There are some slight variances to the question, but it is common for us to hear at least one of these versions each day…

How much do you think it will cost to remodel my bathroom? or
How much will it cost to renovate my SMALL bathroom? or
What does it typically cost to remodel a MASTER bath?

(Just a quick note, master bathrooms are not always “large” and a “small” bathroom is a relative description)

These are legitimate questions, but a lot like asking… How much does a new car cost? How much does a house cost? Or how much does dinner costs? There are a lot of variables that go into providing a valuable answer.

Here is a look at some of those variables:

- Type of materials chosen
  We all understand how buying works, in general high quality comes with a higher price tag and lower quality comes with a lower price tag. What most homeowners are not as familiar with is exactly where the bathroom fixtures that they like and gravitate to actual fall on that spectrum.

- Your existing conditions
  (often behind the wall issues). Rotted floors or walls, existing plumbing issues, or dated electrical will increase the cost to renovate your bath as compared to a 15 year old home in which the current bath fixtures and cabinetry are simply dated in appearance.

- Size of space
  The square footage of your bathroom does make a difference in the cost, however, probably not as proportionately as you might initially think. For example, a full bathroom will typically have a toilet, a shower, lighting over sink, at least one sink basin, a ventilation fan and flooring. A larger bathroom has more flooring, maybe an additional sink, and a larger vanity, but doubling the square footage does not always mean doubling the price.

- Scope of work
  Keeping the same footprint and just “pulling and replacing” existing bathroom components is less expensive than reconfiguring the room, removing or moving a wall, etc. The least expensive remodels often fall into the category of a bathroom update, where some pieces of the existing space are not disturbed. Perhaps the ceramic tile floor is neutral in color and in great condition and you choose to keep it, that would be a huge savings.

How you plan to approach the remodel
Labor is a significant part of the cost of remodeling. And simply put, DIY is very inexpensive labor and Design/Build will cost more (dollars) but you will likely incur less stress for sure. Learn more about 4 Ways to Remodel and the pro’s and con’s of each in our video.

Looking for even more detailed information regarding kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas specifically for your home? We invite you to visit our showroom in-person and then talk one on one with one of our experienced designers. They would be happy to help you understand realistically, how much you can expect your bathroom remodel to cost. Set up an appointment with us today to start the conversation and learn more!

To see real remodeling case studies with real bathroom remodeling budgets, enjoy the video below.

Note: video may refer to pre-pandemic costs.

One of the questions that we get most often when people are considering a bathroom or kitchen remodel is, “How much is my kitchen going to cost?” Choosing “how” you want to approach your home renovation project will play a huge factor in the true cost that you will pay. (Not much of a reader? Click here to watch our video of this same content.)

Often, people focus on just the total dollar amount without considering other important “costs”. We like to share with clients what we believe is the True Cost of a Remodel. The formula that we use looks like this:

Time + Money + Frustration & Stress = the True Cost of a remodeling project.

Ask any married couple who has entered into a home renovation project with the goal of saving money at the expense of all sanity. Were there arguments? Were there delays? Were there things that had to be redone? This is what we refer to when we discuss time required and frustration endured. Read on for more details.

4 Different Ways or approaches to accomplish a kitchen or bath renovation, or any home remodel for that matter.

DIY (do it yourself).
Self-Contracting
General Contractor
Design/Build

Let’s take a look at number one, DIY.

Most people are familiar with this concept. A lot of us have attempted to do a home improvement project by ourselves and the thing to be aware of is that you have to have plenty of time. Chances are you don’t install cabinets, set tile measure and cut flooring every day. You will probably need to take some time to do research and to look at YouTube videos, brush up on some math calculations of square footage plus waste, and collect samples for matching counter tops, light switches, paint colors and more. You may not do it right the first time so you may have to do something over again, but this is a good scenario for somebody that maybe already has some experience in the trades, perhaps having learned a few things from a family member. A great tip here is to humbly evaluate your skill level and know when to put yourself on the bench. The biggest Pro to the do it yourself approach is that it will typically take the least amount of money (as far as what you will physically write a check for). Realistically, all you will need to pay for is the materials and potentially some tools. The Con’s would include much longer timeline (particularly if this is your evening and weekend project), and also, pretty high on the stress chart (particularly if you and your family are living in and around the project while in progress).

The second is what we term self-contracting.

In this scenario, you take yourself out of the hands-on role in some or all functions of the remodel and hire professionals (often trades) to perform tasks that yo may not have experience in performing. Likely, that new tiled shower will look better because you hired a skilled craftsman who knows the tricks of the trade. If the scope of your project is larger, and involves a designer, electrician, plumber, painter, etc., then it will typically take more time to complete. Coordinating individuals, in the optimal order and laser focused on the same goal, is often more difficult than just writing them down on a calendar. This approach is a little bit more costly than to do-it-yourself as you are paying others for the skills they bring to the project. So the Pro’s would be that it could be reasonable cash investment for potentially good results. The Con’s, 1) stretched timeline due to coordinating of schedules, 2) frustration if you don’t know all the pieces involved and who to hold accountable for each piece, 3) harder to pinpoint and stay on budget with multiple factors involved, 4) more individuals in and out of your home, 5) any problems in the future may be difficult to identify who to call.

The third one is general contracting.

This is where you hire a general contractor to come in with their trades to perform the duties of the project. Typically, with this scenario you are going to end up with a high quality project in the end. A good general contractor will have access to skilled tradespeople. The downside is they typically don’t have design capabilities in-house and may require you to source your own design and the related materials. Unfortunately, there can be a disconnect between what the designer designs and what the contractor builds. If you do not have a really high level of communication between those two, it can lead for a higher stress level during a project. So on the Pro side, there are fewer people to manage than if self-contracting and a general contractor should ensure important steps are not missed. Conversely, you will pay a higher fee for the contractors involvement but ultimately, you will be required to manage the design and production progress to ensure your expectations are met.

The fourth and final methodology for improving your home is the design/build scenario.

This is where you work with one contractor from the very beginning with initial design, all the way through the process to the build out in your home (hence, design/build). This is where DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen falls in the 4 methods of accomplishing home improvements. This method is sometimes the highest cost (Con) as far as what you actually have to write a check for but it is the easiest model (Pro) for accomplishing kitchen or bath improvement in your home. You start out working with a designer, make all your material selections (at DreamMaker you can do that all right here in our showroom) which are then included in a fixed-price contract, with full scope of work. An in-house production team will complete the entire project in your home. It is going to have the smallest time frame and it is going to be the least amount of stress that you’re going to endure doing a remodeling project. An added benefit would be the single source of contact in the future should any questions or issues arise.

Each of these Four Ways to Remodel has its individual pros and cons. Choosing the best fit for your family and your bathroom or kitchen remodel will depend on what skills you have, how much time you can put into the project, probably everyone’s level of patience, and the amount you are able to invest. We encourage you to keep in mind all costs that make up the True Cost of a Remodeling project – your time + money + frustration and stress.

In most families, the kitchen seems to attract all the miscellaneous items from everyone in the home. Cell phone chargers, recent Amazon deliveries, last week’s mail, empty boxes, etc. seem to all make their way to the kitchen. It isn’t surprising that when remodeling a kitchen, homeowners want to make sure there’s ample storage space. A good kitchen designer can creatively design space for all your miscellaneous items without making the new kitchen look like a storage unit. Here are a few of the most popular kitchen storage ideas we’re seeing at DreamMaker:

Built-in Custom Kitchen Pantry

While walk-in kitchen pantries are highly desired, sometimes they aren’t feasible from a design and layout perspective. Custom kitchen cabinet options have come a long way. Today, wall cabinets can be customized with fixed or rolling shelved, drawers, and racks to provide you with the pantry of your dreams.

Organization can be customized so there are separate compartments for canned foods, cooking spices, baking utensils, pot, pans, etc. They make it easy for you to identify which items need restocking and which need to be replenished.

Hiding Trash Cans

Exposed trash cans can be an eyesore. Cabinet manufacturers (such as Showplace Cabinets) have created glide-out wastebaskets in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many even offer convenient recycling separation options. Best of all, they are there when you need them, and gone when you don’t; making sure your kitchen always looks great.

Appliance Garages

The coffee maker, Keurig, blender, and toaster may not always need to stay visible on your kitchen countertops. An appliance garage is a hidden compartment that allows you to place small kitchen items when not in use and easily access them when needed. Once you’ve used them, you can simply close the door and they are hidden from view.

Rolling Cart

Rolling carts have become good kitchen storage options for smaller spaces. They can serve a double purpose by acting as a small kitchen island (adding valuable storage space) as well as adding more counter space.

Utensil Drawer

The possibilities of customizing kitchen cabinetry are almost endless. A clever utensil built-into a drawer can hold all your silverware and serving utensils.

Corner Pullout Drawers

Corner pullout drawers that run diagonally into the kitchen corner, making them deeper than most, will give you that extra storage boost.

If you are in the planning phase of a kitchen remodel or just looking to step up your kitchen’s organizational potential, any of these clever kitchen storage ideas will help make your life in the kitchen a bit easier. We also offer remodeling seminars where you can learn the latest kitchen trends and better understand all the details of remodeling a kitchen; from design and layout options to product selection, through kitchen construction. Seating is limited.

At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, we’ve remodeled hundreds of kitchens throughout the Springfield area.

Call us at (217) 529-9300

or stop by our Kitchen Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711

The Showroom is designed to help you find your kitchen design style (traditional, contemporary, eclectic, transitional, cottage charm, French country, coastal, etc.). We also have samples of cabinetry, tile backsplash, under cabinet lighting, countertops, sinks, faucets flooring, etc.

Bathroom remodeling has continued to increase in popularity. As many homeowners travel and stay at high-end hotels and resorts, they notice and appreciate high-end bathroom designs, plumbing fixtures, countertop materials, lighting, showerheads, and tubs. Additionally, real estate agents say bathrooms are the second most important room of the home (following kitchens) when it comes to resale. Regardless of the motivation to remodel bathrooms, homeowners see baths as special rooms.

Bathrooms are also spaces where guests will visit at some point. As a result, many homeowners are keenly aware that powder rooms and guest baths make impressions on guests.

There many design and material options to choose from. We’ve gathered some of the latest bathroom trends we’ve seen in the Springfield area to help you make the best decisions thinking about your new bathroom.

Floating Vanities

Floating bathroom vanities have increased in popularity. A floating vanity is a bathroom cabinet that is anchored to the wall; in other words, it doesn’t extend all the way to the floor. A floating bath vanity creates the “illusion” of a larger and more spacious bathroom. Many homeowners select them for their clean and modern look.

With its unique floating appearance, a wall-mounted (or floating) vanity makes a bold and stylish statement in any bathroom. They are available in single and double sink varieties and like traditional bath vanities, they are available in all the same cabinet finishes.

Modern Bathroom Styles

Bathrooms are becoming less utilitarian and more spa-like retreats for homeowners. We are seeing bathroom styles trend towards a sleek, modern look with clean lines. Dark wood custom cabinetry, contrasting with lighter flooring and walls, can create this contemporary feel. The dominant style in bathroom design is transitional. A transitional bathroom design blends a few traditional style elements with clean contemporary bath designs.

Hi-Tech Bathrooms

Homeowners want to incorporate the latest technology into their bathrooms. There are a number of technology innovations that can be integrated into a bathroom (they are always easiest to integrate when remodeling a bathroom). Multiple showerheads can be operated from a touchscreen panel. Audio/visual components are also being included in master bathrooms with controls in or out of the shower or tub areas. These new electronic systems allow for the ultimate personalized experience, all at your fingertips.

Tubs are becoming the Rock Star of the Bathroom!

Over the last few decades, it seemed like many homeowners were eliminating their older jetted or deck tub because they were rarely used. Today, master bathrooms are becoming luxury spa-like retreats. A freestanding tub can be a striking focal point of a master bath, as well as a peaceful place to relax. From traditional claw-foot tubs to sleek new designs, there seems to be a tub for everyone’s taste and style.

Glass Enclosed Showers

Bathroom showers have come a long way from the showerhead installation over a standard 5-foot tub. From integrated shower seats, multiple shower heads, custom niches, body sprays, and rainfall showerheads there are so many options. Regardless of what goes inside the shower, frameless glass shower enclosures are a very popular option. They create openness and an illusion of larger space in bathrooms. Tile patterns, or other materials, used inside the shower can serve as a focal point in the bathroom that can be seen through the glass, too.

Blending Materials in the Bathroom

You don’t have to limit the bathroom surfaces to tile. Mixing materials like metal, tin, natural stone, wood-look tile, marble, granite, limestone or travertine can create a natural feel and look in your bathroom. There’s an aesthetic appeal to mixing hard materials (tile) with soft (textiles) and warm materials (wood). This trend can bring the outdoors in, while still maintaining an updated aesthetic.

Thinking of remodeling your master bathroom? Contact the bathroom remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield.

Call us at (217) 529-9300

or stop by our Bathroom Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711

Master bathrooms have become the ultimate oasis destination to reward yourself after a long day. At DreamMaker Bath of Springfield, we’re seeing homeowners throughout Chatham, Sherman, Jacksonville, Taylorville, and even Lincoln want to make significant improvements to their master bathrooms. Creating a master bath oasis starts with planning, design, professional guidance, and creativity.

It’s important to understand the differences between a master bath and a “master bath spa”. Many master baths are spacious, warm, inviting, but also air on the side of utilitarian. For many homeowners in the Springfield area, that may be all they want and need. Master bath spas, on the other hand, are often viewed as an oasis; they are used as places to decompress, relax, unwind and even recharge. Master bath spas are places where the mind and body can escape from a busy and hectic lifestyle.

While everybody’s interpretation of their ideal master bathroom spa will vary, our bath designers have outlined a few features that categorize master baths as master bath spas:

The Bathtub as the Ultimate Luxury

Bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can include a number of amenities.

A deep soaking tub with contoured back can provide you with the warm relaxing soak you may need at the end of a long day. From a design perspective, many homeowners have been adding soaking tubs to their master bathrooms as a visual focal point. Tubs have once again started to return as the Rockstar of the master bathroom.

Some tubs may also be air-jetted to provide a gentle massage or constant stream of water, with various settings.

A new master bath spa will accommodate the homeowner, whenever the mood strikes. With a few scented candles and good bath salts, your oasis is only a couple of feet from your bed.

Added Tech Features

Spending added time in a luxurious master bathroom spa makes entertainment a natural extension of the space. Adding stereos and flat-screen TVs (specifically smart TVs which respond to voice command), in the bathroom is a great way to keep happy and entertained.

Shower Spas

While some homeowners want tubs to be incorporated in the design of their newly remodeled master bath, ALL master bath remodels include a well-designed shower. The shower is where homeowners start their day and it is the closest thing to a spa day that can be experienced without leaving home.

As with baths, there are plenty of options for a new shower. An example of a high-end option may include a programmable shower and a variety of showerheads or sprays programmed to suit individual bathers in the household. Another example may be a hand-held, multi-use shower head with multiple settings and various water sprays. If you enjoy a great steam shower, then that is a must in your new spa bathroom.

Choose Color Carefully

A master bathroom spa is expected to exude peace and calming factors. That being said, a warm neutral color palette is enough to set the tone with a relaxing feel that doesn’t overwhelm the eyes.

Light the Bathroom Mood

As much as bathroom lighting affects the mood, it has other benefits.

Install side lighting around the bathroom or vanity mirrors, as above mirror lighting throws shadows on the face, which creates a better physical appearance while lighting at eye level is better for grooming.

Vanity sconces at eye level, both to the right and left of the bathroom mirror should do the trick.

Cozy Toes with Heated Floors

Stepping out of the bath or shower is something to look forward to with heated floors that keep the feet toasty year-round. Porcelain floor tile is an excellent alternative to ceramic because it is not as cold. Feel free to include a wall-mounted, heated towel rack to keep towels nice and warm.

A home master bathroom spa has special touches that exceed the ordinary. Discover how an experienced bathroom designer can creatively turn your master bath into the spa oasis you can relax in at the end of a busy day. Whether it has a walk-in shower with multi-level jets mounted in the wall, or an extra-large soaking bathtub next to a fireplace, the master bathroom spa transforms that which is common into that which is extraordinary.

Thinking of remodeling your master bathroom? Contact the bathroom remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield.

Stop by our Bathroom Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711

For many decades, kitchens were once considered utilitarian spaces. Older home floor plans had well-defined spaces; such as formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, and of course kitchens. Kitchens were hidden behind closed doors and disconnected from other rooms. Today, most homeowners want larger open and multi-functional areas and want the assistance of experienced kitchen designers to create the kitchen of their dreams.

Kitchens – The Heart of the Home

Kitchens are where many families gather at the end of the day, as a result, the kitchen tends to be the heart of the home. The popularity of kitchens continues to expand and has become the welcoming focal point for guests and entertaining. Many homeowners consider the kitchen as the heart of the home. An open plan kitchen fully encapsulates that notion. We have continued to see this trend in the greater Sangamon county area here in IL. Homeowners are looking to open up their kitchens so that it flows seamlessly with adjoining rooms.

Lifestyle Changes Precede the Open Kitchen Layout

Today, we are more casual in everything we do; family members are always on the go, each needing to get things done and a place to do them. In this fast-paced lifestyle, the kitchen is a ceterpoint for family activities of all kinds. This is where the kids do their homework during the week, where you have friends over on Saturdays, and where you watch football on Sunday.

When it comes to home remodeling and updates, the kitchen tends to be the most popular spot for these plans. It’s not uncommon for people to upgrade their kitchens before they look to upgrade any other part of the home. The kitchen is an important source of food, comfort, family, and togetherness. Often, families enjoy spending time preparing a meal together or simply sitting at the dining table and going over the tasks of the day.

Cooking is no longer a one person activity. If you’re entertaining, several people could be cooking at once. In fact, having space for more than one cook is high on many wish lists. This means that space has to be found so that two people don’t continually bump into each other. This space isn’t usually inside the confines of a work triangle.

This evolution of kitchen design is underpinned by a change in lifestyle. The attraction of this style of living is the luxurious feeling of open, clear, and light space.

Removing Walls

Today, homeowners don’t want partition walls. Many seek the advice of experienced kitchen remodelers who can determine which walls are load;-bearing walls and how the home can be supported safely without them. Removing walls creates new options in terms of kitchen design and layout. New kitchens are part of open living areas that include a place for casual eating and a family room. Often, there will be a home entertainment center focusing on a wide-screen TV. The dining room is pretty much a thing of the past. If used at all, it’s only for special events.

The Importance of an Island in the Open Plan Kitchen

Open plan kitchens, with their adjacent family rooms, great rooms, or casual living spaces led to the use of kitchen islands. Islands do important things they add storage space, cut down the walking distances between work centers, and establish traffic patterns that direct people easily through the kitchen and out of the cook’s way.

Large islands function like big tables, providing room to eat or to put food out for buffet parties. They have lots of space for younger kids to do crafts or play games. For older ones; it’s an after-dinner homework area, and for adults a place to recap their day.

Islands are also natural room dividers. In open plans, there are shared elements between rooms, with specialized storage on both sides. They are also a shared design element.

Discover Your Kitchen’s Possibilities

Remodeling your kitchen is a big decision. Kitchens are one of the most complicated rooms to remodel in a home. In addition to electrical and plumbing considerations, there are many kitchen design, layout, and material selections. We believe you should consider retaining the expertise of an experienced kitchen remodeling specialist.

At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, we’ve remodeled hundreds of kitchens throughout the Springfield area.

Call us at (217) 529-9300

or stop by our Kitchen Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711

The shoroom is designed to help you find your kitchen design style (traditional, contemporary, eclectic, transitional, cottage charm, French country, coastal, etc.). We also have samples of cabinetry, tile backsplash, under cabinet lighting, countertops, sinks, faucets flooring, etc.

In the remodeling world, we often see an interesting situation: Once people who have lived with the same outdated kitchen or bathroom for years decide they want to remodel, they can’t seem to do it fast enough! Now that they’ve seen their room in a different light, they realize they want new cabinets, new countertops, new fixtures, new floors, new lighting… the list seems to never end. Then, all of a sudden, the project they were so excited to start becomes overwhelming and grinds to a halt.

To avoid “project paralysis” when planning to remodel your kitchen, bathroom, or basement, we recommend following these steps:

1. Make a list of everything you want

Throw in literally everything you can think of, including the kitchen sink! You’ll whittle the list down later, but this is the time to list out all the elements you think you’ll need, from new granite countertops to fresh outlet covers.

2. Prioritize your list

What are the things you must change, and what are nice-to-haves? For example, if you’ve never liked your closed-in kitchen, you might feel it’s essential to break down a wall and install a bar along the outer counter. But maybe in taking another look at your floors, you realize they’re not so bad after all, and in fact they might look fine once the other items in the room get updated.

3. Start your research to determine a budget

It will not come as a surprise that granite or quartz countertops cost more than laminate countertops, but there may be plenty of other material choices that you are less familiar with that have comparable quality and lower cost. The internet is full of information and TV is full of flippers and renovation projects, but be warned, those budgets are not always real. Establishing a realistic budget for your project will take research and talking with a reputable professional. Your remodel project can consist of an investment of your time and your actual dollars – it’s good to think about how much of each of these you are willing to invest.

4. Visit a showroom for inspiration

Now that you have a basic idea of what you want and need for your remodeling project, it’s time to make it tangible. Browsing online is a great start, but nothing replaces visiting a showroom and seeing the layouts, materials, and features for yourself. Bring your list and see how the “real thing” compares to your expectations. Upon seeing an undermount sink with a fancy faucet, you might realize this is now a must-have, and perhaps instead you can keep your current oven to make up the cost difference.

5. Speak with a professional

By the time you get to this step, you’ll have a pretty good sense of what you like and dislike. Talking with a professional is a great way to turn that thinking into an actual remodeling project. At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, guiding you through the self-discovery process is one of the best parts of the process! We ask you questions about your preferences and offer information and recommendations suited to your tastes. We never try to sell you something you don’t need—we are happiest when we’ve helped you discover the perfect style to fit your needs.

We know how tough it can be to make these decisions. Remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or basement is a big project and is something many people do only once in a lifetime. That means you won’t necessarily be familiar with the latest trends or all the terminology. At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, our team of experienced designers is available to guide you through the process and take you from “decision overload” to “project kickoff.”

Give us a call today or stop by our Design Center to see how we can make your dreams a reality – all while keeping your tastes and budget in mind.

Remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or other room of your home is a great way to freshen up your space and make it suit your tastes perfectly. It’s also a great way to spend a bunch of money—unless you follow these tips!

1. Plan, Plan, Plan

It’s so exciting to start remodeling! You just can’t wait to rip down those cabinets from the 60’s and that awful linoleum floor, right? But one of the easiest ways to save money when remodeling is to hold your (saw)horses and plan first.

What arrangement of cabinets, countertops, and fixtures will work best in your space? What materials do you like – and will you still like a few years down the road? Which materials are the most durable to meet your needs while still maintaining aesthetics? What is the best order for the work to be done in while causing minimal inconvenience to you during the process? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s best to unplug your power drill and talk to a professional.

Working with experienced contractors like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield can ensure that you’ve thought everything through before you start your project. Our friendly designers work with you to determine your needs and wishes, and then provide 3D renderings so you know how the design will look before you start purchasing (and demolishing) things.

2. Optimize the Space You Have

Knocking down walls and moving plumbing are some of the most expensive parts of remodeling. Sometimes they’re necessary, but many times they can be avoided with a creative design. A professional can see things in your space that you might not be able to and can help you achieve your vision with fewer changes to your existing floorplan.

For example, maybe your bathroom vanity is too small so you’re thinking of moving the toilet to make room for a larger vanity. Changing the plumbing could cost thousands of dollars more, but finding niches, nooks, wall cavities and other creative spaces could be the solution to more storage.

3. Talk It Out

Even with a well-designed plan, changes can arise. What’s going on behind the walls is unknown until demo time. An unseen water leak can rot subfloor over time or a vent stack may have been placed in an odd and unforeseen location. These small problems can turn into big problems if they aren’t addressed immediately, so you’ll want to work with a contractor who communicates honestly and often about budget and any changes to the scope of the project.

4. Nothing Beats First-Hand Knowledge

No matter how many books you read or YouTube tutorials you watch, nothing beats first-hand experience. And unless you’re a professional, you’re not likely to have much remodeling experience under your toolbelt! Even if you’ve done a little spackling here and paint touch-ups there, kitchen and bathroom remodeling is an entirely different game.

Working with a contractor who has experience in the exact project you’re doing – kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or basement remodel – means they’ve encountered the same types of issues and surprises before, which means it won’t actually be a surprise to them. They’ll be able to anticipate most problems before they arise and will be able to address any others quickly, saving time and money.

And don’t forget about permits! You’ll want to be sure everything you’re doing is above-board and up to code, and this is something the professionals can handle, no sweat.

5. Have One Impact Piece and Go Budget on the Rest

You might not want to limit yourself to just one impact piece – a handful could be OK, depending on your budget – but you definitely want to focus your efforts on the things that matter most to you, then consider going easier on the other items. Maybe you splash out on a fancy backsplash and that special faucet you’ve had your eye on, then go with vinyl tile floors (versus hardwood) to balance out the expense. Or maybe you splurge on quartz or granite countertops and then reface your existing cabinets instead of completely replacing them.

These decisions can be tough to make! An experienced designer will help you find the areas that will give you the biggest “wow” factor, as well as the places you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, our team of experienced designers and contractors is ready to help you remodel your kitchen, bathroom, or basement. Give us a call today or stop by our Design Center to see how we can make your dreams a reality – all while keeping your budget in mind.

It’s here! It’s here! The 2017 National Cost vs. Value report is here! And your response is…”so what exactly is that and how does it benefit me?” Good question. The “Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report” (www.costvsvalue.com), is made available via Hanley Wood, LLC, each year and can be useful to both remodelers and homeowners in evaluating which home remodeling projects will yield the most return at the sale of a home. It is pretty interesting to digest in total, but we will give just a few of our quick take-aways from this report and how we think it might be useful.

No, you won’t get a dollar for dollar return. I wish it was as simple as invest $10,000 in your home and when you sell it, your home will be worth exactly that $10,000 that you put into it. In good ole Central Illinois, our home values will probably never soar like the East or West coast (and likewise will probably never plummet like Detroit).

Yes, it really cost that much! As a quick reference to the totally legitimate question, “How much should it cost to remodel my kitchen?”. The Cost vs. Value report lists 19 midrange home projects and 10 upscale home projects and their respective average job cost nationally, regionally, and by some major metro areas. What we appreciate is that the average job cost is pretty realistic as compared to what you might be learning watching HGTV.

Yes, there are smart and not-so-smart home remodeling projects. If you plan to stay in your home for 2-5 years, taking a conservative approach to a kitchen upgrade or master bathroom remodel and choosing more neutral tile, flooring, cabinetry, etc., might make good sense. If you are in your forever home and want to make it truly your own, then go for it. We believe there is value in loving and enjoying your home. It should feel good to you and create a peaceful environment.

Just can’t handle less than 100% return? Insulate your attic. This is the only home project listed on the Cost vs. Value Report that will give you super bang for the buck. It won’t be exciting to show your friends or to soak in at the end of a long day, but when you sell your home you will get a quick smile.

We would love to hear your take-aways or discuss any project in more detail. Take the first step and set up an appointment with us today! Hope you enjoy the report!

Source: © 2017 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

If you are planning to attack a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel or any other significant remodeling project in your home, chances are you will have some decisions to make regarding updating the lighting in the space. More than likely, you will be looking at some LED lighting options as this has just stormed the residential world in the last 5 years or so.

So what are the positive characteristics of LED lighting?

They are so much more efficient than the incandescent bulbs of our younger years. In fact, they use 75-80% less energy to produce the same light! That means savings for us, the consumers.
Because they do not have a filament, they aren’t as fragile which adds to the life of the light source.
LED’s may cost more on the front end, but they will last many, many, years. Getting just a little geeky – expected life can be anywhere between 25,000-100,000 hours. If you had a light turned on 10 hours a day, you are probably looking at anywhere between 7 years and 28 years.
They emit very little heat making them a practical choice for more applications.
Lastly, they are so, so small in size as compared to our now historic options. This alone makes them even more flexible to meet more lighting needs in small spaces.

Here at DreamMaker, we work hard to keep up with all the technology and new products heading our way and LED lighting is just one piece of this home remodeling puzzle. We are using LED’s in almost all lighting in the home projects that we work on – can lighting, under-cabinet lighting (just a ton of options here), fixtures with bulbs, interior cabinet lighting and more. Many new lighting choices and technology can be seen right here in the DreamMaker Design Center. Plan a visit and let us show you around!

To see real remodeling case studies with real bathroom remodeling budgets, enjoy the video below.

Note: video may refer to pre-pandemic costs.