Breaking Down Remodeling Costs in Houston
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UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Houston Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Whether you own a bungalow in Houston Heights, a Craftsman cottage in Montrose, or an apartment in downtown, turning your Houston home into your dream space is within reach. Sweeten's guide to remodeling costs in Houston is here to help you get started. Sweeten connects homeowners with vetted general contractors, providing free guidance, tools, and support.
Before you dive into your renovation project, creating a budget is essential. To get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs and home, it's best to sit down with a Sweeten contractor and discuss the details. Here's an overview of popular renovation projects and their budgets in Houston:
- Gut renovation: Starting at $80 - $100 per square foot (psf)
- Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $10,000 - $15,000
- Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $25,000 - $30,000
- High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $40,000
- Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $8,000 - $15,000
- Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $15,000 - $25,000
- High-end bathroom remodel and expansion: Starting at $30,000
- Deck composite: $18,000 or $56 psf
- Wood deck: $13,000 or $40 psf
How much does a Houston home remodel cost per square foot?
Remodeling costs for a total gut renovation in Houston start at $80 - $100 per square foot (psf). According to Houston-based Sweeten contractor Santiago, this budget includes affordable finishes like laminate flooring and countertops, value-brand appliances, and basic tiles from big-box stores.
However, for more upscale finishes, Santiago recommends aiming for an ideal gut renovation cost of around $125 psf. In some cases, this figure can reach as high as $250 psf, depending on the client's preferences.
When planning your renovation, Sweeten contractor Nathan suggests considering the surrounding area's renovation costs. It's essential not to invest more money into your home than what is comparable to the neighborhood. However, if this is your long-term residence or retirement home, feel free to splurge on a high-end renovation.
How much does a Houston kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
A budget kitchen remodel in Houston, including new prefab cabinets, appliances, and flooring, typically ranges between $10,000 and $15,000. However, homeowners can keep costs down by repairing and painting existing cabinets, using affordable granite for the countertop, and opting for porcelain backsplash tiles and the original flooring.
For a mid-grade kitchen remodel starting at $25,000 - $30,000, keeping the existing layout is key. This means replacing the oven and dishwasher without relocating them to avoid costly plumbing and gas line changes. This budget can cover a stainless steel sink with a single-lever faucet, laminate countertops, value-brand appliances, custom lighting, semi-custom cabinets, and the addition of an island. Any layout reconfigurations or custom features will increase the overall budget.
For those seeking a high-end kitchen remodel, expect to spend at least $40,000. This cost includes labor, high-end materials like marble or quartz countertops, imported backsplash tiles, high-quality fixtures, and the option to reconfigure the layout and install new cabinets and appliances.
How much does a Houston bathroom remodel cost per square foot?
For a budget bathroom remodel with no surprises behind the walls, expect to pay between $8,000 - $15,000. This budget assumes that the plumbing remains in its current location, and the project includes a prefabricated vanity, ceramic tiles, and fixtures from big-box stores. Keep costs low by shopping around and applying filters when searching for materials within your budget.
A mid-grade bathroom remodel in Houston can start at $15,000 - $25,000. According to Remodeling's Cost Vs Value report, the average cost for this level of renovation is around $19,000 or $542 per square foot. To stay within this budget range, it's important to maintain the existing layout and avoid costly plumbing work.
For a high-end bathroom remodel and expansion, be prepared to spend at least $30,000. This budget includes a three-piece bathroom (tub/shower combo, toilet, and sink) for a typical 5' x 7' space. The costs increase based on additional features such as a double vanity, separate shower and tub, specialty tile, custom vanity, or high-tech toilet functions.
Costs for Adding Outdoor Space
Houston's favorable climate makes it ideal for outdoor entertaining year-round. Whether you're considering an extensive outdoor kitchen, gas fireplaces, fans and misting systems for cooling, custom lighting, or landscaping, the options are endless.
Sweeten contractor Santiago recently worked on a high-end patio project that cost $25,000. This included an outdoor grill station with a roof. The only factor that increased the cost was sourcing a specific brick requested by the client.
For a more elaborate outdoor patio and kitchen, Sweeten contractor Nathan completed a project with a budget of $50,000. This included a gas range, two refrigerators (one for wine), ambient lighting, security cameras, a pergola, and an artificial turf-covered area for the client's dogs.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a basic wooden deck costs around $40 per square foot or $13,000 for a 320 square foot area. Alternatively, a composite deck made of wood product and plastic can cost approximately $18,000 or $56 per square foot. This material tends to last longer and requires less maintenance.
Other Remodeling Costs in Houston: Permits
The cost of building permits in Houston varies depending on the county. For example, in Harris County, most residential renovations require a $130 fee. In Montgomery County, the minimum fee is $15 plus $0.30 per square foot. Additional fees may apply for plan reviews, plumbing permits ($100), and mechanical permits ($100).
Sweeten contractor Santiago includes an average permit fee when providing quotes to clients. He calculates the square footage of the project, multiplies it by $1, and adds any fixed permit costs for plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
Now that you have a better understanding of remodeling costs in Houston, it's time to find the right renovation team. Post your project on Sweeten and take the first step towards creating your dream home.
Six steps on how to start your renovation and finding the right general contractor for your scope. Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project's location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration. When you're ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.
