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
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?
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?
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?
For perspective, a midrange primary suite addition-featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and closet-typically costs around $.
5. How do I pay for a remodel?
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?
7. When do I pay you?
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
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?
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
1. What about Trade partners?
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?
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.
