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Roof Replacements 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your Roof Replaced

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:41:03 GMT

Home / Roofing / Roof Replacements 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your Roof Replaced

Replacing your roof is an investment, but it can pay off in the long term. Let’s take a look at what you can expect when you commit to a full roof replacement.

Replacement Roofs vs. Repairs

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

Repairing your roof can be an attractive option versus a full replacement: it’s a fast, cheap solution to minor damage. However, a complete roof replacement may save you more money in the long run, depending on a few factors:

Age : If your roof is nearly 20 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Conversely, if your roof was just installed a year ago and is already having problems, it may be better to replace the poorly-installed roof than continually patch it.
Damage: Major damage to your roof doesn’t make financial sense to repair. At a certain point, it’s more cost effective to replace a leaky, buckling roof than to try to fix it.
Natural disasters: High winds accompany some of nature’s worst disasters, from tornadoes to hurricanes. If you live in an area prone to damaging winds and strong storms, a roof replacement may be a worthy investment to protect your home.
Aesthetics: It can be difficult to match the color of shingles when making a repair. Even if you have the same brand, your roof’s color will have likely changed after being exposed to the elements. Repairing a large area of your roof with off-color shingles may decrease the value of your home, making a complete replacement the better option and often covered by your insurance.

How to Save Your Roof in an Emergency

If you’ve suffered a roofing emergency, call an emergency roofing contractor immediately. Roofing emergencies involve damage that compromises the integrity of the house or allows water inside, such as:

A tree falling on your roof
A storm ripping multiple shingles off of your roof
Your roof sagging or buckling due to moisture damage
More than two leaks in the house
Emergency roofers can engage in a quick repair or tarp over damaged areas to protect your home from the elements. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may not be safe for your family to remain inside until the roof has been completely repaired or replaced.

Legacy is trained and certified to work with your insurance company to ensure your best interest for any exterior and interior damage covered by your insurance.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

According to Home Advisor , the average cost of a roof replacement in Michigan is between $6,500–$11,900. However, the exact cost for your new roof will depend on specific factors, such as the:

Size of your roof
Pitch or slope of roof
Any existing warranties
Quality of materials
Type of shingles, tiles, or other materials
Quality of contractor
How long it takes to remove the existing roof
Ease of accessibility to roof
Cost of any necessary permits
Any necessary repairs to existing damage

Will My Insurance Cover My Roof Replacement?

It depends on why you’re replacing your roof in the first place. Typically, your insurance will cover damage such as wind damage or hail damage. This is why it is important to have inspections completed by Legacy Roofing and Restorations. If your roof has simply reached the end of its life, you’ll likely be responsible for some or all of the cost of replacing it.

Even if your insurance will cover your roof replacement, you’ll need to pay your deductible before your coverage goes into effect.

What Type of Roof Should I Buy?

Once you have decided to replace your roof, there are many options to choose from. The four major categories are metal, shingles, solar, and flat roofs.

1. Metal Roofs

Metal roofing can last more than twice as long as asphalt shingles—and comes with the price tag to prove it. With an expected lifespan of up to 70 years, metal roofs can cost two or three times more than traditional ones. However, you might be able to offset the cost with energy savings: metal roofing reflects sunlight, decreasing your energy bill by up to 25%.

2. Shingles

Shingles are the traditional choice for roofing a home, and asphalt shingles are one of the most popular and cost-effective options. They come in three varieties:

3-tab shingles: Simple, flat, and affordable. They’re also known as strip shingles.
Architectural shingles: Consist of multiple layers of asphalt, creating a more multidimensional look. Architectural shingles are more durable than strip shingles. They’re also known as dimensional shingles or laminate shingles.
Designer shingles: Based on the dimensional style but are even more durable. Designer shingles mimic the look of more natural roofing materials like slate or wood. They’re also known as luxury shingles.

Beyond asphalt, you can also get shingles made of other materials, including:

Wood
Clay
Slate
Composite
Concrete

3. Solar Roofs

Solar roofs aren’t just a futuristic dream anymore—they’re here and available now. You can generate your own energy for your home with an environmentally-friendly, renewable resource, and even qualify for some tax credits in the meantime. If you choose to go solar, you can install long panels on your roof or smaller solar shingles to give the impression of more traditional roofing.

4. Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are an iconic architectural choice in more urban areas. Although called flat roofs, they still have a small slope to allow for proper drainage. Still, rain and snow will accumulate for long periods of time on flat roofs, requiring more water resistant materials than a traditionally shingled roof.

Commercial vs. Residential Roofs

Commercial roofs are different from the residential roofs purchased by homeowners. Typically, commercial buildings have flat roofs that are strong enough to house heavy materials such as HVAC equipment or external pipes. If your business needs a roof replacement, make sure to hire a roofing contractor that’s experienced with the complexity of commercial roofs.

How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor

Getting a roof replacement is no small task. You’ll want to work with a contractor you can trust to get the job done right. Here are a few tips for finding the right roofing contractor for your replacement:

Start local: Ask your friends for some referrals for local, well-established contractors. You’ll want to make sure the business has a history of being trustworthy and providing high-quality service. If the business is new, see what kind of awards or honors their work has earned. For example, Legacy Roofing & Restorations has been in business for more than 35 years and was chosen in 2020 as one of the top roofers in Grand Rapids, M I.
Make sure they’re licensed: Michigan requires roofing contractors to be licensed. You can verify your roofing contractor’s license number here via the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
Check for insurance: Your homeowners insurance may be paying for some or all of your roof replacement, but did you know that your roofer needs to hold insurance as well? Your roofing contractor needs to have adequate insurance in case they or their employees are injured on your property. Ask your contractor for proof of insurance before they ever set foot on your roof. Don’t trust any contractor who offers to work “around” your insurance—this is illegal.
Read reviews: Online reviews can provide great insight into what it’s like to work with your roofing contractor. Are most of the reviews positive? Do they include phrases like “good communication” or “fair price”? Or are they mostly one-star, negative reviews? You can find reviews for Legacy Roofing & Restorations on Google, BBB, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Should My Roof Last?

The lifespan of your roof depends on the type of materials used, their quality, and the quality of the roof installation. A traditional asphalt roof should last 15–20 years. Roofing materials sold by Legacy Roofing, such as GAF, may last double or even triple that.

How Much Should I Pay to Replace a Roof?

In Michigan, you can expect to pay roughly $6,000–$12,000 for your roof replacement, depending on the quality of your roof, the quality of your contractor, and the difficulty of the job.

How Often Should You Replace a Roof?

You should try to get as many years out of your roof as possible. It’s typically more cost effective to repair a roof in the early years than replace it. However, you should expect to replace your roof every 15–20 years.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Ask your contractor for a specific estimate for the length of your roof replacement, taking into account the size of your roof, the type of materials that will be used, and the difficulty of the job. Generally speaking, a typical roof replacement can take anywhere from one day to one week.

Posted in Roofing

Roof Repair 101: Everything You Need to Know

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:41:03 GMT

Home / Roofing / Roof Repair 101: Everything You Need to Know

Homeowners frequently do a web search for “roof repair near me” because most homes need roof repair at some point. If you notice obvious signs of water damage outside or water is dripping inside from your ceiling, it’s time to investigate roof leak repair.

Here’s your Roof Repair 101—everything you need to know for roof repairs and roof repair costs.

What Causes Roof Leaks?

It’s hard to diagnose how to fix a roof or how much to repair a roof until a roof repair service company diagnoses the problem. First, let’s examine how storm damage causes roof repair issues that affect homeowners:

Ice or Snow

Whether it’s a heavy snowpack, dangerous icicles, or an “ice dam” causing storm damage, some level of roof repair is generally necessary when ice or snow buildup damages the top of your home.

Storm Damage

Wet walls or water spots on the ceiling indicate roof storm damage from the inside. Outside, it’s easy to spot missing shingles. It’s best to investigate roof shingles that need repair as soon as possible because emergency roof repair costs significantly more.

Hail

Roof and siding repair problems often occur from hail damage. Hail falls from the sky in many sizes , from a nickel or quarter shape, to walnut-size and larger. Golf ball-sized hail causes dents in the siding. Baseball-sized hail is often severe enough to blow a hole straight into your home.

Age

Roof repair cost estimators factor in the age of your roof, and the lifespan of a roof depends on the construction materials used to build it. Shingle roofing lasts an average of 20-25 years, metal roofing up to 50 years, and slate as long as 100 years, so average roof repair costs vary.

How Much Does Roof Repair Cost?

“How much does it cost to repair a roof?” or “how to repair a hole in the roof?” are questions that require a professional diagnosis of your roof damage for an answer. The low end of roof leak repair costs falls between $150 to $400 for minor roof repairs, meaning minimal damage to eaves or gutters or a shed roof repair.

The midpoint for roof repairs is between $400 up to $1,000 if more extensive roof and gutter repairs are required. But if you search online for “handyman roof repair near me” and you research a qualified handyman who provides references, you’ll find roof repair solutions at a more affordable cost.

Emergency Roof Repair

Most people figure that an extensively damaged roof is evident to the naked eye. When shingles look buckled, or you get water streaming through a baseball-sized hole in your siding, it’s obvious that an emergency roof repair is necessary. But other, less visible situations require it too.

When Do You Need It?

A leaky roof is a telltale sign that either roof repair or roof replacement is necessary, but it’s not the only reason to look for a business that repairs storm-damaged roofing. Deterioration from storm damage starts around chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights, and this deterioration may or may not be visible to the naked eye.

A roof gets saturated with moisture before it starts to leak, causes roofing materials and wood in your home’s construction to begin rotting. Another sign of moistness is abundant algae or mosses growing on your home’s roof. It’s essential to contact an expert in residential roof repair if you see this.

For significant external damage to the roof and leaks appearing inside your home, don’t trust anyone but a licensed and insured roof repair company to fix it. Significant roof repairs cost up to $3,000, and if a new roof is required, the price to install starts at $7,500 for a medium-sized shingled roof.

Types of Roof Repair

Typical metal roof repair issues include improperly driven screws, leaks around the flashes, degrading roof sealants, and capillary draw (seams overlap and cause leaking). Search for “metal roof repair near me” to find a pro in this area.

Metal

Shingles

Determining how to repair roof shingles ranges from relatively easy fixes to a complete roof repair job. Signs to look for include blistering or curling shingles or granular fall-off (when the top layer of granules degrades, you’ll see the crushed stones on the ground.)

Solar

Installed solar panels sometimes restrict water from draining naturally off a roof, and the water gets forced upwards, creating a buildup and frequently a leak. If you’re wondering how to repair a roof with solar panels, please know it’s not a DIY issue. Search for a qualified solar panel service company for your roof repair estimate.

Flat Roofs

It’s best to contact a roof repair company to see how to repair a leaking flat roof. Pooling water and degrading membranes on asphalt usually make flat roof repair necessary, so search for “how to repair a flat roof.” Don’t delay a flat roof repair because these conditions ultimately make your roof too unsafe.

Tile

While tile roofing looks attractive, tile roof repair is common because tiles are heavy and need regular maintenance to maintain the appearance and prevent leaks.

Different Types of Roofs Contractors Will Repair

When you’re Googling “roof leak repair near me” or “roofing repair companies near me,” know the questions to ask of a roof repair company.

Mobile Home Roofs

There are DIY tutorials online on mobile home roof repair, but for safety’s sake, seek professional help. Inquire about a roof repair estimate for a “roof-over” on your mobile home because it often saves money.

Shed Roofs

Sheds commonly get damaged in storms, but a qualified handyman does roof repair for considerably less than a larger roof repair company.

Flat Roofs

By design, flat roofs cause problems like “alligatoring,” a situation requiring major flat roof leak repair. You may have a flat rubber roof with issues, but it’s possible to apply a patch to fix a leak in a rubber roof. When you’re searching online, look for “how to repair a rubber roof” to get the best results and ask an expert about roof leak repair sealant.

Residential Roofs

When you’re searching for “residential roof repair near me,” your biggest concerns are the costs to repair a roof and who is the right residential roof repair company for the job. Get referrals, and ask the referrals if they’re happy with their roof repair and if they’d work with the roof repair company again.

Commercial Roofs

For peace of mind, commercial businesses needing roof leak repair must ask a roofing professional for license and insurance information and warranty details to go along with a roof repair estimate.

Replacement Roofs vs. Repairs

The costs of a roof repair versus roof replacement vary quite a bit.

When Do You Need Replacement and Not Just Repair?

It’s one of the most challenging roof repair questions to answer without getting a professional roof repair estimate to repair or replace a roof. A sagging roof is at the end of its life. Knowing the approximate age of your roof is recommended.

What To Do in Emergency Situations

If your roof repair is an actual emergency, leave your house immediately! A slowly collapsing roof is a dangerous situation. You shouldn’t be inside if emergency roof repair is necessary.

Insurance and Roof Repair

Will Your Insurance Cover It?

This question is very tricky, especially when it comes to roof repair. If the roof damage is due to neglect or wear-and-tear, your homeowner’s policy generally won’t cover it. Shingle roofing that is 20 years old or more has limited, if any, coverage under your insurance.

Storm Damage

It can be a pain to read through the fine print. Still, it’s best to check your homeowner’s insurance policies for specifics on coverage due to roof damage from a sudden, accidental event or “an act of nature.” An act of nature includes downed trees or branches or roof shingles needing repair after a significant freezing rain event or a snowstorm.

Wrap-Up

If you’re seeking roof repair, be sure to contact a professional that is well versed in your specific roofing type. They will easily be able to spot the damage and properly fix it, so it withstands years of exposure to the elements.

Posted in Roofing

Metal Roofing 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Metal Roof

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:41:03 GMT

Home / Roofing / Metal Roofing 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is becoming a more popular way to shingle a house. There are many benefits to this material choice regular shingles don’t have.

A metal roof house will stand out from its neighbors by providing a unique and attractive roof. Metal roofing can also protect other buildings. A metal shed roof, for instance, can protect all your garden tools and equipment from even the worst weather.

If you’re wondering how to install metal roofing, there are a few things to consider first.

What is a Metal Roof?

A metal roof is exactly what it sounds like: a roof made from metal. Some people prefer this roofing material over others because it’s long-lasting and highly effective in keeping the elements out and the heat in.

Metal roofing can be made up of metal sheets or tiles of varying thicknesses. They can use a variety of metals for different advantages like greater protection or better energy efficiency.

They are also preferred over other roofing materials for their attractiveness. Though the choices of metal roof colors tend to be limited, the material provides a stunning exterior to increase curb appeal .

Types of Metal Roofs

The term “metal roofing” refers to a broad spectrum of different materials. Though they all have comparable advantages and disadvantages, they will provide a unique experience for you as a homeowner.

For instance, a copper metal roof will give you different metal roof colors than an aluminum roof, and corrugated metal roofing will bring a different texture than a standing seam metal roof.

Aluminum
Copper
Tin
Zinc
Metal / Steel

Shapes

Aside from the material, you can choose between different metal roof panels to get the best structure possible for your roof.

Corrugated
Metal Tile
Metal Slate
Standing Seam

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Metal roofing prices are notoriously higher than shingled options. Cheap metal roofing sheets are more easily dented and damaged, so the more durable you want your roof, the more expensive it will be.

Averages Per Square Feet

Average costs per square foot for metal tiles are anywhere between four and ten dollars.

For installation, costs are usually double the price of the metal roofing materials used.

Dependencies

The cost of a metal roof depends on the material used, the shape of the tiles, the steepness of the roof itself, and plenty of other factors. For instance, if you want metal roof snow guards, you will pay more than if you don’t want snow guards.

To protect your roof from moisture, many contractors will use a metal roof sealant to help keep your roof dry. Without a sealant, your roof could leak, and you will have to face repairs later on.

What Your Contractor Needs to Pay For

Your contractor should provide labor, materials, and equipment as part of their services. This means finding workers or paying capital costs isn’t your responsibility. The same goes for marketing.

It’s the contractor’s job to pay their marketing and capital costs, so look to see if these show up on your receipt. Using a metal roof cost calculator can help you decide whether to commit to a metal roof installation.

Metal Roof Alternatives

When considering residential metal roofing, it’s tempting to go with alternative roof options. Metal roofing sheets can hold their own against different materials, and in some cases, have more advantages than most.

Metal Roof vs Shingles

Metal is longer-lasting, eco-friendly, and durable against the weather. In contrast, shingles are cheaper, less heavy, and easier to install and repair.

Metal Roof vs Solar

Both metal and solar provide energy-efficient, cost-effective roofs. However, metal will protect your house more so than a solar roof, and solar roofs require extra maintenance that many people can’t afford.

Metal Roof vs Flat Roofs

A flat roof provides a lower cost for installation and gives you extra space for creative home use. However, it also needs more maintenance than a metal roof and can be prone to leaks, which a properly installed metal roof will not allow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about metal roofing.

How Long Should a Metal Roof Last?

Most metal roofs should last several decades, some more or less depending on the material used. The average life expectancy for a metal roof is 50-70 years.

When Should You Install a Metal Roof?

If you’ve just bought a home and plan to stay there for years to come, installing a new roof can set you up for a good investment. The same goes for if you mean to sell a place: replacing the roof with metal paneling can increase curb appeal and make your house more attractive for potential buyers.

How Often Should You Replace a Metal Roof?

Because of their longevity, metal roofs don’t need replacing very often. Typically, a metal roof will need replacing around 50-75 years.

How Long Does a Metal Roof Installation Take?

For a moderate-sized house in a mild climate, installation can take up to a few days. For larger homes or areas with bad weather, installation can take up to several weeks.

How Does a Metal Roof Stand Up in Difficult Weather?

Metal roofs are impervious to moisture and heavy rainfall. They also stay strong against hurricane winds and are less likely to tear off your house. For some materials, hail storms can dent a metal roof, but for the most part, metal roofing will protect your home from the weather.

Are Metal Roofs Noisy?

Today, metal roof installation ensures that the metal panels lay on top of a layer of shingles or an underlayment that deadens the sound of rain or hail on the roof. In some cases, with proper installation, metal roofs are quieter than shingle roofs.

Conclusion

Metal roofs can be more expensive than other roofs, but they last a long time and do more to protect your home. Metal roofing has plenty of advantages to its name and merits consideration as a roofing choice. Give us a call today if you’re considering a metal roof for your home.

Posted in Roofing

Bathroom Remodel 101: Everything to Know Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:41:03 GMT

Home / Remodeling / Bathroom Remodel 101: Everything to Know Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel

If you’re considering a bathroom remodeling project , there’s plenty of things you need to know, evaluate, and plan for before you even get started.

This information will make the process more transparent, so you can expect some of the issues and processes you’ll go through during the remodel.

Always research the project in its entirety before you begin, and be sure to think about these points of interest and any other specific to your home or project. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are, the better the outcome and the easier the process is until completion.

What to Know Before Starting

So, what’s the number one thing to know before getting started? Nothing goes exactly as you plan.

There are likely going to be surprises, setbacks, mishaps, and overspending during the process of remodeling your bathroom.

Add to the mix delays with materials, slowdowns due to weather, and contractor issues, and you have a recipe for stress and anxiety if you’re not prepared for these things in advance.

What’s the main takeaway here? Be ready for anything and don’t get over-stressed when the unexpected happens – because it usually will.

You’ll also want to set a lenient time frame for the completion date. You can’t always foresee issues related to weather, problems with the walls and plumbing, or delays with supplies and labor.

Setting a Budget

The first thing you want to do once you come to terms with the magnitude of this project is to set a budget. You’ll want to set aside approximately $10k to $15k for an average bathroom and upwards of $25k for a luxury master bathroom.

Keep in mind; however, this is only an estimate for a traditional suburban-style home, and the price can vary significantly from city to city. You also need to consider the size of the bathroom and the fixtures you plan to add to the bathroom.

When you set a budget, you’ll also want to leave room for any extra costs. In most cases, the project has unforeseen issues and expenses that drive the price up. Very rarely does a remodel stick to a budget.

What Is All Included in the Cost?

You’ll not only need to budget for the materials, but you’ll need to budget for the contractors, inspections, and permits.

The materials are only about half the cost of the project. If you plan to add luxury materials such as marble and stone, you’ll need to tack on several thousand more depending on the type of material and the place you purchase the material.

Some luxury surfaces need to be imported and cost much more than the items in your area. You’ll also need to wait for the material to arrive, which can delay the finishing date.

An example would be a shower renovation. If you use top-quality materials for your shower, you’re tacking on an additional $700 to $5,000 for a standard shower stall and up to $15k for a luxury master bathroom shower stall.

The best way to know your cost range may be to get an estimate for labor and decide which features you want and add in the cost of the supplies, then add in some extra money for wiggle room.

Types of Bathroom Renovations

There are different types and sizes of bathrooms, and that is the majority of the determining factor for price and the time frame to complete the project. Consider the details about the following types of bathrooms.

Small Bathroom Remodel

If you have a small bathroom and go with essential appliances you find at your local retailer, you might only spend a few thousand dollars on the entire process.

If you’re on a budget, be sure to give yourself some wiggle room of $1,000 to $2,000 to avoid issues and delays. This type of remodeling project may be completed in a week, depending on the workers’ speed and availability of supplies.

Large Bathroom Remodel

If you have a large bathroom and use essential appliances, you can expect to spend $5,000 and up. This project may take a few weeks with luck.

Try to do this project when the weather is favorable, and try to make sure you have as many of the supplies you need on-site for the best results.

Master Bath Remodel

A large master bath remodel will take a few weeks and cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the materials, size of the bathroom, and area your house is located.

You’ll want to do some extra planning and budgeting for this remodeling project and check with several contractors to get the best price and results.

Partial Bathroom

A partial bathroom or a half-bath is the easiest remodel of all. You commonly find these next to garages, guest houses, pools, and kid’s rooms. You can do this project for under $1000 if you use essential appliances and even DIY.

Bathroom Remodel Design

If you’re great with design, you might consider designing the bathroom yourself; however, you may want to hire a professional designer for the best results. They can also be on-site to help guide the process and avoid problems and mistakes.

Bathroom Remodel Ideas

If you’re planning to remodel to update, consider using neutral or gray tones, which are popular right now.

Some individuals like to bring in some warmth with touches of darker wood cabinets and vanities. Avoid busy colors that clash or use more than a few colors. Having an accent wall is a great way to add color without going overboard.

When to Hire and When to DIY

If you have previous experience with a hands-on remodeling project or will work with someone who does, you may be able to DIY; however, you’ll want to hire a contractor if it’s a large complex project.

Bathroom Remodeling Contractors—What to Know and Lookout For

First, make sure the bathroom remodeling contractor is licensed and insured before moving forward with the project. Check with the state licensing board first. You’ll also want to see some examples of completed work, and you’ll want to get references.

Be sure to get a quote from them and then ask them if there are any extra fees such as labor fees, materials, overtime, and permits that would increase the project’s cost. You’ll also want to make sure they consult with you before any price increases and get it in writing.

Ask the contractor for a timeline on the work completed and where they source materials, and how long it takes to order materials you want.

Read Reviews Online

A final note and recommendation before you hire a contractor. Be sure to read the customer reviews for the company first.

They will give you a good idea of the level of satisfaction of past customers. You’ll also know to look for specific issues, and it may help you avoid disaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still aren’t sure about your bathroom remodel idea? Or maybe you have a question? Check out our F.A.Q. on bathroom remodeling below.

How Long Does It Take to Remodel a Bathroom?

Keep in mind that the average bathroom remodel takes a month but can last much longer if the weather is terrible, the contractor is short-handed, or the materials and supplies are delayed. In many cases, the shipping times affect the project time frame.

Do You Need Permits to Remodel a Bathroom?

You’ll need the appropriate permits to remodel your bathroom.

You can have a contractor file for them, or you can do it yourself by going to your local building or planning department.

They can cost a few hundred dollars depending on where you live and the policies in the area.

Bathroom Remodeling For You

If you need to remodel our bathroom and want a qualified, professional team to help you out, contact us today .

Posted in Roofing

Kitchen Remodel 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:41:03 GMT

Home / Remodeling / Kitchen Remodel 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen can be a satisfying project. Whether you’re planning on staying in your home and are ready for an upgrade or are preparing to sell your home, remodeling your kitchen can completely refresh your space.

What You Need to Know

A lot goes into remodeling a kitchen, but the main thing you need to know is what your budget is.

How Much You’re Willing to Spend

The biggest thing you need to know before starting to remodel your kitchen is what your budget is. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will make the remodeling process run smoothly.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost

How much your kitchen remodel will cost is dependent on several factors. If you’re entirely replacing everything, the cabinets, countertops, appliances, etc., your remodel is going to cost more than someone who is only remodeling the cabinets and countertops.

Another factor that will play heavily in the cost of your remodel is where you live. For example, if you live in a larger city, your remodel is more than likely to cost more than remodeling a kitchen in a rural area.

According to Remodeling Magazine , the average cost for a mid-range kitchen remodel is a little over $66,000, whereas a high-end remodel averages around $131,000. Those numbers are pretty high, but if you ask HomeAdvisor, the average kitchen remodel cost ranges from $12,500 to $35,000. If you’re doing a small kitchen remodel, it can cost you as little as $4,000.

If you want to lower your overall cost, you can do some parts of the project yourself.

What’s Included in the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel

When you’re remodeling your kitchen, everything you’re changing will go into the cost of the remodel. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything that can be included and the average cost based on a full kitchen remodel:

Cabinets – $6,670
Countertops – $2,300
Lighting – $1,100
Flooring – $1,600
Appliances – $3,200
Design fees (if using a designer) – $900
Installation – $3,900
Faucets and plumbing – $900
Walls and Doors – $900
Labor – $3,000

These numbers are based on a national average and vary depending on your budget and where you live. You can also do a budget kitchen remodel by DIY’ing certain parts of the project.

Types of Kitchens

When you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, figuring out which type of kitchen you want is the next step after deciding on your budget. Of course, your budget may need to be adjusted based on the type of kitchen you choose.

One-Wall

Usually, you can find a one-wall design in smaller kitchens. This design allows you to optimize the small space you have while not compromising on functionality. One-wall kitchens have cabinets against only one wall with shelving or upper cabinets above the lower ones. A one-wall design is one of many small kitchen remodel ideas.

Galley

There are two rows of cabinets facing each other for a galley kitchen, creating a pathway between them. You won’t need corner cabinets with this style, and you’ll still use every inch of space.

You’ll have a lot of storage when you do a galley kitchen remodel. There are lower cabinets on both walls and even more if you install upper cabinets on both sides.

L-Shape

An L-shaped kitchen works well in both small and large kitchens. Cabinets align two walls that are perpendicular to one another, creating an L-shape. In addition, the amount of counter space this type of kitchen provides is ideal for appliances and workspace.

Horseshoe/U-Shape

If you have a larger kitchen, a U-shape may be a good idea. A horseshoe layout is achieved by placing cabinets on three walls to create a U-shape. You’ll have plenty of cabinet space, but adding upper cabinets may make the kitchen feel claustrophobic.

Island

The island kitchen shape is ideal for those with an open-plan house. This style provides ample workspace. With an island kitchen, you have many options. You can simply use it as cabinet space, put your stove on the island, a mini-fridge, or almost anything else you can think of.

Island styles are great for entertaining and gathering people in the kitchen after a long day.

Peninsula

A peninsula kitchen is a variation of the island kitchen. This style has a kitchen counter that comes out from a cabinet or a wall. This is perfect for kitchens where installing an independent island isn’t possible or practical.

Kitchen Remodel Design

You may have many fantastic kitchen remodel ideas of how you want your new kitchen to look, but putting those ideas into action can be difficult. Some people specialize in designing kitchens. You can hire someone to help you through the process.

If you don’t want to hire someone to design your kitchen, many hardware stores have kitchen design tools to help you.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

There are hundreds of ways to remodel and improve your kitchen. Here are a few of our favorite ways to make your kitchen the star of the house.

Backsplash

One of the easiest and cost-effective ways to transform your kitchen is to add a backsplash. You can choose something simple or a unique design.

New Cabinets

Adding new cabinets can completely change your kitchen. Cabinets see a lot of wear and tear, so updating them will give the space a fresh look.

Add an Island

If you have space, adding an island can open up your kitchen. A kitchen island remodel provides more work and entertaining space but can make it feel like an entirely new kitchen, even if you do nothing else.

How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Kitchen?

How long it will take for you to have the kitchen of your dreams truly depends on how much remodeling you’re doing. If you’re planning on a full kitchen remodel , it can take anywhere from three to five months.

The time frame for this may increase or decrease depending on the project’s complexity and how large or small your kitchen is.

Do You Need Permits To Remodel a Kitchen

If you’re doing a basic remodel of cabinets, countertops, and appliances, you don’t need a permit. Likewise, painting and adding backsplash doesn’t require a license either.

For remodels that require any plumbing or electrical work, you will more than likely need a permit. Depending on where you live, permit requirements may be different.

When to Hire and When to DIY

There are aspects of a kitchen remodel that you can handle yourself if you want to. A DIY kitchen remodel can consist of you painting walls, cabinets and even installing flooring.

You’ll want to hire help when your project requires electrical or plumbing work. Even if you can do these yourself, if where you live requires a permit to do this work and you don’t have it, you can face fines if caught.

Kitchen Remodeling Contractors – What to Know and Look Out For

When you’re hiring a contractor to remodel or assist you in the remodel of your kitchen, you’ll want to make sure you’re hiring a qualified one. When your project requires permits, you’re going to want to ensure that the contractor you hired already has the appropriate permits.

You can check to see if they have the appropriate permits by asking the company and seeing proof or going through the county records of the country you live in to see all active permits.

Wrapping Up

Remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and much-needed project. However, knowing what to expect before starting can mean the difference between a stressful remodel or a stress-free remodel. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into will make those kitchen remodel before and after photos even more exciting to see. Contact us today to learn more about our kitchen remodeling services.

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