What Does It Cost to Remodel a Whole Home in Philadelphia?

One of our clients’ most important and therefore most frequently asked questions is, “How much does it cost to renovate a whole home?” The answer to that question is highly nuanced depending on the homeowner’s goals, the size and structure of the house, the scope of the remodel, the architecture of the home, and the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. 

That said, you should not have to walk into a remodeling project or even an initial conversation with your prospective contractor without any financial understanding of what this home renovation may cost you, so make sure you ask the right questions. Today, we’ll give you basic estimates for some of the most commonly requested whole home remodeling projects as a basis for your budget preparation. Keep in mind, however, that these are all rough estimates and the most accurate quote you’ll receive is through a direct conversation with your contractor.

2021 Upscale Kitchen Remodeling Costs in the Philadelphia Area

While every kitchen renovation is different, it is important to understand the typical investment in a transformative project, and the average costs for any major kitchen remodel in Philadelphia and its Main Line Suburbs. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, a major upscale kitchen remodel in the Philadelphia area costs $155,063 (for a cost recoup of $71,455, or 46.1%). 

These numbers are based on a 200-square-foot kitchen with updates similar to the following: new, top-of-the-line custom cabinetry with interior accessories and built-in features; stone countertops; glass tile or imported ceramic backsplash; a high-end undermount sink with a water filtration system and designer faucets, new appliances, including a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, a built-in refrigerator, a built-in microwave unit, and a wall oven; new tile or wood look-alike flooring; and a variety of lighting fixtures.

Average kitchen remodeling costs will vary significantly depending on the number of walls that you plan to modify, whether those walls are interior or exterior, load bearing or non-structural. And as mentioned above, materials selection has a large impact, as does square footage of the work areas and difficulty of access to the project.

All in all, the final cost of your kitchen remodel will always depend on your existing kitchen, your unique needs and desires, and the choices you make for materials and equipment.

2021 Upscale Bathroom Remodeling Costs in Philadelphia

As with any home improvement project, bathroom remodeling is an investment, as well as an opportunity to enhance your quality of life and increase the long-term value of your home in Philadelphia. Budgeting for a bathroom remodel that is a part of a whole home remodel can be a complex process. From setting realistic expectations about the price of labor and materials to exploring potential cost-saving measures, it’s important to know your bathroom remodeling cost numbers...

The Cost vs. Value report mentioned above, lists the price of an upscale bathroom remodel in Philadelphia at $81,837 (for a cost recoup of $36,875, or 45.1%). This cost is based on relocating and updating all fixtures within a 35-square-foot bathroom that is expanded into a 100-square-foot bathroom within the home’s existing footprint. 

New fixtures may include a 42-by-42-inch frameless glass shower with ceramic tile walls, body-spray fixtures, a built-in shower caddy, and an accent strip; a dual-sink vanity with stone countertops and two medicine cabinets with individual lighting and mirrors; a freestanding soaker tub with high quality faucets; a compartmentalized commode with a one-piece toilet; custom cabinetry; large ceramic floor tiling and in-floor heating; general and spot lighting; and an extended HVAC system. 

Keep in mind that a gut renovation for a whole house remodel where plumbing and electrical work is involved will cost more. You may also need to allocate additional finances to your budget if your complete remodel includes other improvements like replacing windows and doors, reflooring the entire home, reconstructing the layout, etc.  

2021 Addition Costs in Philadelphia

An addition to your existing home will not only increase it's near term utility for you and your family, but you can also get a greater financial benefit by increasing the square footage during an expansion approach. But how much will a home addition cost you?

Cost vs. Value quotes upscale primary bedroom additions in Philadelphia at $354,515 (with a cost recoup of $134,726, or 38%). This price is based on a 32-by-20-foot primary suite added over a crawlspace. The addition may include a sleeping area and a lounge with custom bookshelves and storage solutions, French doors, and a high-end glass fireplace with a custom mantel and a stone hearth. A walk-in closet and a linen storage solution are also factored into this estimate. 

The primary suite also includes a bathroom featuring a walk-in shower with dual shower heads, a custom frameless glass enclosure, and stone walls and flooring, as well as a freestanding soaker tub; a dual vanity with stone countertops and mirrors; a partitioned area and a luxury one-piece toilet; in-floor heating; a 5-foot hospitality bar with stone countertops, custom cabinetry, a sink, a refrigerator, and a microwave; as well as soundproofing, in-floor heating, custom finishes, and lighting. 

With an addition, understanding where your money gets spent is crucial because you should be asking for and getting plenty of creative budgeting control. Regardless of who you work with or where the addition is being built, there are 3 major cost drivers for construction. These are: Selections, Size and Access. Pretty simple!

For estimates on other home addition projects, please see our guide on home addition costs in Main Line Philadelphia.

Estimating Your Project Cost

The above estimates can give you a rough idea of how much you may spend on a home remodel in Philadelphia, particularly if you add the estimates for each home feature or room you would expect to be involved with the remodel. 

But the best way to obtain an accurate quote is to discuss your particular project goals with your design-build firm. One of the advantages of choosing to partner with a design build firm rather than a separate architect and builder is that project prices are presented sooner and tend to be more accurate since the entire team responsible for your remodel is operating under one roof. 

Are you ready for your initial design meeting? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We have extensive experience remodeling historic homes, row homes, and more