Planning guides
Remodeling planning guides: cost, permits, process and sizes
Everything we tell homeowners before a kitchen or bathroom remodel, written down. Start with cost, then permits and the process.
Cost guides
What a remodel costs in Northern Virginia
A range is a starting point, not a quote: your design and selections set the final price.
Kitchen remodel costWhat a kitchen remodel costs, from a cabinet and counter refresh to a full remodel, and what moves the price.Kitchen cost guide →
Bathroom remodel costWhat a bathroom remodel costs, from a hall bath to a primary suite.Bathroom cost guide →
Shower remodel costWhat a shower remodel or replacement costs, and what affects the price.Shower cost guide →
Basement finishing costWhat it costs to renovate or finish a basement, and the choices that change it.Basement cost guide →Before you hire
Permits, process and choosing a contractor
How a remodel runs, who does what and how to compare estimates.
Our remodeling processThe 3 phases of every remodel, who leads each one, how long each takes and your price in writing before we build.How our process works →
Remodeling permits in VA, MD and DCWhich kitchen and bath work needs a permit in Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Alexandria, Montgomery County and DC.Permits guide →
How to choose a remodeling contractorLicense lookups, what a good estimate includes, 10 questions to ask and 3 red flags we see. By Sam Kazanci.Contractor checklist →
Licenses and warrantyOur Virginia, Maryland and DC license numbers with official lookups, insurance and the two-year labor warranty.Licenses and warranty →Size guides
Standard sizes for showers and kitchen cabinets
Standard shower sizesShower dimensions for every bathroom layout: stall, walk-in and tub-shower sizes.Shower size guide →Standard kitchen cabinet dimensionsBase, wall and tall cabinet sizes you should know before you plan a kitchen.Cabinet size guide →Shower to bathtub conversionTurning a shower into a tub, or a tub into a shower: what is involved.Conversion guide →Design ideas
Ideas for your kitchen, bathroom and basement
More in our blog: 82 articles on kitchens, bathrooms, showers and basements.
Kitchen remodeling ideas
Wet bar ideasFAQ
Remodeling FAQ: cost, timing and permits
Answers to common kitchen and bathroom remodeling questions.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Northern Virginia?
In our sold jobs, most bathroom remodels fall between $20,000 and $60,000+. A hall bath refresh sits at the low end; a primary suite with a curbless shower and frameless glass sits at the high end. Your design and selections set the final price, and every proposal is calculated for your home.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Northern Virginia?
In our sold jobs, a cabinets, counters and backsplash refresh starts at about $20,000. Size, layout changes and your selections set the price, and there is no ceiling; we have built kitchens past $200,000. A range is a starting point, not a quote: Sena tells you where yours lands on the first call.
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
A small hall or guest bathroom in our sold jobs starts at about $12,500 when only the tub or shower is redone, and usually runs about $22,000 to $45,000 for a full refresh, depending on tile, the vanity, the tub or shower and whether plumbing moves.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A standard bathroom remodel that keeps the same layout (new tub or shower, vanity, toilet, floor, tile and fixtures) takes 3 to 4 weeks of construction. A larger primary bathroom with layout changes, a bigger shower, a freestanding tub or custom tile takes 4 to 8 weeks. Before that, design and planning usually take 2 to 6 weeks, and permits, where needed, add time. Construction starts only when every material is in our warehouse and the permits are in hand, so the work doesn't stop for a backordered part. These are typical times from our jobs, not a promise; your designer gives you your own schedule.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cabinet, countertop and backsplash replacement with in-stock cabinets can take as little as 3 weeks. Most kitchens take 4 to 8 weeks of construction, and custom kitchens with layout changes take 8 to 12 weeks. Before that, design and planning usually take 2 to 6 weeks. If your project needs permits, they add time: some counties issue them in a few weeks, others take two months or more. Projects with in-stock materials and no permit can start about 2 weeks after final measurements. Construction starts only when every material is in our warehouse, so it doesn't stop for a backordered part. These are typical times from our jobs, not a promise; your designer gives you your own schedule.
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom?
Kitchen and bathroom remodels that change plumbing, electrical or walls usually need a permit, and the rules differ by county and city. We handle the whole permit process, from the building and trade permits to the county fees and every inspection, so you never deal with the county.
How do I plan a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
We plan every remodel in 3 phases. Phase 1, plan and design: a free in-home consultation, your design in 3D on our showroom screen, material selections and your proposal. Phase 2, order and permits: every material ordered and received in our warehouse while we handle every permit and inspection. Phase 3, build: demolition, construction, inspections and a final walkthrough with your project manager.
How do I choose a remodeling contractor?
Get a few estimates, then compare apples to apples. Check that the company is licensed in your state and fully insured, including workers' compensation; how long its labor warranty runs; who pulls the permits; and whether materials are ordered before demolition. We are licensed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, fully insured, and every project includes a two-year labor warranty.
