fairfield County has its own table of fees for building permits. Building permits, including those for plumbing and electrical, can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,500 per project. The variation is often tied to your budget. Here are some examples:

• In Stamford, your building permit will be $13.26 for each $1,000 in your budget. That permit will cover your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
• In Westport, the permit fee for demolition is $2 per 100 cubic feet of volume while the building fee is $10 for each $1,000 of the renovation budget.
• In Greenwich, a building permit will be $13.26 for each $1,000 in your budget. The electrical permit fee is $12 per $1,000 of the cost of the project; this fee is the same for a plumbing permit fees.
• Over in Norwalk, building fees are structured slightly different. A building permit costs $13 per $1,000 of estimated work, which includes some electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. However, if there are major changes in these areas, then separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC might be required at a cost of $13.26 for every $1,000 budgeted in those areas. Check the building department in your local township for a better idea of permitting costs for your project.

Issues you may or may not encounter along the way such as structural problems that need fixing or bringing a staircase up to current code could also manipulate your end budget. Take into consideration wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms cost more to renovate than dry spaces (for example, dining rooms and bedrooms) due to materials and labor that may be more complex, Alfonso says.

Hopefully, all of these facts and figures give you a jumping-off point to begin pulling together a budget. Sweeten’s Renovation Checklist offers you a downloadable roadmap to organize all of the moving parts of a renovation including laying out your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.”

Renovating your home in Fairfield County? Sweeten can help!

Post your project on Sweeten and we’ll match you with multiple vetted general contractors to provide estimates for your renovation. Sweeten also checks in with you until project completion.

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

The post 2019 Home Renovation Costs Per Square Foot in Fairfield County appeared first on Sweeten.

(Above) A new commercial office remodel with Sweeten for an NYC-based tech brand

Perhaps you have outgrown your home office or coworking space or maybe your business is in need of a fresh location or configuration. An office renovation will give you a chance to dream long-term about where your business is heading and interpret that direction into blueprints for a space that will facilitate growth. In this guide, we’ll consider the many pieces of your office renovation cost.

An office renovation can be as simple as an improvement project that is negotiated between the landlord and the tenant before signing a lease. Often these are very basic renovations such as fresh paint and some new walls that the tenant ultimately pays for in the cost of the lease.

If you are after something more custom, there are, of course, many variables that will determine the cost per square foot. Is the location a new or old building? Was it previously an office? What part of the country will your office be in? What are your business needs? And what quality of work will match those needs?

A new building with a basic build-out of carpet, paint, and lighting, including equipment such as a photocopier and coffee machine costs about $40 a square foot, according to 42Floors, a national search engine listing real estate for office space. On the higher end of the scale, a build-out with finishes such as wood veneer doors and a stone reception desk could hit $100 to $150 a square foot. The office renovation cost could also increase if you are renovating in an older building where quirky spaces and issues, such as slanted floors, must be taken into account. Whatever your tastes and needs, here are budget line items to consider.

Costs to hire an architect for an office renovation 

Most people will choose to hire an architect or designer. Expect that to take 20 percent of your renovation budget, according to Sweeten architect Carla. That could mean $40,000 of a $200,000 budget. Bringing in a design professional early on may save heartaches in the long run. Along with the overall look and feel of the project, architects can also take care of code issues, assess if the workspace size will be comfortable for the number of employees, ensure handicap accessibility, design custom work areas, and more. “You can express creativity and individuality,” said Carla.

Office lighting and electrical costs

While planning an office remodel, first consider who will be coming to your office, said Anthony, a Sweeten general contractor. If clients are making regular visits, “you don’t want it to look like you’re working out of a bomb shelter,” he said. Decent lighting is one of those elements you can use to impress your clients, an impression that will hopefully lead to more business. Basic lighting can cost about $250 a point (a light with a switch is considered two points), according to Anthony. For each 110 volt outlet, put $150 in your budget, and don’t forget things like lighting for emergency exit signs, which are about $300 each, according to the website How to Move Your Office.

Costs for millwork and finishes in an office

This is another area where you can keep costs down while still wowing potential clients with your new office space. “I’ve done work in lawyer’s offices where inside it is a vanilla box with cubicles that the clients never see,” said Anthony. “Then you have a lobby and conference room that is decked out with custom woodwork and imported marble.” One sample office budget at Buildings.com put the cost of millwork and finishes at about $25 a square foot. The total office renovation cost for that build-out came to $90 a square foot.

Costs to build walls

Similar to lighting and millwork, walls can differ greatly in cost. A basic partition wall that is ten linear square feet could cost around $60. Glass walls are not often priced per square foot and are instead sold as a package. However, using executive design elements such as glass walls could push the entire cost of your office renovation towards the $150 a square foot range.

Office flooring costs

Commercial-grade carpet or a vinyl tile can cost as little as $4 a square foot to supply and install. Wood plank floors can cost around $7 a square foot for a 5,000-square-foot office. If there will be an industrial theme in your new office, then concrete flooring might be an economical option starting at $2 a square foot, according to the Concrete Network.

Office bathroom costs

Many office buildings will have a communal bathroom area on each floor for tenants. If there is no bathroom, you must install at least one. US code requires one bathroom per one to 15 staff members. That climbs to six bathrooms for 111 to 150 staff.  A single restroom could cost a little under $15,000, according to How to Move Your Office. If your staff likes to shower at work after jogging or riding into the office, a shower (make sure it is handicap friendly as per the Americans with Disabilities Act), will cost just shy of $6,000.

(Above) The office kitchen and go-to snacking area from Domino’s NYC office renovation with Sweeten

Office kitchen costs

An office kitchen can help team members feel appreciated. In the office renovation cost outline at the end of this article, Sweeten contractor Anthony installed an office bathroom and kitchenette. The total budget for those two items was around $16,000. The kitchenette, which consisted of a sink and fridge, took about 25 percent or $4,000 of that budget. Because the kitchenette and the bathroom were near each other, the project made double use of the plumbing to reduce overall costs. “It really depends on how much plumbing and millwork you need,” said Anthony. “You could have a simple cabinet or a whole countertop with a microwave, fridge, and sink.”

Fire protection

Depending on the building you are leasing, this could (hopefully) already be in place. If there is a sprinkler system, it is well worth spending a few hundred dollars to have an engineer inspect it to ensure it works and that it is up to current code. Installing a system from scratch in a small to a medium-sized office could set you back between $5,000 to $10,000, according to Anthony. He estimates that a sprinkler system will cost about $200 per sprinkler head, plus an additional $2,000 to have a plan drawn up as well as permits and inspections.

HVAC for offices

Keeping an office well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature can have a big impact on employee productivity. So, installing an HVAC—heating ventilation and air conditioning system—might be worth it if there isn’t already one in your new location. An HVAC system could cost between $15 to almost $30 a square foot or 15 to 20 percent of your entire office renovation cost, according to the Builder’s Association.

Labor costs for an office remodel 

For a typical office renovation, labor should take about ten percent of your entire budget. However, consider the geographic differences in labor costs. For example, the cost of labor in New York City is 70 percent higher than the national average, according to Fixr. Philadelphia is 40 percent and Dallas ten percent above the national average. Charleston, South Carolina, and Scottsdale, Arizona, are both one percent below the national average.

Certain factors in individual cities can add another variable. For example, in New York City, there are union and non-union buildings. For union buildings, tenants are required to use union labor, which can almost double the office renovation cost of a project, said Joseph, a Sweeten general contractor. The basic build-out of an office in a non-labor building can be as little as $40 a square foot or as much as $100 a square foot in a labor building, according to 42Floors.

Here, a real budget for a 5,500 square-foot office renovation in NYC from Sweeten contractor Paul:

Finding the right general contractor for a commercial office renovation

Starting an office space remodel can mean an exciting step forward for a business whether you’re a start-up or an established company in need of a new environment for your team. The process of dreaming up the future of your company and your new office space can be exhilarating, especially if you have the right team of experts guiding you. Are you looking for experienced commercial-space contractors near you? Sweeten matches business professionals with vetted general contractors, offering guidance and financial protection—at no cost to the business owner. Start by posting your project on Sweeten today. 

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Whether you’re a beginner restaurateur or simply daydreaming about opening a cafe, check out our Commercial Guide: A Cost Breakdown to Open a Restaurant.

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

The post Commercial Guide: Your Office Renovation Budget appeared first on Sweeten.

Landscape/curb appeal project by Sweeten landscape designer Michelle

Homeowners who put their house on the market want it to be shown in the best light, and nowhere is this more important than with its exterior. Curb appeal provides the critical first impression to prospective buyers, creating the desire to step inside and see more—or to keep on driving.

Another advantage to strong curb appeal is that it makes for a pretty picture. Most house hunters start the process by looking at homes online and the first photo from the street can help draw buyers in and entice them to reach out to their realtor.

Deciding to improve the home’s exterior at resale is really a balancing act. Perhaps the first question to ask is: why do anything? It’s a valid question in a hot seller’s market where houses go on sale on Monday and are in contract by the next weekend. But an improvement can also keep negative impressions out of a buyer’s mind. Few people are wowed by a nice roof, but everyone can notice missing shingles, discoloration, and other signs of disrepair. Here, Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with vetted general contractors, outlines the best areas for sellers to focus on for the best return on their budget.

Curb Appeal Renovations: Consider the home buyer’s POV

Curb appeal involves many different elements, from a well-manicured lawn to an eye-popping entryway to a new roof or siding. Deciding which projects to tackle comes down to what needs to be renovated or at least improved—if something is worn or damaged, it should be replaced or fixed—and based on the budget, what the improvement can add to the resale value of the house.

“Check around the neighborhood to see what is most prevalent with other homes,” said Sweeten contractor Majid. “You want your home to fit in with the culture of the surrounding area. For example, you don’t want to install vinyl siding in a neighborhood with homes that are predominantly stucco or brick because people who are searching that particular neighborhood are looking for that specific look.”

Landscaping project by Sweeten landscape designer Brook

Another obstacle is how homeowners perceive their home. Someone who has lived in the house happily for a number of years may not be aware of its flaws. “It’s good to get an opinion from someone else,” said Kyle, a contractor with Sweeten. “Some of my clients call me and say they are looking to sell their house and wonder what they should do.”

Working with a qualified general contractor not only gives you the benefit of their expertise, but they can refer you to tradespeople they have worked with and trust—a valuable resource when trying to find a good contractor.

Curb Appeal Renovations: Don’t overlook landscaping

Improving the look of the landscape may be the easiest and least expensive way to enhance curb appeal. “The landscaping and its health are very important as a well-manicured lot will naturally draw attention to the home. It contributes to the overall look and feel of the place,” said Majid.

Start by making sure the lawn is neatly trimmed and the planting beds have a fresh layer of mulch. Add color and texture by placing seasonal plants in pots around the entry. Ringing trees with mulch will give a kempt look to the yard. While this may sound simple, such attention to detail or hiring a landscape designer to do the work provides your front yard the professional polish it needs.

Landscape project by Sweeten landscape designer Michelle

If there is a fence, give it a fresh coat of paint, whether it is a picket fence in the suburbs or an ironwork fence in the city. Its square footage measurement will determine the cost, as well as what shape it is in. “More labor is required if the fence is in bad condition,” explained Kyle.

Other more involved and expensive projects include adding a new front walkway or redoing the driveway, a key detail. Kyle said, “If the driveway is all beat up, the buyer is thinking, ‘I am going to have to replace it.'” The cost of renovating a walkway is also based on the square footage. This is the same for driveways except the cost is measured over the “blacktop, concrete and pavers. Another aspect that plays a part in the price is the elevation,” he said.

Remodeling and resale highlights

Both the National Association of Realtors’ 2017 Remodeling Impact Report and Remodeling‘s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report survey their audiences to estimate how common improvements affect resale value. Much of the data is based on the opinions of the professionals who were given descriptions of the project. The groups used different methodologies and the results do not perfectly align; however, the results extrapolated below could prove helpful for a homeowner making a renovation decision.

Smaller-scale projects run the gamut from a fresh coat of paint on the front door to replacing the entry and garage doors. Larger improvements include repairing the roof to pass inspection.

Entry door replacements

Entry door replacements range from installing a steel door at a cost of about $1,400 to $1,700 to a fiberglass door that can cost as much as $9,000. A custom door for a 100-plus-year-old brownstone will be priced higher. In general, installing a steel door will recoup a higher percentage of the original cost, mainly due to the lower upfront cost. But the location also plays a role. In New York, a fiberglass door fetches 90 percent of the original cost, while the national average is 68 percent.

In fact, very few projects actually earn back more money than they cost but keep in mind the goal is to bring foot traffic and potential buyers to your door. The exception: garage doors. The National Association of Realtors ranked replacing a garage door third among its eight projects surveyed that earn back their full cost. (A new roof was #1, followed by new vinyl windows). The report also stated that 24 percent of the realtors surveyed suggested to sellers that they replace the garage door, but only 3 percent cited that factor closed the deal with a buyer. On the bright side, the improvement added more than the cost of the project to the value of the home in the New York area.

Roofing, siding, windows

Roofing, siding, and windows are big-ticket undertakings that can cost $10,000 to $30,000 and projects that homeowners should consider carefully. Thirty-two percent of the realtors said that a new roof helped close a sale. “Roofing is important because the home inspector looks at it carefully,” said Kyle. The inspector will estimate the age and evaluate the condition of the shingles. New siding and windows helped close deals in the single digits.

Renovation by Sweeten contractor Bud

Making a decision on your curb appeal renovations

What’s the timetable? If you plan on moving in the future, then a major improvement may be ideal because you can enjoy it while you are still in the house. Then there is the budget and the many things to consider here: the cost of the project, what it adds to the value of the house, the seller’s equity in the house, and how long will you get to enjoy the improvement before you move.

“The last thing you want to do is have your home stick out like a sore thumb,” said Majid. “Overall, your safest bet as far as resale value is concerned is to stick with the general look of the neighborhood and neighboring homes.”

Want to achieve that “welcome factor” you need for a successful resale? Assess the condition of your home—whether its a series of small projects to larger-scale mends—and make a list. When you’re ready to start, use Sweeten to connect with expert general contractors (for free!) for your curb appeal renovation.

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Putting your home on the market? Read our guide on renovating for resale.

Refer your renovating friends to Sweeten and you’ll both receive a $250 Visa gift card when they sign a contract with a Sweeten general contractor.

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

The post Renovating for Curb Appeal: Adding Home Value That Goes a Long Way appeared first on Sweeten.

Lakou Cafe renovation in Brooklyn by Sweeten contractor Mark

Starting a business is both daunting and exciting. It could mean that you will finally be your own boss, or have a chance to execute on an idea that has beckoned you for years. But that good idea and that excitement do not pay the bills. It will take some meticulous planning to get through a business renovation and end up with an enterprise that not only feeds your soul but pushes your business into the black.

About 80 percent of small businesses fail in their first year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the biggest reasons? They get to the end of their budget by either not making a profit or underestimating the amount of time and capital they will need before crossing over into a profitable business. At Sweeten, we want to see every business succeed. It’s one of the reasons why we offer a free service connecting business owners with fully vetted general contractors when it’s time to start or expand.

Here are a few ways to make sure you don’t burn through your business’s renovation budget.

Minimize change orders with precise planning

Jimmy Haber knows a thing or two about successfully surviving a business renovation. His company, Esquared, has a long list of successful restaurants, including the popular vegan dining chain by CHLOE. For Jimmy, the biggest disrupter to a budget is change orders. These can occur once the scope of work and budget are agreed upon by business owner and contractor, serving up an unexpected addition to the cost and complexity of a project. “A change order can happen for a thousand different reasons,” he said. “It could be as simple as ‘that outlet doesn’t belong there. It is better if it is here.’” Or more complicated such as needing to redo a design feature that doesn’t quite look right or drawing up a budget from a preliminary set of plans rather than a final set.

“You have to go through and meticulously plan everything out,” said Jimmy. Not only will the change order likely add to your budget, since you’re already in agreement with your contractor, it is more difficult to get a competitive price on that additional scope of work. “Because they already have the job, you no longer have any leverage, but they do,” he said.

Contingency for staff costs

Having a delay in a construction project once new staff already has a start date will put any business owner in a dilemma. If you let those staff members go, then you’ll have to go through the time-consuming process of re-hiring replacements once you are ready to open. Or, if you want to secure the team you’ve hired, keeping them on the payroll might be the only way to stop them from going elsewhere. “This can be the most painful and difficult stage that can crush your budget,” said Jimmy.

One solution is to be prepared with a contingency line item in the budget for staff costs in the case that construction is delayed and you’ve already hired your staff. Other times it might mean holding on to key staff, like executive chef for a restaurant or a general manager for a retail space, while letting go of those in high turnover positions such as servers.

Concept nightclub renovation at Hotel 50 Bowery in Manhattan by Sweeten contractor Nick

Keep a line of credit handy

Just like a lifebuoy in a pool area, a line of credit should be ready to go if your project needs additional cash to stay afloat, said Andrew Flamm. He is the director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center, which connects small business owners with funding as well as support and mentorship. A line of credit is different from a typical term loan. With a term loan, once you are approved you receive it in a lump sum and begin paying interest on it immediately.

A line of credit requires approval; however, it remains in the lender’s possession. You only access it if and when you need to. You also only begin paying interest on the loan once you start using it and you don’t need to draw on the entire amount available to you. Only take what you need. “Then you are not scrambling to pay a bill or overextending on your credit card,” said Andrew. “That could have implications on your credit score and affect future funding down the road.” Lines of credit usually have a slightly higher interest rate than a term loan, but it could save your business and your personal credit score if you get into a bind.

Prepare to pay operating costs early

One area that trips up many new businesses is forgetting operating costs while a renovation is in progress, according to Alek Marfisi, a small business consultant with Upwind Strategies. If you’re building out a space, you will still need to pay utility bills like gas and electricity, internet connection, business liability insurance, and property insurance. Having plenty of temporary working capital on hand is a must for these situations.

A residential lobby renovation in Union Square by Sweeten contractor Tim

Temporary working capital

In addition to the contingency funds you need to have to pay for overruns in the cost of construction, you should have enough temporary working capital to cover at least two months of operating expenses should the construction project take longer than planned. This is part of your entire budget for working capital, and is what helps you handle any unexpected costs compared to permanent working capital, which is what you typically need to run your business. “It will get you through the losses from starting or expanding your business and while you’re not making any money,” said Alek. Temporary working capital covers the construction period and the period of time in which the business is losing money before it breaks even.

As with so many other expenses, these operating costs will need to be paid regardless of whether your renovation project runs on schedule or gets delayed. That’s why these costs should also be factored into a contingency plan in case your opening date gets bumped back.

Managing a successful renovation in your business comes down to detailed planning. Plus, it’s never a bad thing to be overly generous with your contingency line item in your budget so you are ready if something goes wrong. And if it all goes to plan, then there’s more capital to invest back into your dream business.

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If you’re thinking of opening an eatery of your own, check out our guide on restaurant renovation costs.

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

The post Commercial Guide: Pacing Your Budget During The Renovation Process appeared first on Sweeten.

Here on the Sweeten blog, we’ve previously discussed leveling bids, preparing for bids, and site visits. Soliciting and comparing bids is one of the first steps of a home renovation project, and it can be daunting to figure out the best way to go about it. At this point, one of your major considerations is likely the budget: how much do you need to spend to get the results you want, and where does the money go? Many homeowners (myself included!) have been tempted to go with labor-only bids from contractors in an attempt to lower costs. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of labor-only bids versus all-inclusive bids.

Understanding the difference

In a labor-only bid, contractors will identify the labor costs associated with various parts of your project. For example, their bids will include line items such as demolition and installation related to various aspects of your project. We’ve included a sample labor-only bid for an apartment kitchen update in a condo building in the box below. This real-life example is of a 125-square-foot kitchen in Brooklyn, where the Sweeten homeowner was changing out many of the finishes in her kitchen but retaining the existing appliances since they were just a couple years old. She also kept the lower cabinets to create a dual-tone look.

Let’s take a look now at an all-inclusive bid for the same kitchen:

Which is right for you?

The bids are very different, but keep in mind the labor-only bid does not include the cost of materials, which you’d still need to account for separately. Let’s break down the difference between the two scenarios.

The truth about material costs

The biggest differences in price come from the cabinets and countertops (the materials themselves): the new cabinetry comes out to $5,900 and the quartz countertops $5,400. (Since the cabinetry installation for custom work is less labor intensive than assembling and installing modular cabinetry, the labor costs are actually lower on the all-inclusive bid. And because countertop suppliers usually throw in installation as part of the quoted cost, we don’t account for it separately in the labor-only bid.) The question is whether you can find better prices than your contractor. General contractors have partnerships with suppliers and wholesalers that allow them to obtain materials and parts at lower prices, which they can pass onto you. While there will be a markup for their time and effort, the final number may come out fairly close to what you would find on your own.

Another note: If you plan to go with custom cabinets, they will cost more no matter whether you source them from an independent millworker or go through your contractor. Similarly, there are pricing variations on countertops, but they should generally be in the same range.    

How much time do you have?

Aside from the comparison of the cost of materials, the other major consideration is time. Managing a home renovation can be as time intensive as a job, and labor-only contracts require even more from homeowners in terms of preparation, research, and project coordination than all-inclusive bids. This is because you, as the homeowner, are the de facto project manager, having only delegated part of the job to your contractor. You are still responsible for making decisions on materials, as well as sourcing and coordinating the delivery of all materials to the work site.

Depending on the size of the job, this can get very complicated. Some homeowners have shared that significant delays have resulted due to their own miscalculations or oversight about product delivery lead times. This is why some contractors strongly advise/request you let them handle the ordering and delivery logistics. While an all-inclusive bid does not guarantee that there will be no delays, it’s the contractor’s responsibility in that scenario to ensure that all materials arrive in time for each step in the process. As professionals, they are accustomed to all the steps and what needs to arrive when for the project to be completed on time.

So, while the total price of an all-inclusive bid may look overwhelming at first, it is important to understand what goes into it and assess whether it will save you an enormous amount of time, hassle, and frustration. Centralizing the responsibility with your contractor also makes the process more straightforward. Lastly, to make the decision simple, ask yourself these questions:

*Are you very organized?

*Do you have a lot of time to spend on this renovation project?

*Do you already have very specific ideas about where to source fixtures, tiles, and other materials? (E.g., you already have your eye on those Schoolhouse Electric pendants and have decided on a full IKEA kitchen suite.)

*Are you a designer or have industry connections?

*Is the bottom line the most important thing?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, you may be equipped to tackle a labor-only bid. If you answered “no” to any of them, however, an all-inclusive bid is your best bet for a smooth, turnkey home renovation experience.

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What to find out more about what your general contractor will do for you? Check out our post General Contractor 101: How to Find One and What to Expect.

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

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Sweeten’s Founder + CEO Answers Your Renovation Questions

Welcome to #2 in our series, Q&A with Jean, in which I hope to bring clarity to some of the mysteries of renovating. We hear your questions every day and work happily to bring you answers through our team and blog. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a serial renovator, each project brings a new set of circumstances and new queries with it. Feel free to email me at JBrownhill@sweeten.com. In the meantime, I’ll even include questions that I get asked most often—even at cocktail parties!

Today our question is about the costs of home renovation in New York City; if this topic interests you, I’d suggest checking out our kitchen and bath cost guides, including Budget Basics: Renovation Costs Per Square Foot.

QUESTION: Why is renovating in New York City so expensive?

JEAN: Like a lot of things in NYC, it comes down to logistics. For a general contractor to transport the drywall and studs—not mention the many other materials and tools necessary for the job—to your home, the planning can be really complicated. Not only does the team need to get everything to your apartment building, they need to get it up to your floor. Sometimes that means coordinating with an elevator, but in some cases, it can mean using a crane and craning in materials. What adds to the high cost of the materials part of a bid is the logistics.

The labor side of the equation is equally complicated. A lot of renovation projects going on simultaneously in the city and every contractor needs a tiler, a plumber, an electrician, etc. In order to survive the competition, he/she has to pay a premium to get a crew to show up at your job site. It all comes down to supply and demand. There are only so many skilled laborers in the city, and getting those laborers plus materials to your apartment can be challenging. Even for a house in Brooklyn, the crew still has to drive through traffic and bring the drywall from a warehouse that’s likely stationed in another borough, like Queens. Overall, it’s the cumulative expense of coordinating the drivers, trucks, and deliveries, plus having someone ready to accept deliveries and bring it to your home, that really drives up the cost.

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Looking for more advice from Jean? Be sure to check out the first installment in this series, Q&A: What to Know Before Renovating a Brownstone.

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

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Tiles are popping off the wall, the toilet makes a strange gurgling sound when it flushes, and stepping into the shower feels like entering a dark closet. If this situation sounds familiar, then your bathroom is ready for an upgrade. But what will it cost? A $15k-20k budget is an excellent range to cover all the basic bathroom renovation costs—materials, installation, and labor included—for a new toilet, sink, vanity, fixtures, tile, flooring, and lighting. With that in mind, it’s also important to consider that the need for plumbing, electrical, or layout changes will likely add to the amount. Sweeten, a free service matching homeowners with general contractors showcases five of their bathroom remodels below as good examples of what a $15K-20K budget will allow.

$15k takes the blues away in a Brooklyn bathroom remodel

Allison and Jovito’s bathroom in Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn

Upon purchasing a 1910 brick row house, Allison and Jovito got to work on a serious renovation, starting with the upstairs bathroom. The bathroom hadn’t been touched since the 1950s and was very blue—blue tub, blue toilet, blue tile. With a budget of $15k to cover essential bathroom renovation costs, which limited them from expanding the footprint or moving plumbing, the goal was to focus on form and function. A new, dual-flush toilet, console sink, and clawfoot tub—all in white—replaced the original blue fixtures. The simple, classic look they achieved with marble flooring and white subway tile mesh well with the history of the house.

Sleek fixtures and denim-like tile shine for $15K

Mario and Joe’s bathroom in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Mario and Joe’s main motivation for their apartment renovation was the bathroom. With a budget of $15k, they kicked off their remodel with a gray porcelain tile that had the look of coarse denim and installed it along the floor and vanity wall. The sink was swapped out for a streamlined IKEA vanity that was customized to fit a raised basin sink, and the existing mirrored medicine cabinet was replaced with a much larger one. A glass shower door, slim toilet, brushed nickel fixtures, and light above the vanity complete the transformation.

For $17K, a Brooklyn couple raises the ceiling and gets double cabinet storage

Ellen and Ben’s bathroom in Kensington, Brooklyn

Budgeting $17k for the bathroom renovation costs, Ellen and Ben decided to focus on modernizing their master bath. To make it feel more open, the stand-up shower and dropped ceiling were removed and replaced with an open shower stall fitted with a glass door. The beige vanity was kicked to the curb and a wooden side table from West Elm, customized to fit a marble countertop and sink, took its place. Two medicine cabinets installed side by side provide ample storage. A new toilet and fixtures complete the functional upgrade, while black hexagon floor tile and floor-to-ceiling white subway tile fulfill the modern aesthetic.

An architect’s $20K travel-inspired bathroom remodel

Brian and Erin’s bathroom in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

An uninspired bathroom led Brian and Erin to a $20k remodel that would take their space on an international adventure. The remodel was prompted by outdated fixtures and finishes from the ‘80s and a leak in an upstairs bathroom that had ruined the ceiling. To create a unique space, Brian drew inspiration from the many hotel bathrooms he had seen while traveling for work as an architect. Floor-to-ceiling white subway tile was chosen as a simple backdrop, while blue penny tile was selected for the floor. Mirroring the blue tile, a luxurious clawfoot tub with a blue exterior took the look from standard to standout. The rest of the space was outfitted with a new toilet and bronze fixtures, an antique basin table and sink, and a custom red balau wood medicine cabinet.

For $20K, everything had to go (except the tub and toilet!)

Celeste’s bathroom in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Stained limestone tiling in her bathroom was the tipping point for Celeste, who, after a few unsuccessful attempts to remove the stains, budgeted $20k for bathroom renovation costs. Creating more storage space became a priority, so a custom vanity with unique drawer configurations was installed. In order to decrease visual clutter, a dedicated spot within the vanity was designed to hold a small trash can. Celeste chose a marble tile with a cube effect for the floor and beveled subway tile for the walls. Although she decided to keep her original tub and toilet, she finished the look with additional new materials like the sink, countertop, and a new lighting fixture.

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For an in-depth breakdown of the costs involved in renovating your bathroom, check out our guide Budget Basics: Bath Renovation Costs.

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

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(Above) Brooke and Paul’s Sweeten kitchen renovation in Pelham, New York

UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Westchester County Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

There’s no doubt that Westchester is a picturesque place to live—the luxury of space and peace with the bustle of New York City a quick trip away. Some recent buyers and established homeowners alike feel it would be even more idyllic if they had their dream kitchen, whether it’s renovating a new home or fulfilling a long-desired wish to upgrade. The first step is often the stumbling block: determining the budget.

The national average for a basic 200-square-foot kitchen renovation is $63,829.  Westchester County has a slightly higher average kitchen renovation cost landing at $65,651 or $328 a square foot, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Let’s break that budget down into bite-sized pieces to help you get closer to your dream cooking and entertaining space.

DESIGN

This is an important line item in your budget, especially if your vision involves a layout change. That could involve moving load-bearing walls and gas lines. The NKBA estimates design fees eat up about four percent of a kitchen remodel cost. Sweeten designer Maryana, who has done work in Westchester, said it’s more realistic to put away 15 percent of your budget for design if you’re in the mood for a major layout change.

If you’re giving your kitchen more of a makeover than an overhaul, it’s possible to work closely with an experienced general contractor on the design and forgo a designer. Statistics from the NKBA show that the majority of homeowners relied on a general contractor and only 22 percent used a designer. Chuck, a Sweeten contractor who works in Westchester, has found that many clients in the county take a hands-on approach to design and often don’t use a designer or architect. However, an architect’s services will be needed if plumbing or gas lines are moving, there are structural changes, or if a landmark property is being renovated.

PERMITS

Building permits are handled by the building department of each individual town within Westchester County. “Individual” is the key word here because methods of calculations can change dramatically.

In Rye, the most of the expensive area in Southern Westchester—the median price for a home is $1,380,000—it’s no surprise that building permits are calculated based on the cost of a renovation. For every $1,000 in your kitchen remodel budget, that’s an additional $17 for your building permits. That average $64,000 kitchen overhaul will cost at least $1,088 in permits. If plumbing and electrical permits are required, that’s an additional $200 a pop (for a less extensive renovation, these permits may not be necessary).

In the township of Peekskill, building permit costs are at the end of a minor mathematical equation. Multiply the square footage of your project by $150. Then, multiply that figure by 0.10. For a 200-square-foot kitchen, that’s $3,000. So take a moment to look at how the building department of your township calculates permits.

APPLIANCES

At Village Appliances in Westchester, a budget appliance package (fridge, oven, dishwasher and microwave), can go for under $5,000. However, Joe Gagliardo, the owner of Village Appliances, doesn’t sell too many of those. The majority of customers either go for a package in the $5,000 to $8,000 range or in the mid-price range of $18,000 to $22,000, which will get you brands such as General Electric and Electrolux. The high-end price spectrum will deliver brands such as Viking and Miele for a four-piece suite (fridge, range, hood, and dishwasher) at a price ranging from $17,000 to $26,000.

At Bilotta Kitchens, clients often buy in the $12,000 to $15,000 range for an appliance package, according to senior designer and CKD Randy O’Kane. This will get you brands such as Thermador, Sub-Zero, and Wolf. There’s always room to mix and match, but brands do offer a discount or throw in items like blenders, toasters and hoods for free if you go with the same brand for your appliances, Randy said. “It is the heart and soul of a kitchen,” she said. “Cabinets are great, but it is all about cooking.”

Installation can cost between $500 and $1,000, and that price will depend on how much work your contractor has already done. If water lines have not been run or outlets are not in the necessary areas, that could push up installation costs, Joe said. For those after custom range hoods, then plan for the $2,000 and $8,000 range.

(Above) Tracey and Brian’s Sweeten kitchen renovation in Pelham Manor, New York

CABINETS

Cabinets and hardware (think handles and knobs) are a big-ticket item on every kitchen remodel cost budget. They typically take up 30 percent of costs, according to NKBA. In a basic kitchen renovation, that’s $6,000. For a major overhaul worth $60,000, cabinets cost almost $20,000. What typically makes a big difference in cabinet cost is whether you want custom, pre-fabricated or a mix of both. Something pre-fabricated from IKEA or Home Depot will cost around $130 a linear foot. Custom jobs can shoot up to $2,000 a linear square foot. However, with that higher price, there is more freedom in deciding your kitchen layout. You can also get a better warranty with custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets generally are about 50 percent cheaper than full custom.

Or do what Sweeten founder and CEO Jean Brownhill did in her own kitchen renovation: the recycled customized option. “I scoured Renovation Angel’s website and purchased a used-but-high-end kitchen for about $10,000, which is what I could have spent on cabinets alone,” she said. “A complete kitchen included appliances and cabinetry.” Jean then customized the cabinets to fit her space, which often meant filler panels were wider on one side than the other, or building a soffit was necessary. “It was like working on a jigsaw puzzle in order to make the kitchen look like it fit in the space,” she said. “But I was okay with these kinds of imperfections in exchange for essentially getting a premium kitchen on an Ikea type of budget.”

COUNTERTOPS

At Westchester Kitchen and Bath, quartz is overwhelmingly the most popular countertop, according to showroom manager and designer Donna Magnotta. “It’s heat-, stain-, scratch-, and bacteria-resistant,” she said, “and it’s maintenance-free.” Natural stones, like marble, need routine staining and sealing. Quartz starts around $85 per linear foot and is on the mid to high-end of the price scale, which includes the cost of fabricating and installing. Laminate starts at $20 a linear foot, but is rarely purchased, Donna said. Granite is next up the ladder at about $35 a linear foot. On the high end, natural stones start at about $120 a linear foot.

LIGHTING

Kitchen lighting isn’t a big budget line item. It takes up on four percent of total costs on average. The end price, of course, will always be determined by your tastes. In a $20,000 kitchen, that’s only $800. For a major remodel in the $60,000 range, lighting costs look closer to $2,400.

PLUMBING

On an average remodel, plumbing costs are about the same at $800. If there is a layout change to your Westchester kitchen, then that will likely add to your plumbing costs, which also includes gas lines. And the more you alter the basic layout of your space, the more your kitchen remodel cost will increase for materials, labor, permitting, and inspections.

FLOORING

For a budget, Westchester’s Suburban Floors has a vinyl Karndean-Knight Tile that is $3.50 a square foot that is “still very durable and stylish,” said Emily Carpentieri, the store’s owner. The price per square foot does not include installation. On the higher end is cork or wide-plank wood flooring. These go for $8.25 to $15 a square foot. But vinyl floors in the $5 to $7 range is Suburban Floors’ biggest seller. “These would blow your mind how real they looked,” said Emily.

LABOR AND INSTALLATION

Construction labor can change depending upon your Westchester zip code. The costs are less expensive the further you are from NYC. For Peekskill, labor costs are 22 percent higher than the national average, according to Fixr.com. Dobbs Ferry comes in at 40 percent higher and Croton-on-Hudson at 27 percent higher than the national average. The kitchen renovation cost in Rye could have a labor budget 55 percent above the national average. To compare, the labor cost for a kitchen renovation on the Upper East Side is 77 percent higher than the national average.

Don’t forget installation for appliances, cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical. These typically take about 17 percent of a budget, which is about $3,500 for an average kitchen. And as mentioned above, factor in $500 to $1,000 for appliance installation.

At the end of the day, renovations are like fingerprints—no two are alike. That includes their budgets. Here’s how one Sweeten renovator in Westchester allocated their $56,620 renovation budget:

Renovating your kitchen in Westchester County? Sweeten can help!

Post your kitchen renovation project on Sweeten and you’ll get matched with vetted and licensed Westchester County general contractors, for free.

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

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