FAQ Bath & Kitchen Remodeling:
Q. How much will it cost to remodel my kitchen or bathroom?
A: The price for a new kitchen or bathroom will be affected by (1) where you buy it (2) what features it includes and (3) the brands/models you select.
For kitchens, pricing can range from $5,000 or so (if you do some work yourself) to as much as $150,000 and higher. On average, a kitchen will cost from $15,000 - $26,000, including design, products and installation.
Bathroom prices generally average between $10,500 and $34,600 when you're replacing everything. Again, the cost can be lower or considerably higher depending on what you're looking for.
Q. What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?
A: Cabinets account for about half the total cost of the project and will have the greatest impact on your budget. They range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes are needed).
The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price.
Other key elements that factor in to the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled sub-tradesmen and expert installation crew may cost more. But you'll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.
Q. What makes a bathroom remodeling more or less expensive?
A: No single element of a bathroom remodeling comprises a significantly larger portion of the costs than other elements. Cabinets are one of the biggest parts of the budget, accounting for 34 percent of costs, on average. So, the type and quality of cabinets you select will affect your total costs.
Not surprisingly, fixtures and fittings account for a high cost percentage in the bathroom. Expense for fixtures and fittings will vary depending on the brand, type of materials, and array of products you select.
In bathrooms, installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the total cost. This is because the installation work in a bathroom tends to be intricate (for example, tile setting). If you're looking to cut corners, this is probably not the place to do it.
Q: How can I possibly pay for a new kitchen or bathroom?
A: Like any major purchase, you should only spend what you can afford to spend. That means setting a budget and sticking to it. With our professional help we will work with you and will help you make the most of it - and respect the budget you've set.
As for payment, there are a number of options. Some homeowners tap into personal savings to get the kitchen of their dreams. Others take out home equity loans. We work with a major lending institutions which offers 6-month and 12-month same as cash financing options.
Q: Who's the best person for the job?
A: There are a lot of professionals out there - interior designers, architects, remodeling contractors - but your best bet is to pick a designer or firm that specializes in the kitchen and bath area. There are thousands of companies that offer kitchen/bath design and installation services.
For many years, we have been designing and renovating beautiful bathrooms and kitchens THIS IS OUR SPECIALITY!
Total Kitchen and Bath Design, Inc. business philosophy is simple, deliver quality.
Our number one priority a completely happy and entirely satisfied Customer and we stand firmly by this mission statement.
From the product selection available in our showroom, to the sales and installation team dedicated to your project from start to finish,
Quality is paramount. We sell service and peace of mind. The attention to service starts when you enter our showroom and it never ends.
You'll probably meet first at our showroom to share your ideas and basic needs. Then our designer/estimator will come to your home to take careful measurements of the space, make note of plumbing and structural elements, and get a feel for your home's style. He'll also ask a lot of questions about your kitchen or bathroom, lifestyle and family. He'll be listening carefully so that the finished room you work to create reflects your personal taste and how you use the space. You'll choose products, colors and materials together, working within your budget.
Q: What can I do myself to help cut costs?
A: How much you can or should attempt to do depends on your ability and knowledge of remodeling. You'll definitely be able to tear out old cabinets (be careful not to damage walls and beams), take up old vinyl flooring and handle trash removal. You may also want to paint or wallpaper on your own. You're better off letting the pros handle plumbing and appliance hook-ups - if you try it on your own, you may violate building codes or invalidate manufacturer warranties. And let a professional installer put your new cabinets in so that they look their best.
Q: What about contracts and orders?
A: Before any work begins on your kitchen or bathroom, we provide detailed written estimates, project specifications and signed contracts. Feel free to check our references. We pride on our customer satisfaction!
Q: What about payment?
A: Like most firms we will require a percentage (usually 50 percent or so) when you sign the contract, additional payment when installation begins, and the balance (20 percent or so) when the job is complete. You may also be required to pay a design retainer at the start of the job.
Q: What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?
A: The "work triangle" is the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the main sink. Connect the three and it should form a triangle (unless you have a 'one-wall' kitchen). It's important because at or immediately adjacent to the triangle's points, all the key kitchen activities - food preparation, cooking and clean up - take place. The work triangle helps to ensure that your kitchen will be functional. It keeps cooking activities centered in one area, with all the necessities close at hand.
Q: Where's the best place to put a microwave?
A: Like most things about your new kitchen, it will depend on how you and your family use the appliance. From a safety and accessibility standpoint, the microwave should be positioned so that the bottom of the appliance is 24" to 48" above the floor. Consult with your designer for the best place to locate it.
Q: What is GFCI and do I need it?
A: GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. GFCI monitors the balance of electrical current moving through the circuit. If an imbalance occurs, GFCI cuts off the electricity. Its purpose is to prevent fatal electrical shocks. As you know, water and electricity are a deadly combination. Since both are necessary in kitchens and bathrooms, all switches, sockets, breakers and circuits for those rooms should be GFCI protected for your family's safety.
BATHROOM BUDGETING
Bathroom remodeling projects can cost anywhere from $6,500.00, up to, or exceeding, $50,000.00, depending on the scope of the project and the materials selected.
One thing to keep in mind, while you are in the budgeting process, is that when you have professional remodeling done to your home, you are increasing the value of your home not only to yourself, with your enjoyment of the finished project, but to prospective buyers when the time comes to sell. And if you are like us (we own homes too) our home is our greatest single investment. If we can make our investment appreciate by doing a professional remodel, and we get to enjoy that investment on a daily basis, then we truly have invested wisely.
With that said we have included some typical price ranges that you can use to calculate a rough dollar amount that you will need to be prepared to invest in your home when you remodel your bathroom.
- A basic cosmetic facelift with new vanity top, lavatory, faucet, mirror, light fixture, vinyl flooring, and painting will run $4,000.00 - $6,000.00 or more depending on fixtures selected.
- Doing the above plus replacing the toilet, vanity, bathtub, tiled tub surround and exhaust fan will cost $9,000.00 - $12,000.00+ again depending on fixtures selected.
- Adding a Jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub will add $1,500.00 or more to the above price.
PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE
The answers you give to the following questions will help your designer plan a bathroom that will better fit your needs. It also gives you an opportunity to consider the options that you have available to you.
Please print this form out and complete it prior to our first meeting so that we can review it together.
Circle which bathroom you are remodeling
Master Bath
Guest Bath
Half Bath
1. What is the main reason for wanting to remodel your bathroom?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. How many people use the bathroom at the same time? __________
3. How many bathrooms are in your home? ___________
4. Approximately how old is your house? ___________
5. Is the bathroom located on the: First Floor / Second Floor / Basement
6. Is the bathroom located over a: Basement / Crawl Space / Slab
7. Is there a second floor, attic or open area above it? _____________
8. Are the bathroom walls drywall or plaster? ____________________
9. What type of heating system do you have? ____________________
10. Is anyone who will use this bathroom physically challenged? _______
11. If so, is this person confined to a wheelchair? __________________
12. Do you have a style preference: Country / Traditional / Contemporary
13. What color do you have in mind for the main fixtures? ___________
14. Would you like the vanity to be taller? ______________
15. Would you like more storage space if possible? ________________
16. Do you have a preference of countertop materials:
Solid Surface, Cultured Marble, or Laminate
17. What items are you planning on replacing?
___ Bathtub ___ Vanity ___ Flooring ___ Wallpaper
___ Lighting ___ Toilet ___ Countertop ___ Window
___ Exhaust Fan
18. Are there any special items or needs that you would like to have this bathroom accommodate?
___ Whirlpool bathtub for one ___ Whirlpool bathtub for two
___ A larger shower ___ A shower with multiple shower heads
___ Steam shower ___ Bench in shower ___ Taller Vanity
___ Polished brass faucets ____ Brushed chrome faucets
____ Lever handle faucets ___ Heated ceramic tile floor
___ Comfort height toilet ___ Handicap accessible
___ Safety bars Other _______________________________
19. Are you having any problems with your existing bathtub, toilet or sink draining slow? _______
20. If so please describe the problem. ___________________________
21. Do you have low water pressure at any of the fixtures? __________
22. If so please describe. ______________________________________
23. Does your existing toilet flush properly? _____________________
24. How long have you been thinking about this project? ___________
25. Is there a date that this project must be completed by? ___________
26. If so, when? _________________________
27. Have you considered a budget for this project? (on average a complete bathroom remodel where we pull and replace the existing fixtures will cost $9,000.00-$15,000.00, depending on materials selected. A major project with whirlpool tub, multi-head shower system, relocation of fixtures etc. can exceed $20,000.00)
My budget range for this project is $_______________________
28. Last question - Do you remember how you first heard of Bath & Kitchen Design, Inc. Bathroom Remodeling?
___ Yellow Pages ___ Radio ___ Television ___ Mail
___ Trucks ___ Showroom ___ Referral ___ Repeat Customer
___ Homeshow ___ Newspaper ___ Other
Your answers will allow us to tailor our proposal to meet your needs in a more personalized manor.
- A heated ceramic floor with thermostat and programmable 7 day timer will add approximately $1,500.00 to your investment.
- Adding a steam generator to the shower with tiled walls and shower base and steam tight custom enclosure can add $3,500.00 - $5,000.00.
- A multi-head shower system with body sprays, personal shower on glide bar, fixed shower head and a rainfall shower head extending from the ceiling can add $4,500.00 or more.
On a national average it has been calculated that the average professionally completed bathroom remodeling project will require an investment of around $10,000.00, however we have found that, depending on final product selections, that figure could be high but it can also easily be doubled.
Professional bathroom remodeling isn't cheap and per square foot, this most likely will be the most expensive room in your home but that's the way it is with all homes. No other room in your home has as many features built into such a small area and are required to perform as many times each day for years to come as are the fixtures in our bathrooms.
Classic style is important however quality products and installations are crucial and will pay dividends with long term reliability, durability and sell-ability.
REMODELING PREPARATION
Prior to enjoying the pleasures of your new bathroom, there is the remodeling process. In order to make it as easy as possible, we invite you to take advantage of the tips we have put together for you.
Pack up the bathroom the weekend before the project is scheduled to start.
In an effort to keep your house as clean as possible we will spread drop cloths, daily, from the bathroom to the entry door we work through, and put visqueen over furniture in the immediate area of the bathroom. If you have a computer or fish tank in the house we recommend that you cover these during the day. We will not be able to contain all of the dust associated with the remodeling, although we make an honest effort. However we recommend that you save any major cleaning until we are finished with your project. If you have hard-to-clean knick knacks, you may consider boxing them up until we are finished.
If we are replacing your bathtub you will need to be prepared to be without it for at least one night and morning, usually the first and second day of the project, however it could be longer if we run into additional repairs or if the fixtures are being relocated.
We will also need to make arrangements for the installers to get into your house throughout the project. There may be times the installers will need to leave your house during the day to get materials, or eat lunch; so we need to be able to lock up and get back into the house if you are not home. Please feel confident that our installers will respect your home and contents, and may be trusted with a key or garage door opener.
Most generally our crews arrive at the jobsite between 8 - 8:30AM and will typically work until 3:30 - 4PM. However, there may be days that they will work on your project for a partial day, then leave in order to allow materials to dry, or cure, overnight; or they may work later to get to a specific stopping point. Please be assured that we will do as much as possible each day on your project.
On the first day or two of your job, your installers may have to start late or work only partial days. This is due to having to finish final detailing of the bathroom he was installing prior to yours. Please be patient; We will afford you that same courtesy at the end of your job to make sure all of your expectations are met prior to saying the job is finished.
As you were told during your initial showroom appointment, we try not to use sub-contractors because we cannot control their quality. However, our installers do have different areas of expertise. Therefore, you may have different professional trades working in your home throughout the process.
Your projected start date is contingent on our receiving all of the materials for your project in our warehouse prior to starting your job. If we have not received all of your products by the end of the week prior to your scheduled start date we will call you and discuss the possibility of rescheduling. Although this will rarely happen but we will keep you posted a head of time!
On rare occasion we may call asking permission to start the job a few days early. If this is the case, and you can accommodate our request, we appreciate your cooperation. However, you are within your rights, if this causes an inconvenience, to request that we continue as previously scheduled.
SITE PREPARATION CHECKLIST
We would like to outline some items and precautions to be taken before your project begins.
______ Review the agreement to refresh yourself with what is included.
______ Remove personal items from the areas we will be working in - i.e. clean out the vanity and medicine cabinet if we will be replacing them, remove soap and shampoo products from the tub/shower, remove bathroom towels, remove any wall hangings from bathroom walls etc..
______ Move all furnishings and accessories that may be in the path from the bathroom to the entry door wefll be working through.
______ Remove wall hangings from rooms that share walls with the bathroom.
______ Provide access to main water shutoff valve, electrical panel, and attic access if applicable.
______ Please keep children and pets clear of the construction area and away from materials and tools.
We take precautionary measures to confine dust and debris to construction areas, however, it is impossible to totally contain dust. Therefore:
______ You may wish to cover furnishings, computers, fish tanks, etc.
______ Close doors to other rooms, and vacuum to help control dust from spreading.
______ Check furnace filters frequently during the demolition and reconstruction process.
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