Often, homeowners have no idea what a bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel is going to cost. After all, if you haven’t done one recently—or ever!– it’s hard to pull a number out of thin air and the information you find online can be unrealistic. Worse yet, television shows do not reflect “reality” and are very misleading. No, we can’t actually renovate your kitchen in 30 minutes and there are no corporate sponsors paying for advertising to help defray the costs!
Let’s take a look at two of the most popular home remodeling projects locally – kitchens and bathrooms – and how much they would cost according to the 2020 report by Remodeling Magazine.
Bathroom Remodeling Average Costs
Let’s start in the bathroom According to the report, the average bathroom remodel (not an addition, but a remodel of an existing space) costs between $27,000 and $82,000 in the Boston area. In our experience a cosmetic bathroom upgrade generally starts at around $30,000, and that’s using simple subway tile and basic fixtures.
Changing the layout (i.e. moving pipes) and upgrading fixtures and tiles can increase that to the upper end of the range. Want to add a heated floor? That is a great upgrade that will add to your costs, but probably be worth it in the long run. After all, walking on warm tile is a small luxury worth splurging on. Every homeowner has an idea of where they’d like to splurge versus save.
Kitchen Remodeling Average Costs
According to the report, the average kitchen remodel ranges from $79,000 to $157,000 as you go from “midrange” to “upscale” which is up about $2,000 over from 2019.
Keep in mind that these are averages. It’s important when setting your budget to be honest with yourself about whether your taste and requirements are, in fact, ‘above average,’ and to plan accordingly.
For example, a ‘midrange’ kitchen includes laminate countertops, but our clients typically want stone or quartz. Another cost factor that is sometimes overlooked is the cost of removing one or more walls (and adding structural support) to create an open floor plan.
There are many reasons to remodel your home despite the cost. At the top of the list is the VALUE that a remodel brings to you and your family by creating a more functional space and a design style that makes you happy. We always advise people not to remodel with the idea of resale (unless they really are planning to sell quickly). If you’re going to spend the money, it’s important that you and your family love the result. We want our clients to maximize their own enjoyment of the project above all else.
That being said, it’s true that remodeling can add significant value to your home. The Cost vs. Value Report will also give you an idea of the estimated resale value and percentage of the cost you may recoup if you sell your home. It’s helpful to know what your investment may be worth.
Of course, there are many unknown factors these days. Coronavirus has thrown a lot of uncertainly into the mix. For example, the housing market was already tight and there may be even more pressure on the market when people feel safer about moving. A tight housing market increases prices and may create an even greater return on the investment.
You may also be asking yourself if this is the best time to consider a remodel. At Cumberland Kitchen & Bath Design Center, we have been very strict about maintaining quarantine. Our health and the health of our clients is the priority. However, we are STILL working. After all, it takes at least a month or two of planning and design work before construction can even begin. So…if you are considering a remodel, this may be the perfect time to call and discuss the possibilities.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch to talk about your remodeling ideas!








