The first and most important question you should answer before starting any type of home remodel is how much it will realistically cost. Typically, there isn’t a straight-forward answer to that question without scheduling an on-site consultation and paying for a detailed estimate and design. Because no two projects and no two homeowners are the same, the total cost of your project will depend on multiple variables. This means that even if your neighbor a few houses down has the exact same floor plan as you, built in the same year, your total cost could come in more or less than theirs simply based on your unique scope of work. You also must consider the level of remodeling you intend to do – whether it is a full-gut project that involves moving walls and rearranging the original footprint, or if you just want to update the space you have with new paint, tile, counters, etc. The types of materials, finishes, hardware, and appliances you choose also impacts the final price. For example, two homeowners with the same kitchen layout will have different totals if one chooses standard elements, such as a basic undermount sink and chrome faucet, and the other chooses high-end elements, such as a farmhouse-style sink with a brushed gold faucet. Of course, everyone wants the more expensive options often featured on HGTV renovation shows. Unfortunately, these shows tend to create unrealistic expectations regarding the actual costs, timelines, and processes involved in home remodeling. Read more