How to Keep Your Budget Realistic

Many times people decide they want to renovate their bathroom or kitchen and don’t completely think the process through. Deciding to do a renovation is the perfect first step. After you’ve made the decision you start getting estimates.

Many times people decide they want to renovate their bathroom or kitchen and don’t completely think the process through. Deciding to do a renovation is the perfect first step. After you’ve made the decision you start getting estimates. This is the part that usually causes people to take a step back and re-evaluate because they are going through sticker shock. Don’t get caught unaware. Read on to learn about how much these things can truly cost and how to keep yourself on budget.

Did you know that in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the average bathroom remodel costs a homeowner $19,500? In the same area, a kitchen remodel averages between $21,000 and $62,000. Even a new deck addition can range from $10,000 to $17,000 depending on materials used. These numbers look a lot scarier than they actually are when you take into account everything you’re getting for your money. An estimate from a contractor should include what they are providing and what you are required to provide. For example, a bathroom renovation that costs $20,000 should include all of your new fixtures, tile, toilet, etc. A renovation that costs in the $10,000 range wouldn’t include those types of things.

When you decide to do a renovation, start doing all of your own research. Find out how much a bathroom costs in your area. Reach out to friends on Facebook or through another social media platform. Go into a big box retailer like Home Depot and Lowes and check prices of cabinets, vanities, sinks, etc. This can help alleviate the sticker shock that comes with a renovation project. If you decide that you want to move forward make sure your contractor sticks with the price they quoted. If you’re responsible for providing items for your renovation, make sure they’re at the home and ready to install when the time comes.

Sticker shock is normal in home renovations. It’s easy to watch a TV show on something like HGTV or the DIY network and assume that you can redo your whole bathroom for $500. In the real world however, unless all you’re doing is painting and putting in a new sink $500 isn’t going to get you a new custom, tile shower and take walls down to make the bathroom larger. Be realistic in your goals and everyone will be happy at the end of the day.

Contact William Snyder Construction for an estimate today! Call 570-872-9915 or fill out our contact form.

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