how much does a steamboat bathroom remodel cost?

how much does a steamboat bathroom remodel cost?

seriously. how much?

The most accurate answer to that question is: “Far more than you think, but not as much as Aspen.” 

I noticed this type of promotion in a recent Steamboat Springs real estate property listing and it hit home. I am copying that tone as it rings true.

Residential design and building in our sacred mountain valley location typically comes with some expectation calibrations. The actual construction cost versus the perceived value can cause more than normal sticker shock especially when it is compared to other more populated and easily accessible areas of our country. 

The amounts in my example budget are not based on any particular scope of work. However I am assuming there is a nearly complete remodel with all new fixtures and finishes, within the same footprint. The estimates are also based upon a handful of other assumptions including a mid to upper end level of quality and craftsmanship; all materials, labor, and equipment to complete the project. It is grouped by construction categories……..and, okay, I hear ya let’s get to the numbers!

Here you go:

So …

How much does a Steamboat bathroom remodel cost?

Short answer: $ 600 to $ 700 per square foot for the interior remodel construction. Plus $ 90 to $ 180 per square foot for interior design, furnishings and decor.

More?…

A typical 5′ x 8′ bathroom would cost around $ 32,600 to complete. A larger bathroom about 180 square feet would have some economy of scale and I estimate completed cost would start in the $ 137,100 neighborhood.

What’s included in that amount? 

Best answer: I’m not exactly sure. I do know that the total amounts are not far off from where many Steamboat remodel project’s final costs come in at. My intent is to share the most realistic estimates without regard for optimism.

It is important to note that the bottom line total amounts include interior design, furnishings and decor for a completed space.

Why do Steamboat prices seem higher than my hometown?  Unless you were lucky enough to have been born here, you had to navigate your arrival into the Yampa Valley.  The same is true of the building materials and trades people. Not only does it takes a bit longer to get here, especially for part of the year,  our labor force also enjoys the benefits of our shared environment. There are certain seasonal considerations. There may be altitude and weather related site conditions that I believe are best served by our more experienced, and perhaps less available builders. These factors lead to the higher than a national average cost for a bathroom remodel.  It’s my belief that with this upfront understanding you can plan accordingly as you consider remodeling your Steamboat bathroom.

Can we remodel for less than $ 600 per sf ? Of course! There are always ways to work within many budgets. Your selections and/or your overall scope of work will require some tweaking along with other cost considerations. 

2-STEP TAKEAWAY:

#1. Agree with your team on the project’s Scope of Work.

#2 Match the Scope of Work to your Budget Cost Estimate.

Both documents will benefit from detailed written descriptions instead of broad narratives as you will be contracting another entity to construct your home. Invest time and attention on making sure you and your contractor are in agreement about how the Scope of Work will be invoiced and funded.  Note clarifications and assumptions, and identify allowances and exclusions. Be specific.

Open and honest communication up front will clear the way for a successful project for the whole team!

questions to ask your contractor

questions to ask your contractor

ask questions:

If you were to take away one single piece of advice, it would be to ask questions.

A lot of questions.

Ask until you understand what to expect. Ask what it will look like. Ask what the cost and timing implications are. Ask about quality and durability. Ask about warranty. Ask about care and maintenance.

As a builder constructing homes year round, year after year, it’s easy to glaze over the process as they know the next steps and how it all works. Many homeowners feel as though they should somehow know about a unique process that’s never been completed specifically for them before now.

Let that sink in.

In my opinion, the most important question you can ask is, “What is not included?”

Too often the excluded items are not revealed until something seems undone, left out or incomplete. It becomes the breaking point between expectations and reality. Unidentified exclusions are where budgets and schedules begin to fail. This can be prevented or at least tempered with timely and pointed questions.

After 30 years of custom home construction projects, I know that I cannot know exactly how each project will go…. so how would you? What I do know is what questions to ask. Who to ask. When to ask. And when to wait.

My question for you is, are you interested in learning about my residential construction advisory services?

Got a question for me? Just ask.

Posted in RCA
7 tips for setting realistic expectations for your home project

7 tips for setting realistic expectations for your home project

expectations defined:

What to expect when you are engaged in the construction of your home.

First, residential construction includes everything from new home builds, to home additions, major renovations, selective remodels and all related home projects.

Residential work is as easily defined as is each resident! We are all unique in our perceptions and expectations and this is amplified when investing in your home. With that in mind, here is some general guidance and expectation callibrations that would serve homeowners well to consider.

DISCLAIMER FOR EVERY HOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECT:

UNLESS YOU HAVE A LEGAL DEPARTMENT THAT REVIEWS YOUR CONTRACTS AND ACCEPTS THEM ON YOUR BEHALF, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOUR CONTRACTOR,  AND SUBS &  VENDORS ARE  PROVIDING. READ THE FINE PRINT. KNOW WHAT TO, AND NOT TO, EXPECT.

#1. Expect to ask a lot of questions.

This is my best piece of advice to homeowner’s in the design and construction process. There is often a communication gap between owners and designers or builders. This is normal and to be expected. We don’t know what you don’t know. ASK US! We know that you may not easily visualize how things will look once they are built. Words and even drawings are not always enough to help paint the picture. Don’t be shy. Ask for other examples, samples, 3D renderings, and moodboards. There are so many tools to bridge the gap that you should be able to gain a somewhat clear idea of what you are buying.

#2. Expect to hear terms that everyone seems to know except for you.

Call a timeout and request an explanation, or a photo so that you are on the same page. Don’t expect to know terminology you’ve rarely or never have heard before. What is a miter? What does AFF mean? What’s MDF, or OSB or C-C? You do not have to know it all, but it does directly relate to the product your are in the process of purchasing. See #1. Ask!

#3. Expect a few hiccups on the way to completion.

Things happen that cause projects to shift directions. It might be a material shortage, freight issue, quality control, human error, or mother nature. I have learned that these are opportunities to improve the outcome. Trust that it will work out.

#4. Expect your project to take longer and cost more.

This has held true my entire career. Some things never because everything always changes. Does that make sense?🚪

#5. Expect emotional moments.

This particular investment reflects you in a very personal way. It can feel they way you want it to feel. It will fit you, work for you, serve and please you. There is a great deal attached to our homes, and that’s the best part! Ride the rollercoaster to success!

#6. Expect a home that you love.

Expect a success. Have a plan and allow yourself enough time to make thoroughly informed decisions. The more confident you can be with one choice, the easier the next selections will become.

#7. Expect honesty, transparency and respect from your team.

I honestly would like to learn about your project and will obvisously, and shamelessly, include a link to my inquiry form.

Happy Home Constructing!

NOTE FROM ME TO YOU: This is meant to be a general guide as I cannot know the parameters of your project until we meet or e-meet. There will be standards and regulations for neighborhoods, HOAs, regional and local practices that are not addressed here. It would be part of the intake information if we were to work together.