O’Laughlin Construction is owned and operated by Andrew O’Laughlin, P.E., a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 25 years of construction industry experience. Our combined engineering and construction expertise allows us to approach renovations with a comprehensive understanding of structural requirements, project feasibility, and construction costs.
Most homeowners want two things before they first call a builder: a realistic sense of what their project may cost, and an understanding of how the work will be run. This page gives both.
These are general planning ranges, set by Andrew O’Laughlin, P.E. They are not fixed estimates.
Primary bathroom renovation: $35,000 to $70,000+
Secondary bathroom renovation: $25,000 to $40,000+
Kitchen renovation: $60,000 to $150,000+
Major renovation or whole-home remodel: $150,000 to $350,000+
Actual costs depend on the project scope, existing conditions, structural requirements, finishes and permitting.
What is included, and what could wait. A kitchen that keeps its layout is a different project from one that moves plumbing, opens a wall or adds space.
What is behind the walls and under the floors: the framing, drain locations, window openings and the condition of the building systems. The more of this that is understood before pricing, the fewer assumptions the estimate has to rely on.
Removing or relocating a load-bearing wall, adding an opening or changing how loads reach the foundation requires the existing structure to be evaluated, and when required, structural design, calculations and stamped drawings for permitting and construction.
Cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures and appliances span a wide range, and they are often where a budget is decided.
What the work requires from the local permitting office, and how long review takes.
Working within an occupied home, restricted access, limited staging areas, or projects requiring specialized subcontractors can influence construction costs and scheduling.
Every successful project begins with a clear understanding of the homeowner’s goals, budget, and expectations.
We begin with an initial consultation to discuss the proposed scope of work, project location, preliminary budget, and anticipated timeline.
If the project appears to be a good fit, we schedule an on-site consultation to evaluate existing conditions, identify potential structural or construction challenges, and determine whether additional design or engineering services may be necessary.
For projects requiring further development, we work with homeowners to establish a clearly defined scope, appropriate plans and specifications, and realistic construction pricing before work begins.
Our goal is to reduce uncertainty, establish clear expectations, and help homeowners make informed decisions throughout the process.
Before construction begins, we establish a project schedule and communication expectations. Throughout construction, homeowners receive regular progress updates, including weekly written updates regarding completed work, upcoming activities, and important project decisions. See how we run a job.
Differences in construction estimates often reflect variations in project scope, material allowances, assumptions, and the level of investigation completed before pricing. Understanding these differences helps homeowners make informed comparisons and reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs during construction.
Because some projects go beyond it. Structural changes, higher-end finishes or conditions found during investigation can carry a project past the top of the range. The consultation is where we find out which applies to yours.
Write down what must be included and what could wait. It makes the first conversation about cost more useful.
A detailed breakdown of the scope of work, the associated costs and allowances for materials, plus a contingency for unforeseen conditions. Final pricing depends on your material selections, verification of existing conditions and any HOA or permitting requirements.
See how we run a job: a real schedule and the weekly reports the client received.
A 30-minute phone call with Andrew.