If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your home in North Jersey, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much is this going to cost?
Whether you’re in Passaic County planning a kitchen upgrade, in Bergen County considering a new bathroom, or in Essex or Morris County dreaming of a full-home renovation, understanding the costs associated with home remodeling can help you set realistic expectations and plan your investment wisely.
In this article, we’ll break down the average remodeling costs by project type, explain what factors impact pricing, and help you identify opportunities to maximize value.
Why Remodeling Costs Vary Across Northern NJ
Home remodeling costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. The final price of your project depends on several key factors:
- Project size and complexity
- Material selections and finish level
- Age and condition of the home
- Permit and code requirements (which vary by township)
- Accessibility and location of the space
- Structural or mechanical upgrades needed
For example, remodeling a small kitchen in Totowa will likely cost less than remodeling an older, larger kitchen in Montclair that requires plumbing and electrical upgrades.
Average Home Remodeling Costs by Project Type
Kitchen Remodeling
- Mid-range kitchen remodel: $30,000 – $55,000
- High-end remodel: $60,000 – $100,000+
Includes new cabinets, countertops, lighting, appliances, layout changes, and flooring. Layout changes (like removing walls or relocating plumbing) will increase costs.
🛠️ Popular upgrades in NJ: quartz countertops, shaker cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, and custom center islands.
Bathroom Remodeling
- Mid-range hall bath: $18,000 – $30,000
- Master bathroom or high-end spa bath: $35,000 – $60,000+
Expect higher costs for custom tile work, walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, or radiant heated flooring.
🛠️ Essex County homeowners are prioritizing large-format tiles, floating vanities, and smart shower controls.
Basement Finishing
- Basic finished basement: $40,000 – $60,000
- Basement with bathroom, bar, and media area: $70,000 – $100,000+
Adding egress windows, insulation, subflooring, and waterproofing will add to the cost—but also to the long-term value.
🛠️ Common in Ridgewood and Morris Plains: adding a guest suite or home office downstairs.
Home Additions
- Small bump-out (e.g. mudroom or bath): $25,000 – $50,000
- Primary suite or multi-room addition: $90,000 – $180,000+
- Second-story addition: $200,000 – $350,000+
Additions typically require full architectural drawings, zoning approvals, and structural work, especially in densely built areas like Bloomfield or West Orange.
Whole Home Remodeling
- Comprehensive remodel (2,000 sq ft): $200,000 – $400,000+
Includes kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, drywall, paint, insulation, doors/windows, and exterior updates. The scope and timeline are much larger than a room-by-room approach.
🛠️ This option is increasingly popular for older homes in towns like Glen Ridge, South Orange, and Nutley.
What Affects Remodeling Cost in NJ?
1. Age of Your Home
Older homes may require updates to wiring, plumbing, and framing to meet current code. This adds both labor and material costs—but is often necessary.
2. Permit and Inspection Requirements
Each township (e.g. Wayne, Montclair, Morristown) has different requirements. We handle all permits at JerseyBuild, but fees and timelines can affect project start dates and pricing.
3. Material Selections
Budget-level finishes vs. custom cabinetry, high-end tile, or imported fixtures can easily add $10k–$50k+ to your project depending on taste.
4. Accessibility of the Work Area
Difficult site access (e.g. basement without a separate entrance, tight hallways, steep driveways) can impact labor efficiency and cost.
How to Budget for a Remodel in North Jersey
- Set aside 10–20% of your budget for contingencies, especially in older homes where surprises behind the walls are common.
- Prioritize projects that boost value, like kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Consider phasing your remodel if your goals exceed your current budget—JerseyBuild can help you build a master plan and complete it in stages.
Financing Options for Home Renovations
Many homeowners use financing tools to fund their projects, including:
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
- Cash-out refinancing
- Renovation loans (like FHA 203k)
- Private personal loans or credit union offerings
We can connect you with financing partners if needed as part of your consultation process.
Why Homeowners Trust JerseyBuild Contracting
We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across North Jersey to transform their properties—on budget, on time, and with lasting quality.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Transparent pricing and line-item quotes
- Local experience with township code officials and inspectors
- Licensed and insured crews for every trade
- Daily communication and project updates
- Real references from clients in your neighborhood
Ready to Get a Custom Remodeling Estimate?
We believe every project deserves a thoughtful plan, accurate pricing, and expert execution. Whether you’re remodeling one room or your whole home, JerseyBuild Contracting is ready to help.📍 Serving Passaic, Bergen, Essex, and Morris Counties
🔗 Visit www.jerseybuildcontracting.com to schedule your free remodeling consultation and custom quote.