Why Is Remodeling So Expensive?
Whether upgrading your kitchen, modernizing a bathroom, or adding extra square footage, remodeling your home is very exciting! But for many homeowners, the excitement can quickly be tempered when the estimates roll in. So, why is remodeling so expensive? In this blog, we will break it down.
Please note that material costs change quite a bit from year to year, and these days, even month to month. If you’d like to have a conversion about home remodeling in St. Louis, we would be happy to hear from you. From kitchen remodeling in Kirkwood to sunroom updates and remodeling in Glendale, we are here to help.
Material Prices Keep Changing
Lumber and Drywall Are Still High
Since 2020, the cost of materials has remained unpredictable. Lumber, in particular, soared by over 250% during the pandemic before settling at levels that are still significantly higher than before. Drywall followed a similar trend. In early 2023, the Producer Price Index reported a 20% year-over-year increase for gypsum-based products.
It’s Not Just the Big Stuff
Behind the walls, small material choices also add up. Fasteners, sealants, copper wiring, adhesives, and even insulation materials have all risen in price. When a remodel involves multiple trades and several types of materials, these increases compound quickly.
Labor Is Scarce and Skilled
Why Good Trades Cost More
The construction industry faces a persistent labor shortage. A 2023 report from Associated Builders and Contractors projected a need for over 546,000 additional workers. Electricians, plumbers, and framers are in short supply, especially those with experience in older homes.
You’re Paying for Reliability
Contractors in areas like Ladue, Webster Groves, and Des Peres depend on licensed professionals who show up on time, solve problems accurately, and get the job done right. You’re not just paying for time on site. You’re paying for knowledge, training, and the ability to navigate complex building codes and inspections.
Every Home and Project Is Unique
Old Homes Require More Planning
Remodeling isn’t like building from scratch. In older St. Louis neighborhoods, homes might have knob-and-tube wiring, plaster walls, or unsupported framing. These quirks require custom solutions. That means extra hours for inspection, engineering, and sometimes reframing to bring things up to modern code.
Permits and Inspections Take Time
Cities in the metro area have different rules for setbacks, structural changes, and utility tie-ins. Getting permits and passing inspections often adds weeks to the timeline and additional costs to the budget.
Project Management Brings It Together
Why Coordination Matters
A full kitchen or bathroom remodel involves carpenters, tile installers, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors. Without clear communication between all parties, mistakes happen. Appliances get ordered in the wrong size. Cabinets arrive early. Drywall crews show up before the plumber finishes rough-ins.
At 5stone, we manage the entire workflow. This avoids unnecessary delays and extra charges. It also means your project looks and functions the way it should, with no last-minute scrambling.
Cutting Corners Is a False Economy
Some homeowners consider managing part of the job themselves to save money. While this might work for surface-level upgrades, it often causes more problems on full remodels. Mismatched finishes, warranty gaps, and inconsistent scheduling can increase the final cost instead of reducing it.
What Does a Remodel Really Cost?
Average Price Ranges
In the St. Louis suburbs, kitchen remodels typically cost between $65,000 and $120,000. Bathroom remodels fall between $35,000 and $45,000 depending on the size and scope. Basement finishing projects often land somewhere in between, depending on whether structural changes or plumbing reroutes are involved.
Where the Budget Goes
Labor usually accounts for around 40% of the total cost. Materials take up another 35%. The rest is spread across design, permitting, and project management. We recommend building in a 10% contingency for unknowns—especially in homes built before 1980.
Smart Ways to Control Costs
Keep the Layout When Possible
Moving appliances or plumbing fixtures to new locations adds time and labor. If you can keep your stove, sink, and dishwasher close to where they are now, that can reduce costs significantly.
Pick Mid-Range Finishes That Last
You don’t have to choose the most expensive tile or cabinetry to get a great look. We often recommend well-made quartz countertops, locally sourced cabinets, and solid wood flooring as alternatives to trend-driven finishes that don’t age well.
When to Invest More
Targeted Upgrades Can Make a Difference
For some homeowners, the goal isn’t to save, it’s to elevate the home. That might mean a full slab marble backsplash, custom cabinet fronts, or in-floor heating in the primary bath. These features come with a higher price, but they also add daily comfort and long-term value.
Long-Term Value Matters
If you plan to stay in the home for ten years or more, it may make sense to invest in better cabinetry hardware, high-performance appliances, or smart lighting systems. These upgrades improve how the home feels and functions, even if they aren’t visible on day one.
Remodeling Is About More Than Numbers
Home remodeling in the University City area is a way to shape how you live at home. When handled carefully, it can reduce stress, improve daily flow, and increase your connection to the space around you.
At 5stone, we take the time to walk through each decision together. We show you what each option costs, why some choices matter more than others, and where you can save without regret. If you’re ready to explore what your remodel might look like, we’re here to talk, explain options, and give you a transparent estimate on the current cost of materials and labor.
Remodeling may be expensive, but understanding the factors behind the costs can help you make informed decisions. If you’re interested in discussing your renovation project with us, contact the 5stone Design-Build Team to get started! Click here to submit your information: https://5stoneconstruction.com/contact/
