The Cost of Remodeling Everything at Once vs. in Phases Over Time

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“We want to remodel several areas of our home. Should we do them all at the same time, or would it be less overwhelming to tackle individual projects one at a time … OVER time?”

We get this question a lot, and we’ve tackled projects both ways. So, which strategy works best? That depends on the needs and comfort level of each homeowner. Here’s a list of pros and cons to help you understand the costs associated with each option.

REMODELING ALL AT ONCE

PROS

  • One master plan creates consistency throughout your entire house.
  • Single HOA plan review, single City plan review, and single permit to pull.
  • Bundling material orders and subcontractor work into one larger project is more cost effective (economies of scale).
  • Shorter, less expensive project overall (time and expenses increase when you remodel in phases).
  • Less invasive and shorter amount of time that your home is in disarray.
  • Less noise and mess for neighbors.

CONS

  • More money to pay upfront.
  • You may need to find temporary housing, causing an added expense or an inconvenience to friends or family.
  • Significant disruption and other inconveniences – like dust, noise, electrical shut-offs, water shut-offs and more – if you live in your home during a larger remodel.
  • Renovating all at once can feel overwhelming.

 

REMODELING IN PHASES, OVER TIME

PROS

  • Less money upfront creates more immediate cash flow.
  • Ability to pay as you go, as you can afford each phase.
  • Tackling smaller projects, one at a time, can feel less overwhelming.
  • A large portion of your house may still be livable.

CONS

  • In the long run, far more costly in overall time and expenses.
  • Multiple plan reviews and permits eat up time, money and energy.
  • Lost momentum, and sustained disruption caused by serial remodeling, can mentally wear down homeowners as projects continue to drag on.
  • It may be necessary to demo something completed in an earlier phase to begin the next phase – such as removing new drywall to access electrical, removing new base and casement to lace in or install flooring.
  • Code may require added work to be done – including outlet, railing and light fixture installations – that might need to be removed in the next project phase.
  • Remodeling in phases interrupts how trades work most efficiency – in order from “rough” work to “finish” work.
  • Duplication of efforts and less efficient use of contractor time – including daily setup, travel time, cleanup of job site and more – can increase costs.
  • By the time the next project phase begins, certain materials and finishes might be discontinued and unavailable.
  • If you try to pre-order for the next phase of your remodel, you risk under-ordering materials if anything in the plan changes.
  • It’s often hard to know where to start and stop during each phase, especially with flooring, paint and trim.

If you’re thinking about a home remodel, but you’re still not sure whether to renovate all at once or in phases over time, contact HighCraft to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re happy to discuss each option in more detail and find a solution that’s right for you.