Good remodeling planning involves careful scheduling and budgeting

Barbara Ballinger, CTW FEATURES

Posted February 16, 2010

There’s no set time frame for completing a job since so much depends on the contractor’s competency, the project’s complexity, whether the materials are available and unforeseen problems. Unfortunately, many homeowners have unrealistic expectations based on TV shows that seem to suggest that projects get done overnight. Matt Lederer, owner of Mahogany Builders in Chicago, says that some general guidelines can be considered as long as homeowners don’t etch them in stone. For example:

- Bathroom remodel: 3.5 weeks

- Kitchen remodel: At least 3 weeks

- Basement conversion: 3 weeks

- Newly painted walls/ceilings: 1 week/room

- Refinished and stained hardwood floors: 3 days/room

Price Estimates

Again, it’s tough to estimate prices, since so much depends on the contractor, room size, materials, change orders and whether unforeseen problems develop. Home-focused magazines can provide guidelines. Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report found an upscale kitchen hovered around $112,000 between 2009 and 2010, while a midrange project was reported to be near $57,000. Beware of lowball bids that rise once the project begins. Get a written estimate with a line itemization, so you know what everything costs, including labor and cleanup. John Kelsey, an interior designer and co-owner of Wilson Kelsey Design in Salem, Mass., also suggests setting aside 10 to 15 percent of a budget for surprises – what’s hidden underneath floorboards or behind walls, for example.

Keep in Mind

Lederer stresses the importance of trusting your gut instinct to be sure you’ll have good rapport and communication with your contractor. “Major obstacles will crop up,” he says. “Your relationship is the key to making it through as well as saving time and money.”