Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to remodel a home?
The average cost to remodel a house is $15 to $60 per square foot or $20,000 to $100,000 for completely renovating a 3-bedroom home. Only renovating a kitchen or bathroom costs $100 to $250 per square foot. A kitchen remodel costs$10,000 to $50,000, while a bathroom remodel costs$5,000 to $25,000.
Who remodels homes?
Hire general contractors instead of unlicensed handymen for large home renovation projects. After creating design plans with an architect or interior designer, a general contractor gets the permits, arranges subcontractors, buys the building materials, and handle inspections. Design-build remodelers take care of the whole process from design to installation.
Hiring a specialized contractor is recommended for specific projects like installing fixtures, roofing, or kitchen cabinets. Minor updates may require an interior designer to plan, while large projects likely require an architect or a structural engineer to plan and create architectural drawings.
What services do home remodeling contractors provide?
Remodeling contractors plan, manage, and install cabinets, flooring, tiling, light fixtures, windows, countertops, knock down or replace walls, painting, replacing plumbing fixtures, and adding other finishes. Remodelers can completely change the look and floorplan of a home or individual rooms.
What remodeling projects increase home value?
Most remodeling projects have a 50% to 85% return on investment. The top remodeling projects that return more than 85% of your investment are siding replacement, garage door replacement, a new bathroom addition, and replacing windows and roofing.
What is the home remodeling process?
Here are the 10 steps for a successful home remodeling project:
Make a list of all the updates desired.
Plan the layout with an interior designer or architect.
Research all the materials and fixtures you want and have a good idea of any custom elements.
Research contractors and get at least three in-person estimates.
Agree on budget and timeframe, and sign the contract.
Plan the design, get permits, and order the materials.
Contractors start the tear out by gutting everything and fixing any unexpected problems such as leaks or mold.
Rerouting plumbing or electrical updates if fixtures are changing locations.
Installing windows, cabinets, flooring, tiling, fixtures, lighting, and painting.
A final walkthrough to ensure everything has been completed to your satisfaction.
Can you get a home loan that includes renovation costs?
Home loans such as the FHA 203(k), 203(b), and Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans let you borrow money to purchase a home and fix it up. Other options include home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, and personal loans.
Are home remodeling costs tax deductible?
Home remodeling costs for homes that are used as personal residences are not tax-deductible. However, home improvement expenses help reduce the amount of taxes you owe when you sell the house for a profit. Remodeling costs are tax-deductible for a home office or if modified for disabilities.
Some states offer tax rebates by making your home more energy-efficient or by installing solar panels.
How to choose a home remodeling contractor?
Hiring a local home remodeler requires planning accordingly, asking questions, and learning their work process. Choose the best home remodeling contractor by:
Get at least three in-person house renovation quotes to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Pick specialized contractors over general ones if it’s a specific project.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
What questions should I ask home renovation contractors before hiring?
When looking for remodelers near you, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
How many similar projects have you completed?
Can I see a portfolio of your past remodeling jobs?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
What qualities do you look for in subcontractors?
What hours do you and your crew work?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
What’s your payment schedule?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Los Angeles home remodeling contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Los Angeles area.
Jeremy M.
I had some pavers loose on my patio that needed to be fixed. He responded quickly to the quote request and came out to my house just as fast. He was able to power-wash the patio (driveway, and my opposite side walk/stoop) to prepare the area, then come two days later to fix the pavers. He is extremely nice and provided a competitive price. Would for sure use again when I need a new home project completed.
Home Remodeling Los Angeles
Allie S.
Their workmanship is amazing. Great crews, very professional and the service they give to all customers surpasses your expectations!
Real Remodeling Inc
Avi B.
5 star
GO GREEN , INC DBA ALL IN ONE ENERGY PROS
Marcos H.
Master builders is absolutely the best of the many contractors we have hired in the past 30 years.Based on our excellent experience when we
first hired the company two years ago to do a significant remodel of our home in Pacific Palisades, we again hired Master builders in the
last few months to do substantial work on a condominium unit we purchased on San Vicente Blvd in Santa Monica. The unit required new windows, bathroom fixtures and other
improvements and--most significantly-the kitchen and dining room had been flooded after a plumbing failure and needed substantial new flooring, cabinets, counter tops, wall, tile and more. Joseph--who was in charge of
the job for Master builders --is a knowledgeable, organized, trustworthy and engaging fellow
with an excellent eye for design and detail. He has particular skills in picking the best experts
(e.g., in tling, flooring, cabinetry etc.) and in efficiently scheduling and overseeing their efforts. In the end, the finished condominium unit is absolutely beautiful. There is no higher
praise that we can offer than this: Joseph applied his considerable skills in a way that he would if he was building a home for his own
family. We enthusiastically recommend him
Master builders a renovations
Kathy M.
They were on time when they said they would be, the one time that they didnt Adam called me immediately and they came. Adam is very tight on the work quality and the time that they come.
Gold Standard Builders, Inc.
Adan C.
Very reliable, honest, hard working. Highly recommended. He helped me to remodel my house:
Wall demolition, pluming, electricity, installed new windows and patio doors, etc, etc!
AM CONSTRUCTION
M. D.
I needed to get a adu called yor since they were very close to the area. We got a fantastic quote and we went along with them and the final results are just amazing. From the work to the process and the finishing it was very professional.
YOR Construction and Investment inc.
Eric L.
Raphael was prompt and came out at the scheduled time, he inspected the issue and came back the first weekday to fix the issue in the garden. He found the leak and repaired it that same day. The puddle is now drying up. Great plumber to fix your leaks.
Raphael Plumbing Services
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