Cost Guide
What does a remodel cost? The five things that move the price
By All Purpose Anytime Services LLC
It depends on five things, and you control two of them. Square footage matters less than people think. What is behind the walls, whether the plumbing moves, what you pick, the finish level and the permits decide most of the number. Here is each one in plain words.
1. What is behind the walls
This is the one nobody can see from the outside. Older houses in this area regularly turn up knob and tube wiring, galvanised supply lines, undersized joists and plaster over lath.
Two bathrooms that look the same can cost very different amounts once the floor is up. A good estimate says what it assumes is in the wall, and what happens if it is wrong.
2. Whether the plumbing, gas or walls move
Keep the sink, the toilet and the range where they are and you get the cheapest layout available. Move them and floors and walls have to open.
In a basement it can be bigger. A bathroom with the drain below the slab means breaking concrete, which changes both the price and the schedule.
3. What you pick (you control this)
Tile, cabinets, countertops, fixtures and appliances vary enormously in price. Until you choose, they go in the estimate as allowances: a named budget with a figure next to it.
Pick early and those numbers become firm. Pick late and they stay estimates, and a late choice can also hold up the schedule.
4. The finish level (you control this too)
Drywall finish Level 4 is standard for most rooms. Level 5 costs more and is worth it where a wall takes raking light or gloss paint. Two coats of paint on a colour change, not one.
A cheap quote often gets cheap here. Ask what finish level and how many coats the price includes.
5. Permits and review
Most real remodels need a permit. Some addresses add a review first: a historic district in DC, the BAR districts in Alexandria, St. Charles in Waldorf. That is time, and time that is not planned for costs money.
Who pulls the permit belongs in the written scope. If it is not there, ask.
How to get a real number
A walkthrough, a measured scope and a written price with every allowance named. That is what a free estimate from us includes.
If you want a full written budget before you commit to anyone, our paid Remodel Scope & Budget Plan covers it, and the fee is credited toward the work if you book with us.
Want a Real Number?
We walk the rooms, measure them and put the price in writing before any work starts.