KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODELING COSTS IN NH & VT: UNDERSTANDING PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT
When planning a home renovation, many homeowners use "price per square foot" as a quick way to estimate cost. And while it can be helpful for ballpark budgeting, this method can be misleading—especially when comparing rooms like kitchens and bathrooms to simpler spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.
If you’ve ever wondered why your bathroom or kitchen quote feels high compared to other areas in your home, here’s why: not all square footage is created equal.
THE COST DRIVERS OF DIFFERENT ROOMS
Every room serves a different purpose—and that purpose drives complexity, material choices, and skilled labor needs.
Let’s break it down:
Living Room
Average Cost/SF: $20–$50
Typical Work:
Paint
New flooring
Light fixture or ceiling fan
➕ Want More? Add Custom Built-Ins
Built-in shelving or media walls
Custom fireplaces
Accent wall paneling or millwork
These upgrades can quickly push a $30/sq ft room into the $100+/sq ft range.
Bedroom
Average Cost/SF: $20–$50
Typical Work:
Paint
Flooring
Closet doors
➕ Custom Closets? Custom Price Tag
Walk-in closet with built-ins: Add $5,000–$15,000+
Custom lighting and storage? Even more
Even though bedrooms are usually budget-friendly, customization changes the game.
Kitchen
Average Cost/SF (national average): $200–$400+
HCS Kitchen
Size: 250–400 sq ft
Starting Price: $105,000 (includes tile flooring)
Cost/SF: 300 sq ft = $350/sq ft
What is Included?
Cabinetry: $20,000+ for high-quality, durable construction
Quartz countertops: Starting at $8,000
Appliances: Start at $13,000, including a microwave drawer—a must-have for usability and space-saving
Tile flooring: Included in the base price
Lighting, backsplash, paint, full plumbing and electrical updates—all covered
Bathroom
Average Cost/SF (national average): $250–$500+
HCS Base Secondary Bathroom
Size: 80 sq ft
Starting Price: $38,000
Cost/SF: $475/sq ft
HCS Base Primary (Master) Bathroom
Size: 120 sq ft
Starting Price: $60,000
Cost/SF: $500/sq ft
What Drives Bathroom Costs?
Tile: Fully tiled showers and floors are major cost factors
Waterproofing: We use premium, mold-resistant systems
Labor: Skilled tile, plumbing, and finish work
Fixtures: High-quality vanities, faucets, and trim
Want to save?
Use LVP flooring
Tile just the shower walls with a prefab pan
Choose a fiberglass or acrylic shower kit—no tile required
WHAT ABOUT LAYOUT CHANGES?
Layout changes can affect the budget, but sometimes they’re the most impactful part of a renovation.
We often say:
“If your layout doesn’t work now, don’t spend thousands just to keep it the same.”
You're already investing in a renovation—make sure it improves how you live in the space.
Some changes are relatively easy:
Moving a vanity or shower
Others are more involved:
Moving a toilet is the most expensive layout change due to plumbing venting and drainage—but sometimes it's necessary when the existing location is awkward or inefficient.
We'll help you decide what makes sense and when it's worth the investment.
WHY PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY
Let’s say you’re comparing two 300 sq ft rooms:
Living Room: ~$9,000 → $30/sq ft
Kitchen: ~$105,000 → $350/sq ft
Same size. Totally different job scope.
Why? Because kitchens (and bathrooms) include:
Plumbing and electrical
Cabinetry and tile
Appliances and high-end materials
Functionality adds complexity—and cost.
WHY RENOVATION COSTS MORE THAN NEW CONSTRUCTION
Another common point of confusion:
“A new house only costs $200–$300 per square foot—why does this kitchen remodel cost more?”
Here’s the key:
New build pricing is an average across the entire home. That includes low-cost areas like bedrooms, basements, and garages.
Renovations focus on the most expensive spaces—kitchens and bathrooms. So naturally, the per-square-foot cost is much higher.
Plus, remodeling often involves:
Demolition and disposal
Working around existing walls, plumbing, and electrical
Upgrading old systems to meet current codes
That extra complexity—and care—adds cost, but ensures long-term performance and satisfaction.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INVESTMENT
Kitchens and bathrooms aren’t just the most expensive rooms to renovate—they’re also the most valuable, both in terms of return on investment (ROI) and everyday use.
The Financial ROI
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, kitchen remodels in New England typically recoup 50–70% of their cost at resale. Bathrooms aren’t far behind, offering some of the strongest ROI of any home improvement project.
Why? Because these spaces are:
The most function-driven (and scrutinized) rooms in the house
Huge selling points for potential buyers
Often the deciding factor in home appraisals and offers
A well-designed kitchen or bathroom can elevate your entire home’s value.
But the return isn’t just about resale.
The Lifestyle ROI
Unlike a deck or bonus room, you’ll use your kitchen and bathrooms every single day. A great renovation doesn’t just look good—it makes your life easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Think about:
A kitchen layout that supports real cooking (and real life with kids or your sourdough baking)
A bathroom that functions smoothly during the morning rush
Storage that finally works for you instead of against you
Lighting and finishes that make you feel good every time you walk in
That’s the kind of value that’s hard to measure in dollars—but it’s real.
OUR APPROACH: BUILD FOR BEAUTY AND FUNCTION
At Houseal Construction, we believe that a great renovation should feel just as good five years from now as it does the day it’s finished. We help you invest wisely—focusing on both long-term quality and day-to-day function that fits your family.
Because remodeling isn’t just about spending money—it’s about getting the most from your home.
REAL TALK: I DIDN’T ALWAYS KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS
A few years ago, I had a client look at one of our kitchen estimates and say:
“$700 per square foot? That’s more than we paid for our NYC apartment.”
It was their second home in Vermont, and they were genuinely surprised by the number. And honestly? I didn’t know how to respond. I hadn’t yet learned how to explain what actually goes into a high-quality kitchen remodel.
That client didn’t move forward.
And I’ve thought about that moment a lot.
Now, years later, I’ve learned how to break it down—clearly, confidently, and honestly.
In that project:
We were removing walls and the ceiling to undo an awkward box someone had built inside their open-concept home
We were relocating the stove and adding a specialized downdraft vent system
They needed custom cabinetry to make the most of a small, irregular layout
The goal was to create more storage and counter space, and make a beautiful, open kitchen that actually functioned
It wasn’t just about square footage. It was about transforming a frustrating layout into something that finally worked.
That experience taught me how important it is to educate, not just estimate.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RENOVATION PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
At Houseal Construction, we know that cost per square foot is only part of the equation. The quality of your renovation—and how smooth the process feels—comes down to who you choose to work with.
When you work with us, you’re getting:
Transparent, honest pricing
We don’t hide fees or inflate numbers. You'll always know exactly what you're getting and why it matters.Smart, customized design
We help you create a space that works for your life—not just a pretty picture. Form follows function, always.Craftsmanship you can count on
We build things the right way, using quality materials, trusted trades, and meticulous attention to detail.A team that listens and communicates
Renovating your home is personal. We treat it that way—keeping you informed, involved, and supported from start to finish.Real-life experience
As a family-owned, family-run business, we understand what it means to create a space that truly supports daily life. We live it, too.
Yes—kitchens and bathrooms cost more per square foot. But when they’re done well, they return even more in beauty, function, and long-term value.
“If you’re going to renovate, do it right—with a team who truly gets it.”
This isn’t just about finishes or floor plans—it’s about creating a space that actually works for you and your family. That’s what we care about most.
We’re not here to push a vision that doesn’t fit your life. We’re here to listen, guide you through the tough decisions, and build something that feels like home—because that’s what it should be.
Let’s talk about your space, your goals, and what it’ll take to do this the right way—beautifully, functionally, and honestly.
and take the first step toward a home that truly works for you.
