Remodeling FAQ

Proudly Serving Western Wisconsin

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know before starting your home addition or remodel. From budget and timing to design choices and how the whole process works. We make it simple so you can feel confident and actually enjoy the experience-without all the usual stress.

Let's Talk Money

Every homeowner starts with two things: a wish list and a budget. No matter where you fall, questions about cost, payment, and maximizing value are always part of the journey.
1. How much does it cost?

It’s the question nearly every homeowner asks when thinking about a remodel-and for good reason. Remodeling is a big investment, and unlike other purchases, it’s not easy to compare prices side by side. Even small changes can make a big difference in cost. If your project estimate comes in higher than expected, a conversation with your designer can often reveal ways to adjust the scope or materials-helping you achieve a result you love within your budget.

2. How much is a Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodeling costs can vary quite a bit based on factors like the size of your space, the age of your home, and the finishes you choose. That means a smaller kitchen can sometimes cost more than a larger one, depending on the details.

If you’re trying to get a sense of what to expect, In recent years, the average cost for a major midrange kitchen remodel has landed between $250.00 and $575.00 a square foot.

3. How much is a Bathroom Remodel?
Bathroom remodels tend to catch people off guard when it comes to pricing. Since the space is smaller, many expect the cost to be lower-but that’s not necessarily how remodeling works.

Labor makes up a large portion of the cost, and bathrooms require just as many skilled professionals as larger spaces like kitchens. While you might save a bit on materials like flooring or cabinetry due to size, you’re still investing in plumbing, electrical work, tile, and fixtures. In recent years the average cost of a bathroom remodel has been between $350.00 to $625.00 a square foot.

4. How much would a home addition cost?
Home addition costs are often the hardest to estimate because no two projects are exactly alike. While size certainly plays a role, the function of the space has an even greater impact on price. Additions that include kitchens or bathrooms tend to be more expensive due to the added complexity, materials, and mechanical systems required. In these cases, referencing typical kitchen or bathroom remodeling costs can provide a helpful starting point.

For perspective, a midrange primary suite addition-featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and closet-typically costs around $.

5. How do I pay for a remodel?
Cash
Paying for your remodel with cash is the most straightforward option. In this case, you’ve already saved enough to cover the cost of the renovation and simply make payments typically by check-at set milestones throughout the project. This approach avoids interest and financing fees, and can make the overall process simpler and more predictable.

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, is a flexible financing option that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. Similar to a home equity loan, a lender evaluates your home’s current value and compares it to what you still owe on your mortgage.
In most cases, lenders will allow you to borrow up to 80-90% of your home’s value, minus your remaining mortgage balance. The difference becomes your available line of credit, which you can draw from as needed during your remodeling project.

Construction Loan
A construction loan is unique among financing options because it considers the future value of your home after the project is completed-not just its current value. With this type of loan, lenders evaluate both what your home is worth today and what it is expected to be worth after the improvements. Your borrowing amount is then based on that projected future value, which can allow for greater flexibility in funding your project. Construction loans are often a great fit for projects that add square footage, bedrooms, or bathrooms-since these types of improvements tend to increase your home’s value more directly than updates like a kitchen remodel.

6. Do you offer financing options?
Although we don’t provide financing ourselves, we have friendly and trusted lenders in our area who can help you explore your options. From home equity loans and HELOCS to construction loans and mortgage refinancing.
7. When do I pay you?
We structure payments around key milestones so that you’re only paying as your project moves forward.

Most projects begin with a conceptual design phase at no cost. Once you’re happy with the design, a deposit is collected when you sign the construction agreement or if you want to hold a place in our schedule, followed by another payment at the start of construction. As we approach the finish line, we’ll review any remaining items together. You’ll retain up to 6% of the project cost until those final details are completed to your satisfaction.

The Process

If you’ve only remodeled once or twice-or perhaps never-you’re not alone. Remodeling is a big step and something most homeowners experience only a few times in their lives. Here, you’ll learn what to expect as you begin planning your home addition or major remodel.
1. Important Things to Know Before a Remodel

Remodeling is not something that people do every day, so it’s normal to feel unsure about what the process actually looks like. To make it easier, we break it down into three simple phases:
Design, Planning & Approval, and Construction

Design
This is where your ideas come to life. You’ll meet with a Stone Creek Representative (usually at your home) to explore different options, get measurements and refine your vision until it fits both your needs and your budget.

Planning & Approval
Next, we finalize the details. You’ll choose materials, colors, and products with your representative, and we’ll prepare the necessary drawings. We handle the logistics so you don’t have to.

Construction
Once everything is ready, construction begins. Your Project Manager will guide you through the process, keep you updated daily, and coordinate the skilled tradespeople working in your home to bring your new space together.

2. How long does a remodel take?
While certain steps in the remodeling process are always the same, others will vary based on the size and scope of your project.

Every project is a little different, but most remodels take anywhere from one to six months. Simpler updates can be completed more quickly, while larger projects take a bit more time to ensure everything is done right.

Construction Living

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your future space and forget what It’s like living through construction. While turning your home into a job site can be challenging, a little preparation and the right approach can make it much more manageable-and the end result is absolutely worth it.
1. What about Trade partners?
There’s nothing quite like working with people who truly care about what they do. We believe your home deserves the right team, which is why we partner with skilled specialists for every part of your remodel.

Electricians, plumbers, tile setters, carpenters-each one brings expertise and craftsmanship that help make your home stand out. We take the time to carefully vet every tradesperson we work with, and those relationships are built over years. We look for people who are not only great at what they do, but who are also reliable, respectful, and a pleasure to work with.

Your remodel will involve a number of skilled tradespeople, and their arrival times may vary throughout the day. We don’t expect you to be home to let everyone in, so we make things easier by using a secure lockbox. This way, the right people can access your home when needed-without interrupting your day.

Some companies choose the lowest bidder, but that’s not how we operate. Our commitment to quality and long-term partnerships has been the foundation of our business for almost 14 years-and it shows in every project we complete.

2. Is someone working in my home every day?
It’s exciting to finally have your remodel underway, and it’s completely normal to feel eager to see the finished result. To make sure everything is done to the highest standard, we work with skilled specialists-electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and carpenters who are some of the best in their field. Because of their expertise, there may be times when we need to wait a day or two for them to be available. There are also points in the process where one step needs to be completed before the next can begin. For example, countertops aren’t measured until cabinets are installed. During these times, it may seem like work has paused, but these steps are planned and already accounted for in your timeline.

Whether we’re waiting on a custom item or the right expert to complete a task, it’s all part of delivering a high-quality result. Even if you don’t see activity in your home every day, your project is still progressing. We understand what it’s like to live through a remodel, and we’re always working to keep things moving as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Warranty

A warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Since 2012, Stone Creek has built its reputation on standing by its work and taking care of its clients.
We don’t rely on fine print-just a commitment to doing what’s right.
Stone Creek Custom Interiors stands behind the quality of our work with a comprehensive one-year warranty on craftsmanship. In addition, all products and materials used in your remodel are covered by their respective manufacturers’ warranties. At the completion of your project, we provide you with all relevant warranty information and documentation, so you have everything you need for future reference and peace of mind.