How Much Will My Remodel Cost?

Remodeling is one of the most difficult as well as the most rewarding types of construction. Existing quirks and conditions must be planned for and integrated or removed altogether. Demolition needs to be selective, so no damage is done to areas that are to remain. New must seamlessly blend with old without clashing or causing issues. There is no way around it – the more heavily you modify an existing structure, the more money (and time) you can expect to spend.

There are such a wide range of projects and unknown conditions that make it nearly impossible to estimate what a job will cost without inspecting it on site. With the homeowner’s personal preferences for styles, brands, etc. thrown in on top of that there are too many variables to give an accurate opinion of cost. We don’t want to leave you hanging either if you need some ballpark numbers for planning purposes, so we have a solution. Give us a call at 517-487-3713 or fill out our contact form at the top of any page so that we can get a better idea of the details and expectations you have for your project. It’s a 5 or 10-minute initial conversation and you’ll instantly receive a budgetary number from one of our skilled estimators and a realistic picture of what your remodel will take.

Another, often unaccounted for cost is the time/patience to live in and around the construction while it is happening. While we properly protect every dusty project with Zipwalls, Build Clean air scrubbers, and other site protection, it isn’t always possible to contain noise and activity. Quicker projects like a small bathroom remodel will take roughly 3 weeks and are hardly an issue if there’s a second bathroom in the house. A full kitchen remodel could be 7 or 8 weeks however, and temporary accommodations must be made since almost nobody has a second kitchen. We will keep you up to date on the timeframe and get you enjoying your project as quickly and painlessly as possible – but be prepared as construction always has at least a little mess and noise.

Types of Contractors and Builders

There is a huge spectrum of contractors that all specialize in their own niche. From the enormous general contracting firms that take part in building skyscrapers, to the one-man shops crafting custom furniture and everything in between, there is a contractor to suit every need. In the residential building market, the two main types you’ll likely be considering are general contractors like R. L. Rider Remodeling vs. smaller shops that you might call handymen or carpenters. Not all builders and contractors are design/build firms like R. L. Rider Remodeling so keep that in mind during your search if that is an important service to you. We do operate like a small shop would on smaller projects where the design is already set or not needed – but on 90% of our work we play the role of design/builder.

What Goes in to a Successful Remodel?

In addition to the work itself, there are a thousand details that must be taken care of behind the scenes. Proper insurance for general and subcontractors, testing & licensing for the business, locating skilled labor to perform the work, hiring & training, subcontractor organization, material ordering, continuing education, the list goes on. And all of that takes place before the construction even begins. One of the areas where remodelers really earn their paycheck is problem resolution on site because even with the best planning, there are always details that crop up. These problems, large or small, require the correct solution in a hurry since every delay one trade experiences can cascade and effect the entire project timeline. Mistakes tend to compound the earlier they are made in the process so accurate resolution is essential to an on-time, on-budget remodel.

This is not to say that a homeowner with little to no industry experience can’t manage or perform their own remodeling project. With the wealth of information on the internet and numerous review sites to compare contractors it is entirely possible to do this. Managing a project can quickly become a full-time job however, and without understanding the entire process and having excellent subcontractors, we would advise against undertaking that task by yourself.

Good Reasons to Remodel

While it requires investment in both time and money, remodeling your home is one of the most satisfying experiences if done correctly. You get to pick exactly what you want in every aspect from appliances to finishes. Any annoyances or pain points can be permanently removed and transitioned into new favorites. Remodeling is like tailoring your best suit while you are still in it to get as precise a fit as possible – totally bespoke.

A good rule of thumb when considering a remodel is to look ahead 5 years – if you’re still going to be in the same house at that time then you will get a lot of enjoyment out of the improvements to your home. If you think that family or career or any other obligations will pull you out of your current home soon, maybe hold off on the major projects and plan on them for your new house. If it is set in stone that you will be in your home for life, then the sooner you remodel, the sooner and longer you get to enjoy everything we completed for you! And if you really don’t care about your home’s looks or function, then why remodel? This is a fun process for your enjoyment – if it is a hassle to you then don’t do it, simple as that

Once you determine the length of stay in your home will be worth the investment, there are literally hundreds of reasons to remodel. You might have inherited a family home that you’d like to keep around for generations to come. You might want to convert a historic home into something with a few more modern touches. Maybe you love your neighborhood or area so much that you would never considering moving but want a little nicer home to enjoy while you stick around. Why you want to remodel is a personal question that has as many unique answers as there are people.

Whatever your reasons, once you decide to move forward with a remodel you have a right to expect the best for how much you are investing in the project. Do not settle for sub-standard service or refurbished products. You should be able to feel confident in consulting with experts, not belittled for not knowing every in and out of the construction industry. If you run across anyone like that, know that is not the norm in the industry and seek out a professional firm that will give you a fair return on your investment into your home.

Reasons NOT to Remodel

Remodeling is a big decision that impacts your personal space and family’s budget for an extended period. While we want to make sure you are happy with the results every time, sometimes the best decision is to delay or cancel the project entirely. We will never try to talk you into a project that does not make functional and financial sense! Persuading a family into a project that they are not fully on board with can never end well and is never practiced at R. L. Rider Remodeling. We don’t like to “be sold” either – our policy is to provide expert knowledge and zero-pressure consultation to our customers. On that note, let’s look at the main reasons NOT to remodel.

A big one with homeowners is resale value. Unfortunately, you won’t see great return on your investment according to the annual Cost vs. Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine. The average remodel will only return 60% of what you spent on it if you were to sell your house, and that is at the upper end with some projects being even less. Any money losing 40 cents on the dollar is typically not the best investment. Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, the primary value you getfrom a remodel is personal enjoyment – not monetary.

If you are considering moving in the near future (1-4 years) or are not in love with your neighborhood, again we recommend that you not undertake any large improvements. An exception might be if an aspect of your house is driving you crazy and needing immediate attention – for example a poorly located island in your kitchen. In most cases though it is better to save the money toward your new home and the associated costs of moving. One last reason to not remodel is if you have been keeping an eye on the housing market and end up spotting your perfect house. Sometimes you can find a home that is so well-suited to your needs that the cons of moving are more than worth it. Rather than a substantial remodel it would be easier to start fresh with a different house or even build new in that case.

How We Can Help

R. L. Rider Remodeling is Lansing’s premier full-service, design/build remodeler since 1924 which means that we are a better fit for large, complex residential improvements. While we handle design/build projects, we can also build from plans that you already have made. If you have a very small project that’s straightforward, we are probably not the best fit, but we will refer you to one of our skilled trade partners and get you taken care of. If you are ready for personalized service or just a builder who will pick up the phone for you, please call R. L. Rider Remodeling today at 517-487-3713 or fill out the contact form at the top of any page of our site. Thank you!