Q: I’m thinking of 重构 my kitchen, but I have no idea how much it’s going to set me back or how much value it will add to my home. Is there any way of knowing how much it’s going to end up costing?
A: A remodel can make your home more comfortable and add to its value. And if you plan on selling your home in the future, a remodel can offer a significant return on investment. 不幸的是, there is no truly reliable average cost per project type and remodel pricing is not based on square footage. Ultimately, the cost and value of your remodel will vary based upon several factors:
公司规模
Every 重构 firm sets pricing based on business expenses. A smaller firm or a handyman will be less expensive than a larger outfit because their staffing and overhead costs are modest. Larger 重构 companies are more expensive, 但他们的装备也更好, 更有经验, and have the manpower and resources to handle projects of all sizes.
年龄及身体状况
The age of Seattle-area housing stock varies a lot. Older homes require more detailed planning because they’re more complex to remodel than newer homes. If a home has been well-maintained, fewer complications and unforeseen developments are likely. Most older structures will need to be substantially reinforced and brought up to current 建筑 code, which can increase overall project costs.
材料和饰面
Costs vary greatly depending on your material, appliance, and fixture selections. There are so many places to shop and dozens of finishes to choose from. When you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel, the material costs add up quickly. Many homeowners also find it confusing to navigate the myriad options.
选择设计建造公司
A design-build firm may help control costs before construction begins. They’ll educate and work with you to offer a selection of options that fit your budget. With a handyman or contractor, you will need to hire a designer separately and/or spend your own time researching and shopping for materials—an often involved, confusing process without guidance. It pays to have a knowledgeable guide.
地区的现实
装修杂志 出版年度 成本与. 价值报告, which is a great way to get a sense of prices nationally and locally. According to the 2019 report, the national average cost of a kitchen upgrade was $132K. 但是在西雅图地区, 要高出1.5万美元, likely because of the added costs of operating a business here, as well as the fixtures selected—anything over “vanilla” will drive up your kitchen investment to well over $100K. 根据同一份报告, a major upscale bathroom remodel in Seattle will cost $74K, or $10K over the national average. You can save money by selecting budget-conscious fixtures and keeping the same layout, 但面对现实吧, 重构 does cost more in Seattle.
The bottom line is 重构 here is expensive and will likely cost more than you think. Being upfront about your budget with your remodeler and doing your research prior to meeting will help you and the company you hire embark on a successful project.
So how do you choose the right professional?
做好家庭作业
Research potential 重构 firms online and request referrals from friends, 家庭成员, 同事, 和邻居. A reputable remodeler is likely to be involved in their local homebuilders association, and the 建筑大师协会 of King and Snohomish Counties has a convenient bg真人游戏娱乐目录. Also check the company’s contractor’s registration and workers’ compensation coverage with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.
Visit Project Sites and Interview Companies
Take advantage of various home tours throughout the Seattle area, such as the upcoming 改造ed Homes Tour the weekend of October 26–27, where you have an opportunity to see work firsthand and speak directly with builders. 免费向公众开放, you can tour recently remodeled homes and meet the companies behind them. Tickets and tour guide can be found at remodeltour.com. 在旅行中, check out the showcased projects, 它们的特点和装饰, and feel free to ask questions about project details and costs.
Melissa Irons是 铁兄弟建筑公司, a member of the 建筑大师协会 of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, 重构, or residential home建筑 question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ nearly 2,800个成员, 写信给 homework@livingatepperson.com.