5 Min Read
If you're planning to do a large remodeling project, then you know the importance of making a solid budget. However, many homeowners in East Texas can have difficulty finding accurate cost information, since many figures are based on larger metros like Dallas. These estimates tend to be skewed since labor costs are generally higher in these bigger urban settings.
This guide will cover the gap and provide you with local pricing for kitchen, bathroom, and other full-scale renovations.
Jump to sections you want to read by clicking the links below:
- What Drives Remodeling Costs in East Texas
- What National Remodeling Cost Data Shows
- Factors That Shape the Cost of a Large Remodel
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Costs
- How to Finance a Large Home Remodel in Texas
- How a Design-Build Process Protects Your Remodel Budget
- Should You Remodel Your Home or Build New?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Large Remodels
What Drives Remodeling Costs in East Texas
Every large remodel is different, but a few things determine the final cost. Labor is one of the biggest, along with materials, finishes, structural work, and how much of your home's existing systems need updating. Labor costs are a big reason remodeling in East Texas is more affordable than the same project in Dallas or Houston, with local labor running about 23% below what you'll typically pay for in a big metro area.
Materials and finishes matter too. Cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures can vary widely in price, and the choices you make can have a big impact on your budget. Older homes in this area often need electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work brought up to code, which adds to the cost before you even choose your finishes.
Factors That Shape the Cost of a Large Remodel
Several factors affect how much your remodel will cost. The age of your home is one of the most important. Many homes in Gregg, Harrison, and the surrounding counties were built before current electrical, plumbing, and HVAC codes, so bringing these systems up to code is common. Structural changes also add cost. If you remove a load-bearing wall or open up your kitchen to the living space, you'll need an engineer and permits, which adds labor that a remodel with the same layout wouldn't need.
Finish level has a big impact as well. Choosing custom cabinetry over stock options, or natural stone over laminate, can add tens of thousands of dollars to your budget. Permitting can also vary. Longview and Gregg County have their own process for code compliance, structural review, site planning, inspections, and utilities, and smaller towns nearby may move at a different pace. Your cost depends on your specific home, especially your kitchen and bathrooms, which usually make up the largest part of the budget.
What a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel Costs in East Texas
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to take up the biggest share of any large remodel's budget, so it helps to know what these projects run in this area. Since construction labor here runs about 23% below the national average, homeowners in the Longview area can generally expect these projects to cost less than those national figures. In addition, remodeling costs also vary by scope and what finishes and materials you want.
Here are the estimated local costs for common projects:
- Minor kitchen update: $20,000 to $32,000
- Midrange kitchen remodel: $50,000 to $75,000
- Full custom kitchen remodel: $100,000+
- Midrange bathroom remodel: $22,000 to $35,000
- Upscale bathroom remodel: $50,000 to $75,000
These are estimates based on local labor costs, not a quote for your specific home. If your project includes a kitchen and multiple bathrooms, expect these rooms to take up a large portion of your budget before you even consider flooring or paint. Once you know your budget, the next step is figuring out how to pay for it.
How to Finance a Large Home Remodel in Texas
Most large remodels are paid for using home equity, and Texas has specific rules that affect how this works. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum, which works well if your scope is set. A HELOC works like a credit line, letting you draw funds as your project progresses, which is useful for phased remodels. A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a larger one, giving you the difference in cash.
Texas law limits total borrowing to 80% of your home's value, including your mortgage and any new home equity loan or HELOC. You can only have one home equity loan or line of credit open at a time. It's a good idea to talk to a lender before finalizing your scope, so you know exactly how much you can spend.
How a Design-Build Process Protects Your Remodel Budget
Working with a design-build team means one team is responsible for making the plans and doing the work. When you have two different teams handling these tasks separately, you often get conflicting information about pricing and timelines and are stuck coordinating the work. With a design-build approach, everything is handled by one crew that will communicate with you each step of the process. That approach can safeguard your budget since everyone is planning together and making adjustments in real time as the project moves forward.
The design-build approach also saves money through its efficiency compared with other methods. A study of 212 completed projects, cited by the Design-Build Institute of America, found that design-build projects averaged 3.8% less cost growth than comparable projects built under the traditional design-bid-build method.
Should You Remodel Your Home or Build New?
Remodeling makes sense when you love most things about your home and where you live. A renovation can solve many issues like a cramped kitchen or an outdated bathroom, so if that's the kind of challenge you're having, it would be best to consider remodeling. However, if your home needs major foundational work, trying to remodel it might not be worth the effort. In that case, starting fresh with a new build would give you the home you want and one you know will last a long time.
Remodel With Bort Custom Homes in East Texas
Ready to create a home that truly works for you? For more than 30 years, Bort Custom Homes has helped East Texas homeowners bring their visions to life through thoughtful home remodeling and custom home building. You’ll work with the same dedicated team from your first conversation to the final walkthrough, while our proven design-build process keeps your vision, priorities, and budget aligned every step of the way. Let’s start planning a home you’ll love for years to come.
To see examples of our work, take a look at our recent projects. We can't wait to start building with you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Large Remodels
