What’s this going to cost?

Most people embark on large remodeling projects once or twice in their life. The cost of construction is always changing and homes in Philadelphia often require significant amounts of work to update old systems due to deferred maintenance and to adapt the construction methods of the past. For this reason it is uncommon for anyone embarking on a remodeling project to know how much it will cost. While for a job like a roof replacement, an easy way to find out the cost is to get three quotes, a project like a basement or whole house remodel is harder to budget for using this method. First, the product and process varies significantly from one remodeler to the next. Second, to properly estimate the cost of the project, 40 hours or more go into the process and a design is required. We created this page as a first step in the process of determining a realistic budget for your remodel if you think you might want to work with Buckminster Green. These costs are approximate, and should be used only for budgeting. There are many factors that affect the price of a project. Every project is unique.

Below are descriptions of typical projects we undertake, and a sense of where the total cost for these projects generally falls. Some of the projects below fall below our minimum investment of 150K for new projects but are included as they are often bundled with other work.

Major Kitchen Remodel $200K and up (including design services)

An example of a major kitchen remodel would be one where the existing space is gutted and all finishes are replaced, generally with a change in layout. Electrical and plumbing will be completely redone. We often install beams in load bearing walls to open up the kitchen to adjacent spaces or to enlarge it. Cabinets could be semi-custom or custom, counters are usually quartz or stone. There will be a tiled backsplash, exterior windows and doors may get replaced and/or moved. The cost of appliances is not included.

Minor Kitchen Remodel $150K and up (including design services)

A minor kitchen remodel could be one where the kitchen is not too dated, but needs some minor changes to layout and new finishes within the existing space. Cabinets will be semi-custom. Electrical and plumbing can be partially reused. Counters are usually quartz. There will be a tiled backsplash. The cost of appliances is not included.

Major Whole House Renovation $300/sf and up (based on the total sq. footage of the home. Includes pre-construction and design services.)

A major whole house renovation will include all new systems, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. While we always work to save and restore as much of the existing character as possible, room layout will change in places, windows and some doors will be replaced or restored. Stair layout may change. There may be exterior work like re-pointing brick and re-roofing. The work may include an addition. Bathrooms and kitchen will be remodeled and the entire interior gets painted.

Minor Whole House Renovation $200/sf and up (based on the total sq. footage of the home. Includes pre-construction and design services.)

A minor whole house renovation would be called for when a house has been generally well cared for, but the finishes are dated and the owner wants to make some changes to layout. Kitchen and bathrooms will be remodeled, systems will be updated in places, floors will be replaced or refinished, and the whole house will be painted.

Primary Bath - $90K and up (including design services)

A common primary bath for us will have a tiled shower with custom frameless glass, a separate tub, tiled floors and half walls, and a double vanity. Layout may be changed, including door locations and absorbing adjacent spaces. Details may include recessed lighting paired with wall sconces, medicine cabinets, shower niches, radiant heated floors. Plumbing and electric will be updated. The framing will be sistered and furred. The room will be insulated and air sealed.

Guest Bath - $70K and up (including design services)

Often, clients have us complete two bathroom renovations at the same time, or to remodel a whole floor of the home to get the project to where it is a good fit for our firm. This bathroom differs from a master bath in that it is smaller, has a single single vanity, and is missing some of the details present in the master bath.