Where to Spend and Where to Save in a Remodel
One of the most common mistakes we see Spokane homeowners make is spending money in the wrong places — over-investing in things that won't move the needle and under-investing in things that will. After years of custom remodeling across Spokane and North Idaho, we've developed a clear framework: spend where it lasts, save where it doesn't.
The Core Principle
Every dollar in a remodel does one of three things:
1. Adds long-term value — resale, structural integrity, function
2. Adds daily livability — quality of life, usability
3. Adds visual appeal — aesthetics that can date or be refreshed cheaply later
Spend heavily on 1 and 2. Be selective on 3.
Where to Spend
Structural and Mechanical. If your remodel touches plumbing, electrical, or HVAC — do it right. Spokane homes built before 1980 often have knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized pipes, or undersized panels. Updating these prevents a $500 repair from becoming a $15,000 insurance claim.
- Full electrical panel upgrade: $3,000–$6,000
- Partial re-pipe (galvanized to PEX): $5,000–$12,000
- HVAC replacement with zoning: $8,000–$18,000
Kitchen Layout and Appliances. A well-designed kitchen with mid-grade cabinets beats a poorly designed kitchen with custom cabinetry every time. Spend on the refrigerator and range, quality cabinet boxes and hardware, and countertop square footage. Typical Spokane ranges:
- Mid-range kitchen remodel: $45,000–$70,000
- Full custom kitchen: $75,000–$120,000+
Bathroom Waterproofing. The tile you see is the last line of defense — the membrane and substrate behind it are what protect your home. Skimping here leads to rot, mold, and a complete gut-and-redo within 10 years. Spend on quality tile setting, linear drains, niche waterproofing, and solid substrate.
Where to Save
Decorative Fixtures. Cabinet hardware, light fixtures, towel bars — highly visible but easily swappable. A $35 robe hook and a $180 robe hook function identically. Buy mid-tier, install it well, upgrade it yourself in five years if your taste changes. Savings potential: $2,000–$6,000 on a full kitchen or bath.
Interior Paint. Paint is the ultimate DIY finish. For clients who want to trim costs, painting after we hand off the space is one of the most effective savings strategies.
Tile in Low-Traffic Areas. Laundry rooms, guest baths used twice a year — go with a clean, simple tile at a modest price point. The aesthetic difference between $4/sq ft and $14/sq ft tile in a space nobody lives in daily is not worth the premium.
The Framework in Practice
Before approving any line item, ask: Does this affect how the house functions or how long it lasts? If yes — spend. If it's purely cosmetic and replaceable — pull back if you need to.
A remodel done this way holds its value, ages well, and rarely requires a callback. That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every project in Spokane and North Idaho.
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222
📧 Email: ryan@pnwbuild.com
