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Kitchens, baths, basements, additions and more

Home remodeling start with one call

Call (804) 566-7669 to talk through your project with a local remodeling contractor. Then use this guide to see what decides your type of remodel, so you go into every quote prepared.

Talk to a person about your project, not a form
Calling does not commit you to hire anyone
All 8 major remodel types, with what decides each
(804) 566-7669Find your project
Photo: Bailey Alexander on Unsplash

How it works

  1. Call (804) 566-7669Your call connects to an independent remodeling contractor in your area.
  2. Talk it throughSay what you want to change, the age of the house and when you hope to start. Ask anything.
  3. Get it in writingScope, schedule and price on paper before any work starts. Then you decide.
(804) 566-7669Calls connect to an independent local contractor.

The 8 types of home remodeling

Almost every project falls into one of these. Pick yours to jump to its section.

KitchensLayout, cabinets, counters, appliancesSee what decides it → BathroomsShowers, tubs, tile, vanitiesSee what decides it → BasementsLiving space, egress, moisture controlSee what decides it → AdditionsNew rooms, second stories, bump-outsSee what decides it → Whole-homeOpen floor plans, gut renovationsSee what decides it → ExteriorRoofing, siding, windows, doors, decksSee what decides it → ConversionsTurn unused space into living spaceSee what decides it → AccessibilitySafer, easier living at any ageSee what decides it →

Why call before you hire

The fastest way to find out what your project really involves is to talk it through.

Talk to a person, not a formDescribe the project in your own words instead of filling in a form and waiting to hear back.
No commitment to callCalling does not commit you to hire anyone. Get your questions answered first.
One number, every projectKitchens, baths, basements, additions, exteriors, conversions and accessibility work.
Go in preparedUse the checklists on this page so you know what a good quote includes and what to ask.

Ready to talk about your project?

Kitchen, bathroom, basement, addition or something else.

(804) 566-7669

1Kitchen remodeling

Remodeled kitchen with marble island and white cabinets
Photo: Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

The most-requested remodel and the one with the most decisions. Whether you keep the existing layout or move the sink, range and walls decides almost everything else.

Common projects

Cabinet refacing or replacementCountertops and backsplashLayout change or islandOpening a wall to the living spaceAppliance and ventilation upgradesLighting and new circuits
What decides itMoving plumbing, gas and walls versus working within the current footprint.
PermitsUsually required for plumbing, electrical, gas, venting and any wall changes.
TimelineA few weeks for a refresh; longer for a full gut, especially with custom cabinets on order.
Cost driversCabinets and counters, how much moves, and whether the panel can carry new appliance circuits.

Common mistake: Ordering cabinets before the layout, ventilation and electrical are settled. Related: electrical problems by house age.

Planning a kitchen remodel?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

2Bathroom remodeling

Remodeled bathroom with double vanity and walk-in shower
Photo: Clay Banks on Unsplash

Small rooms with a lot of water. What is behind the tile, the waterproofing and the ventilation, matters more than the tile you can see.

Common projects

Tub-to-shower conversionWalk-in or curbless showerNew tile and waterproofingVanity, toilet and fixturesExhaust fan and ventilationMoving fixtures or adding a bathroom
What decides itProper waterproofing behind the shower and an exhaust fan vented outside, not into the attic.
PermitsUsually required for plumbing, electrical, and any relocation of fixtures or walls.
TimelineOften a few weeks; longer if fixtures move or tile is custom.
Cost driversMoving drains, the shower system, tile choice and what is found when old tile comes off.

Common mistake: Tiling over damaged subfloor or skipping a waterproof membrane in the shower. Related: mold and moisture problems.

Planning a bathroom remodel?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

3Basement finishing and remodeling

Finished basement lounge with fireplace and bookshelves
Photo: Smart Renovations on Unsplash

The most space for the money, as long as the moisture is solved first. A finished basement over a damp slab is the remodel that fails quietly.

Common projects

Family room or media roomGuest bedroom with egress windowBasement bathroomHome office or gymInsulation and moisture controlCeiling, lighting and flooring
What decides itWhether the space stays dry year-round, and whether a bedroom has a code-compliant egress window.
PermitsUsually required for finishing, bedrooms, bathrooms, electrical and egress.
TimelineSeveral weeks to a couple of months depending on size and bathrooms.
Cost driversMoisture fixes, egress windows, adding a bathroom below the sewer line, and ceiling height.

Common mistake: Finishing walls before fixing water coming in, or using materials that hold moisture. Related: water damage.

Finishing a basement?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

4Room additions and expansions

Wood framing and roof trusses for new construction
Photo: Troy Mortier on Unsplash

Adding square footage means foundations, framing, roofing and tying new systems into old ones. Zoning and setbacks can decide the project before design does.

Common projects

Primary suite additionSecond-story additionBump-out for a kitchen or bathSunroom or four-season roomGarage additionIn-law suite or ADU
What decides itZoning, setbacks and whether the existing foundation, panel and HVAC can support the new space.
PermitsAlways required, typically with drawings and multiple inspections.
TimelineUsually months, including design and permitting before construction starts.
Cost driversFoundation and structure, roof tie-ins, matching exterior finishes, and extending HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

Common mistake: Assuming the existing HVAC and electrical service can carry the extra space. Related: heating and cooling problems.

Planning an addition?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

5Whole-home and interior renovation

Open-plan kitchen and living space after renovation
Photo: Christa Grover on Unsplash

Several rooms at once, or the whole house down to the studs. It is the one chance to bring old systems up to date while everything is open.

Common projects

Open floor plan or wall removalFull gut renovationFlooring throughoutRepiping and rewiring while walls are openInsulation and drywallInterior doors, trim and stairs
What decides itLoad-bearing walls, and replacing aging plumbing, wiring and ductwork while the walls are open.
PermitsRequired for structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work.
TimelineTypically months; phased projects can run longer while you live in part of the house.
Cost driversStructural beams, the condition of hidden systems, and how many trades are involved.

Common mistake: Closing walls back up over old galvanized pipe or ungrounded wiring. Related: plumbing problems by house age.

Planning a whole-home renovation?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

6Exterior remodeling

House exterior with new siding, windows and porch
Photo: Lumin Osity on Unsplash

The shell that keeps everything else dry. Exterior work is driven by weather and water management as much as by looks.

Common projects

Roof replacementSiding replacementWindow and door replacementDeck or porch buildGutters and drainageExterior trim and paint
What decides itFlashing and water management around windows, doors and roof penetrations.
PermitsOften required for roofing, structural decks and window or door size changes; rules vary by city.
TimelineDays to a few weeks per project, weather permitting.
Cost driversMaterial choice, roof pitch and layers to tear off, rotted sheathing found underneath, and window count.

Common mistake: New windows or siding installed without proper flashing and housewrap details. Related: storm and water intrusion.

Planning exterior work?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

7Attic, garage and space conversions

Attic converted into a bedroom
Photo: Kirsten Miles on Unsplash

Using space the house already has: attics, garages and porches. Cheaper than an addition, but code requirements for living space still apply.

Common projects

Attic bedroom or officeGarage conversionEnclosed porchBonus room over a garageDormer for headroomInsulating and conditioning the space
What decides itCeiling height, floor structure, stairs, egress, insulation and getting heating and cooling to the new room.
PermitsRequired to convert to habitable space.
TimelineSeveral weeks to a few months.
Cost driversFloor reinforcement, dormers, stairs, insulation and extending HVAC.

Common mistake: Converting a garage or attic without heating, cooling and egress planned in. Related: heating and cooling problems.

Converting an attic or garage?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

8Accessibility and aging in place

Walk-in shower with a simple, open layout
Photo: Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Changes that let you stay in your home comfortably. Best planned into another remodel rather than added in an emergency.

Common projects

Curbless shower and grab-bar blockingWider doorways and hallwaysFirst-floor bedroom and bathRamps and zero-step entriesLever handles and better lightingStair lifts
What decides itClearances and blocking in the walls, planned before drywall and tile go up.
PermitsDepends on scope; structural, plumbing and electrical changes usually need one.
TimelineDays for small changes; weeks when combined with a bathroom remodel.
Cost driversWidening openings, reworking the bathroom floor for a curbless shower, and ramps.

Common mistake: Installing grab bars without blocking behind the wall. Related: plumbing.

Making the house easier to live in?Call (804) 566-7669All remodel types

9Before you call

Four decisions that make the call, and every quote, easier.

  1. Write down the scopeWhat has to change, what would be nice, and what stays. A clear list gets comparable quotes.
  2. Set a budget with a cushionHold back a contingency for what turns up behind the walls, especially in an older house.
  3. Know the condition of the houseCheck the age of the plumbing, wiring and HVAC before you plan. Open walls are the cheapest time to replace them.
  4. Plan the timeline and where you will liveA kitchen or main bathroom out of service changes daily life. Decide early whether you stay home through it.

10Choosing a contractor

A good remodeling contractor offers all of this without being asked. Treat any gap as a warning.

  1. License and insuranceAsk for the license number and a certificate of insurance, and check both with your state or city.
  2. A written, detailed contractScope, materials, schedule, payment schedule and who pulls the permits, in writing before work starts.
  3. Payments tied to progressPay in stages as work is completed, not most of it up front.
  4. Change orders in writingAny change to scope or price is written down and signed before the work is done.
  5. Lien waiversAsk for waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as they are paid.
  6. Similar jobs you can seePhotos and references from projects like yours, ideally in houses of a similar age.

Talk to a local remodeling contractor

Describe the project, and get the scope and schedule in writing.

(804) 566-7669

11Questions

What happens when I call?

Your call to (804) 566-7669 connects to an independent local remodeling contractor. Describe the project, ask your questions, and decide whether you want a quote. Calling does not commit you to anything. We earn a referral fee when a call connects; here is how that works.

What are the main types of home remodeling?

Most projects fall into eight groups: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, whole-home renovations, exterior work, attic and garage conversions, and accessibility upgrades. Many remodels combine two or more.

Which remodel adds the most value?

Kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms buyers notice most, and exterior work like a new roof or windows protects everything else. The best value is usually fixing what is failing before upgrading what is dated.

Do I need a permit for a remodel?

Usually, for anything structural, electrical, plumbing, gas or HVAC, and for additions and conversions. Cosmetic work like paint and flooring usually does not. Your contractor should pull permits in their name.

Can I live at home during a remodel?

Often, yes, for a single room. With the only kitchen or bathroom out of service, or a whole-home renovation, plan a temporary setup or somewhere else to stay.

Should I replace old plumbing or wiring while the walls are open?

If it is near the end of its life, yes. Open walls make replacement far cheaper than later. See plumbing and electrical problems by house age.

Plan it first then build it once

Talk to a local remodeling contractor about any project on this page. Calling does not commit you to anything.

804-566-7669
Call (804) 566-7669