Frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between a Remodel and a Renovation?

A question that comes up a lot is: what's the difference between remodeling and renovating? Most people use these terms like they mean the same thing—and it’s understandable, because they both involve improving your home. But there's actually a pretty big difference between the two.

Remodeling is all about changing the structure, layout, or design of a space. Think of it as reshaping the way a room functions or flows. For example, if you’re knocking down a wall to open up your kitchen, moving plumbing to relocate a sink, or reworking the layout of your bathroom, you’re remodeling. It often involves more complex construction work, and usually takes more time and a bigger budget because you're altering the actual structure of your home.

Renovating, on the other hand, is more about refreshing or updating what’s already there. It’s like giving a space a facelift. You might replace old countertops with something new, swap out dated cabinets, update light fixtures, or put in new flooring. The layout stays the same—you’re just improving the look, feel, and maybe even the functionality of the space without changing the bones of it.

So in short, if you're changing how a space is used or laid out, that's remodeling. If you're updating or fixing up what's already there, that's renovating. Both can make a big difference in your home—it just depends on what kind of changes you're looking to make.

What is cheaper, a Remodel or Renovation?

Generally speaking, renovations are less expensive than remodels, since they typically involve updating existing features rather than making major structural changes. For example, replacing countertops, painting, or installing new fixtures is usually more budget-friendly than tearing down walls or reconfiguring a space entirely.

That said, the cost difference really depends on the scope of the project. A small-scale remodel—like updating a bathroom or making a few layout tweaks in a single room—can actually end up costing less than a large, whole-house renovation that involves multiple rooms and extensive updates. It’s not always about whether it's a renovation or a remodel—it's about how much work is being done.

Another key factor is the size and layout of the space. The larger the area, the more materials, labor, and time will be needed, which drives up the overall cost. If the layout is complex or requires moving plumbing, electrical, or structural elements, that will also increase expenses—especially in remodels.

In the end, whether you're renovating or remodeling, the total cost comes down to the size of the space, the materials you choose, and how extensive the changes are. It’s a good idea to define your goals clearly from the start so you can prioritize what matters most and stay within your budget.

How much does it cost to remodel or renovate a bathroom or kitchen?

This is one of those questions that’s nearly impossible to answer accurately without knowing the specifics of your project. The cost could be as low as $50 for something simple, like replacing a fixture, or well over $50,000 for a full-scale remodel or renovation. There’s such a wide range because so many different factors affect the overall price.

For example, we need to understand the size of the space—a small bathroom update is going to cost significantly less than redoing an entire kitchen or finishing a basement. The age of the home or structure also matters. Older homes may require updates to plumbing or electrical systems to meet current code, which adds to the cost. If your project involves tearing everything down to the studs and rebuilding from scratch, that’s a very different process than simply refreshing a room with new paint, countertops, or fixtures.

Other important considerations include the materials and finishes you choose, whether or not structural changes are involved, and if any permits or inspections are required. Even things like access to the worksite and existing conditions (such as water damage, outdated wiring, or uneven floors) can impact the timeline and budget.

The bottom line is this: anyone who offers you an estimate without asking detailed questions about your project is giving you a guess at best. A reliable contractor will want to understand your vision, ask about the current condition of the space, and walk through your goals before providing a quote. That’s the only way to give you a realistic estimate and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.