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Before Covid, the average cost for a remodel was around $250 per square foot of finished space. Now, costs have increased to $350+ per square foot of finished space. In searching the internet, most data will tell you $20 - $75 per square foot. This can be rather misleading, as these numbers are based on total square footage of the home, not the actual square footage of remodeled space. Many factors affect the final cost of a remodel. With high demand and low supply, lumber prices soared during covid. We saw retail prices of plywood increase from about $12/sheet to as high as $48.00/sheet. With lumber being a significant part of a remodel, it can eat at a chunk of your remodeling budget. All materials have increased over the last couple of years. While we have seen some relief of these high prices, in general, it costs significantly more to remodel a home today than in 2021. In our previous blog post, we delved into the misleading nature of home improvement shows. These unrealistic expectations, coupled with rising prices can sometimes result in a sense of sticker shock when providing estimates to potential clients. Conveying unfavorable news is never a pleasant experience. At Blue Leaf Design Build and Dahlia Interiors, we specialize in assisting clients in navigating and mitigating these escalating costs. This may entail making strategic choices, such as opting for less expensive kitchen components (e.g., cupboards instead of drawers, framed rather than frameless), while maintaining a commitment to delivering a comprehensive client experience. Our approach involves not only executing the remodel but also providing education and guidance throughout the entire process, from the initial design concept to the realization of the finished product. We strongly advocate for thorough research when selecting a contractor. It is crucial to bear in mind that, in general, opting for the least expensive option may not yield the best results, as quality often correlates with cost. Choosing the lowest bid is typically not advisable, as it may lead to unforeseen challenges. Prioritize understanding the reputation and integrity of the contractor you are considering in order to prevent potentially costly issues in the future. Investing time in scrutinizing these aspects can safeguard against undesirable outcomes and contribute to a more successful and satisfactory project experience.

Introduction We've all been there, sitting on the couch, engrossed in the magic of home improvement shows on TV. Whether it's captivating transformations, charming renovations, the drama of flipping houses, or the cozy cabin upgrades, there's something undeniably thrilling about watching a shabby, outdated property metamorphose into a modern, breathtaking oasis. But as the saying goes, "Not everything that glitters is gold." Those gleaming home makeovers we witness on TV often come with budgets and timelines that are far from reality. The truth is, behind the camera, a different story unfolds. The Reality of Renovation Costs A business such as Blue Leaf Design Build typically subcontracts part of the project out. This might include demo, framing, drywall, or plumbing, electric, and HVAC, to name a few. The remainder of the project is completed by a few skilled laborers. With the current average wages for skilled construction labor, the cost of maintaining just three laborers can easily exceed $5,000 per week. The cost of materials has also seen a drastic spike, particularly in the post-Covid era. In the pre-Covid days, a modest kitchen remodel could be accomplished for around $30,000. However, today, cabinets alone can swallow that budget whole. Many projects featured on TV involve substantial changes like removing walls, reconfiguring electrical and plumbing systems, and other modifications that can quickly escalate expenses. The Case of the $150,000 Budget Occasionally, we watch these shows and wonder where the budget goes. For instance, we once attempted to decipher how a homeowner's $150,000 budget was allocated for a significant home remodel. The project involved extensive changes, including wall removals, a chef's kitchen, a revamped dining room, a new primary suite, an extra bathroom, and a powder room. By our calculations, such an endeavor would realistically cost upwards of $350,000. Unrealistic Expectations The crux of the matter is that these shows, while entertaining, often leave homeowners with highly unrealistic expectations. It's not impossible to find a builder willing to take on a project for a remarkably low bid, but we advise caution in such cases. Time and time again, we've encountered homeowners who initially opted for the lowest price, only to contact us later for necessary fixes. A Realistic Approach At Blue Leaf Design Build, we take a different approach. We provide you with a realistic estimate and budget that considers the true costs of your project. We believe in transparency and can discuss ways to potentially reduce costs without compromising quality during our meetings with you. We aim to set realistic goals and provide explanations for why certain things cannot be achieved as inexpensively as on TV – as well as why they shouldn't be. Conclusion Your home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Blue Leaf Design Build and Dahlia Interiors are here to help you make informed, intelligent decisions when it comes to your remodel. While the allure of home improvement shows is undeniable, it's essential to understand that the budgets and timelines portrayed on TV don't always reflect the real-world costs and complexities of renovation projects. By approaching your project with realistic expectations and working with professionals who prioritize quality, integrity, and transparency, you can achieve your dream home without any unwelcome surprises.

While thinking about what to write in this month's issue, I came across a post in the NARI community forum that I felt needed attention. I had no idea that men in construction die by suicide at a rate nearly four times the general population's national average, and nearly double the total rate of men overall. Read the full article here. I have been aware of the high rates of alcoholism and substance use disorders in the industry. Here are some sobering facts: The Construction Financial Management Association reports that the construction industry has nearly twice the rate of substance abuse as the national average. Around 15% of all construction workers in the United States have a substance abuse disorder compared to 8.6% of the general population. 12% have an alcohol use disorder compared to 7.5% nationally 16.5% of construction workers reported heavy alcohol consumption within the past month, nearly twice the average of all full-time workers 11.6% of construction workers reported illicit drug use within the past month 14.3% of construction workers were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year, more than 1 ½ times the average of all full-time workers surveyed 2.3% have a marijuana use disorder By now it is well known that we have a problem addressing mental health issues in this country. While it seems to be getting better, we still have a long way to go. At Blue Leaf Design Build, we are committed to the mental health of our employees and contractors and encourage them to be transparent and open with us, so that we can help where needed. Below are national and state resources. There are many local services as well, and can be found through any of these websites. SUICIDE HELP ALCOHOLISM HELP SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS HELP

When it comes to selecting tile for your home, it is easy to become overwhelmed. This article will help you learn all the ins and outs of choosing tile. There are lots of things to consider when choosing tile. What is your style? Modern, farmhouse, traditional, etc. Look through magazines and online for images of tiles you like. Save them to a Pinterest or Houzz board. Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash Before you start What is your style? Modern, farmhouse, traditional, etc. Look through magazines and online for images of tiles you like. Save them to a Pinterest or Houzz board. Room What room will the tile be for? Kitchen, bathroom, living room, or other? Room size The size of the room will guide what size tiles you choose. Large format tiles probably won’t work well in a smaller room. Smaller tiles may not be suitable for a larger room. Application Where is the tile going to be applied? Wall, floor, shower or other? Not all tiles can be used everywhere. Floor tiles can be used on walls, but wall tiles cannot be used on floors. Showers and kitchens will need tiles approved for wet areas. We will talk more about this later in the article. Tile size Large format tiles are great for larger rooms but don’t work well with small rooms. Smaller tiles are good for use in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Format There are numerous tile formats. Do you want subway, textured, mosaic, seamless, natural stone, 3D wall, encaustic? We will talk more about this later in the article. Type There are numerous types of tiles. Ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone, marble, metal, cement, granite, limestone, travertine, resin. We will talk more about this later in the article. Color What is the general feel you are trying to achieve – serene and relaxing or fun and funky? Color choices will help generate this feeling. Finish Matte, satin, polished, honed, glossy, tumbled, brushed. Grout A contrasting grout will emphasize lines and the design, while a grout in a complementary color as the tile will give a subtle effect. Ensure your grouted areas are sealed to prevent staining. TILE APPLICATION Floors Floor tile is an excellent choice for bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. Durable and easy to clean, it is also a healthy choice, as dirt and germs generally don’t get trapped like they do in carpet. Floor tiles can be used on walls, if using tile on floors, you must use tile specifically designated for floors. Floor tiles come in numerous shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. Photo: Tile Bar Walls Tile is a great option for kitchens, backsplashes, showers, statement walls. Wall tile adds depth, character, and dimension to your space. Wall tile is available in a variety of materials and formats. Photo: Tile Bar Backsplash Backsplash tile is usually a feature and adds character and style to your room. Backsplash tile can be subway, mosaic, slab or any variety of shapes and styles. Natural stone mosaics cost more and require more care, i.e., regular sealing. Natural stone is mined so each tile is unique. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain are easy to clean and can be installed quickly. Photo: Tile Bar Shower Walls When selecting tile for shower areas, it is important to select tile rated for wet areas. Ease of cleaning is important as well. Ceramic and porcelain are the most water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. As with natural stone mosaics, using natural stone in a shower requires more maintenance - sealing before use, resealing annually, and cleaners designed for natural stone. For wet areas, matte tiles and textured tiles make slipping less of a hazard. Anti-slip tiles, specifically designed for wet areas, are also an option. Photo: Tile Bar Shower Floors Opt for mosaic tiles for the shower floor. Mosiac tiles have more grout lines which helps with traction and preventing slipping. Penny, hexagon, chevron and staggered mosaics are all beautiful options. Photo: Tile Shop TILE MATERIALS Ceramic Ceramic is a broad category of clay-based tile. It is water, stain, and heat resistant, and is easy to cut & install. Ceramic tiles can be used anywhere. It is generally the most cost-effective tile. Photo: Tile Shop Porcelain Porcelain is a denser type of ceramic. This means it is more water-resistant and scratch/chip resistant. Porcelain can also be used almost anywhere. Photo: Tile Shop Glass Glass tile is waterproof and stain proof. It is very easy to clean and great for shower walls and backsplashes. It is not recommended for shower floors as it can be very slippery when wet. Photo: Tile Shop Natural Stone Natural s tone has the largest increase in resale value. It does more maintenance than other tiles. It requires protective sealants and specialized cleansers formulated for natural stone. Some of the benefits of natural stone are that it is water, heat, stain & scratch resistant and can last for years. Types of natural stone include: marble, travertine, limestone, slate, granite, stone, quartzite, sandstone, onyx, bluestone, and flagstone. Metal Metal tile is becoming increasingly popular. As an accent tile, it can be used as a backsplash or feature wall. Photo: Porcelanosa TILE SIZE Large Format Large format tiles are good for large rooms such as large living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms Large format tiles will make the space feel larger. Larger tile means less grout joints and subsequently, less maintenance. Less grout lines looks “cleaner”. Photo: Porcelanosa Small Format Small format tiles are great for areas such as kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Subway and mosaic tiles are great choices for these areas. Smaller format tiles make great accent and feature areas. Photo: Tile Shop TILE STYLES Subway Subway tiles are rectangular tiles. Typically, they are 3 x 6 inches, but other sizes are available. Subway tiles got their name because they were first used in New York subway stations. When the first subway station was designed in 1904, affordable, low-maintenance tile was desired. The glossy white design of the first subway tiles helped create a safe, sanitary feeling for subway travelers. Today, subway tiles can be ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone. There are numerous colors to choose from and patterns are endless. The high-gloss finish on subway tile makes it easy to clean and works well for shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and any area prone to staining. Photo: Tile Bar Textured Textured have rough surfaces. They are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, as well as outdoor spaces and pool walking areas. Textured tiles can be mosaic, waved, linear or have a wood effect, to name a few. They are great as a feature tile. Amongst the most highly rated for slip resistance, they make an excellent option for wet areas. They do require a bit more elbow grease when cleaning. Photo: Porcelanosa Mosaic Mosaic tiles consist of small pieces arranged together to form a larger pattern. Mosaic tile will have more grout lines. They are perfect for backsplashes and shower floors, as well as accent and feature bands. Photo: Tile Bar 3D Wall 3D tiles and textured tiles are very similar. They add texture and depth to your room. They are great to use as a feature or accent. There is a bit more cleaning involved as they are not flat. Photo: Porcelanosa Encaustic Encaustic tiles are tiles with patterns made from two to six different colors of clay. Encaustic patterns don’t wear off over time. They can add stunning visual interest to floors and walls. . Photo: Tile Bar Ultimately, you want tile that will be timeless and reflects your personal aesthetic. Blue Leaf Design Build can help you select tile with your interior design or home remodeling project.