What to Expect:
Remodeling Costs, Our Process, & FAQ
Factors to Consider Before an Initial Consultation
At SandStar, we know that renovating your home can be an exciting journey but also one that feels overwhelming when it comes to understanding timelines and costs. Since a home renovation is a major investment, knowing the different factors that affect costs can help you make smarter decisions. That’s why we created our timeline and costs page to give you a starting point so you know what to expect before booking a consultation. We’re committed to guiding you through every part of the process, helping you turn your vision into reality while avoiding unexpected financial surprises.
Because a renovation project has many parts, several factors naturally influence how much your project will cost. The type of home remodel you choose greatly impacts overall expenses, as different projects vary in complexity and scope, affecting the labor, materials, and time needed. While it’s impossible to list all factors, the most significant ones typically include the scope and complexity of work, choice of materials and finishes, costs for materials, labor, and permits, the home’s age and condition, and unexpected issues like mold or structural failure during demolition, which can lead to additional costs beyond the original estimate.
DID YOU KNOW? (PLEASE READ)
The cost of remodeling has nearly doubled since 2020, driven by high inflation, ongoing labor shortages, and supply chain issues. Changing design preferences and stricter regulations have also played a role in this significant increase.
Homeowners are often surprised when we review the estimated costs of their kitchen or bathroom renovation, as well as large-scale projects. We want to emphasize to our potential and previous clients that if you haven’t remodeled recently or never have, remodeling costs have risen significantly—by about 40-45% industry-wide—since before the pandemic. However, with proper planning and the right partner, your remodel can still provide exceptional value, enhancing your home, lifestyle, and investment for years to come.
Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Below are approximate cost ranges for different-sized bathrooms, along with what we typically see in Charlotte County.
Small Bathrooms
$35,000 to $55,000+
These are usually guest bathrooms, measuring about 5 feet by 9 feet, with a 30-inch vanity, single sink, and a tub/shower combo.
Mid-Size Bathrooms
$60,000 to $85,000+
These can be spacious guest bathrooms or small master bathrooms with larger vanities, sometimes featuring two sinks, and typically include or omit a separate toilet room.
Large Bathrooms
$95,000 to $150,000+
These are typically suite-like master bathrooms featuring large two-sink vanities, walk-in showers, a freestanding bathtub, and a separate toilet room.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Below are approximate cost ranges for different-sized kitchens, along with what we typically see in Charlotte County.
Small Kitchens
$55,000 to $85,000+
These are usually small, galley-style kitchens, typically under 200 sq ft, without an island, about 30 sq ft of countertop space, and 10 to 12 cabinets.
Mid-Size Kitchens
$65,000 to $95,000+
Average-sized kitchens that are usually around 200 to 300 sq ft, featuring 55 sq ft of countertop space, 15 to 18 cabinets, and a mid-sized island or peninsula.
Large Kitchens
$105,000 to $250,000+
Large kitchens that often exceed 250 sq ft, featuring about 75 sq ft of countertop space, 18 to 25 cabinets, a spacious island, and upscale finishes.
Timelines: Our Step-By-Step Remodeling Process
Please keep in mind that all timelines and details on this page are only a general description of the remodeling process. Actual timeframes and details may vary significantly from job to job.
Preliminary Timeline (Typically 6 to 12 Weeks)

Site Visit
Our Remodel Sales Associate will schedule an appointment to meet with you at your residence to discuss project details, take photos and measurements, and answer any questions you may have.

Work Scope and Design Review
Typically, a kitchen or bathroom remodel estimate proposal will take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the extent of changes. Larger or whole home projects will take longer. They may require a Design Agreement, a non-refundable paid contract for services rendered involving the design of kitchens, baths, or other areas of a residential dwelling space requiring modifications and associated elements. Typical agreements include planning meetings, needs analysis, job site measurement, blueprint take-off, conceptual layout, elevation, and perspective drawings.

Proposal and Work Scope Review
Once the design and proposal are completed, you will be contacted to schedule a date and time to meet at our Design Studio to review the proposal with your sales associate. If revisions are needed, they usually take 1 to 2 weeks to complete, depending on the depth of changes.

Signing of Contract
The finalized contract must be signed along with a deposit (typically 10%). For projects over $2,500, a Notice of Commencement (NOC) will need to be signed and notarized as well.
Production Timeline (Typically 6 Weeks to 6 Months)

Construction / Architectural Drawings, Engineering (If Needed), and Permitting
The SandStar design team will complete construction drawings, any other permit drawings, and any other permit documentation required for your project. Please remember that if you live in Charlotte County, permitting can take up to 6 to 12 weeks from when the drawings are submitted. Once permits are issued and all drawings are completed and approved, SandStar will contact you to schedule a project start date and a Production Walkthrough—a meeting at your residence with the SandStar team to review details of your project before commencement.

Project (Start to Completion)
The phases of a typical remodel are demolition, framing, and finish work, which includes cabinet installation, countertops, tile and/or floor work, and final trim out. The length of each stage varies, with demolition typically being the shortest and finish work being the longest. Also, if applicable, there are two long-lead items to factor into the total length of your project: countertops and shower glass.
*Be aware: the current lead time for cabinetry orders is 6 to 12 weeks.

Closing
Once your project is completed or near completion, a project walk will be scheduled with the designer and project manager. A closing will be scheduled to sign official closing documents and then… Congratulations! We hope you will become one of our “Raving Fans” and enjoy your remodel for years to come.
FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we get about remodeling, and our answers.
What area does SandStar Remodeling service?
SandStar Remodeling provides expert remodeling services within a 45-minute radius around Punta Gorda, Florida. Our service areas include Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda, Lake Suzie, Port Charlotte, Deep Creek, Harbor Heights, El Jobean, Riverwood, Gulf Cove, North Port, and West Port. Includes parts of Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, and Sarasota Counties.
If you’re looking for a remodeler near you in any of these general areas, SandStar Remodeling is here to meet your needs with professional, high-quality remodeling solutions. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or any other home improvement project, our experienced team is ready to help transform your space.
What’s included in your pricing? What factors affect the cost?
Our proposals cover pricing for design, project management, materials, labor, permits, demo, and cleanup. You’ll see exactly what’s included before construction starts.
Can I reduce costs by sourcing my own materials?
In some cases, yes, but we don’t recommend it. The items we source include warranties and reliable lead times. Items from outside sources can often lead to delays or compatibility problems.
What are my payment options? Do you offer financing?
Our payments are based on a draw schedule, where they are due as phases are completed throughout the project timeline. To keep our process simple and our pricing transparent, we do not provide financing. Clients are welcome to work with their own financial institution if needed.
Will I need a permit for my remodeling project?
We always submit for permits. It’s the best way to protect both your home and your investment. Permits ensure your remodel is built safely and to code, meeting all local regulations and safety standards. Without a permit, you could face future problems or even be required to remove work that wasn’t done with the proper approvals, especially when it comes time to sell your home.
Do all projects need to go through a “design” phase?
Yes. Every project needs a plan, and the design phase helps us clarify the layout, space planning, selections, finishes, and your budget and investment goals. Smaller projects usually have a shorter design phase, while larger ones, such as a full kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel, take more time. We guide you through it at a pace that matches your decision-making style.
How will I choose materials and finishes for my project?
We have a professional design studio, connections with top product brands in the industry, an experienced design team, and our own contractors. Rarely is shopping for materials elsewhere needed apart from stone slab products (i.e., natural or manufactured stone slabs for fabrication into countertops, etc.). We will schedule appointments with our vendors and join you for this process.
Can I make changes after signing the contract?
Our process is designed to clarify every detail of your project upfront. This helps make the production phase more efficient, cost-effective, and predictable. At the same time, we want to give you the flexibility to make changes even after signing the contract. If you choose to make adjustments during production, we’ll prepare a detailed change order, explain any cost differences or timeline effects, and obtain your approval before proceeding. This approach maintains transparency and flexibility without disrupting your project.
Do I need to be present during the entire remodel?
No, we can handle everything to keep your project on track! One advantage of our planning process is that it reduces the need for you to be on-site during construction. You’ll only need to be on-site for the pre-project walkthrough and countertop templating (if applicable).
What if hidden issues arise during my project?
We build in contingency and inspect thoroughly during planning. If something unexpected is uncovered, we’ll discuss options and costs clearly with no surprises.
What information or preparations should I have ready before working with SandStar on my project?
Before your initial consultation, we will send you a “New Client Questionnaire” to collect basic information, including your contact details, household details, lifestyle, as well as your goals, desires, and budget for the project. This provides us with a solid foundation to start helping you design your new space. Then, during your no-pressure, in-home consultation with a remodel sales associate, they will review your project details, discuss your investment goals, take measurements, answer any questions, and outline the next steps.
Ready to Get Started? Tell Us About Your Project.
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your potential project and the next steps.