The Complete Guide to Remodeling in Gig Harbor
Home Remodel in Gig Harbor by Massey Remodel + Design | Source: New Era Aqua Vista
Gig Harbor is a gorgeous, up-and-coming area with a charming small-town feel. On the shores of Gig Harbor Bay in Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is the perfect place for those who love the water—the views, the fresh seafood, the boating, and the outdoor activities maritime life provides.
Gig Harbor is a convenient drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge for commuters. It’s an area with lots of community activities, safe schools, and plenty of eating and shopping options. It has high-end amenities and upscale living. And with its 19 parks within city limits (and an extra 22 in the county), Gig Harbor has over 200 acres of dedicated green space for its residents to enjoy. It’s a great place to live and a good place to remodel a home, making it perfect for you and yours.
Why Homeowners Remodel in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor homes have an average price in the $700,000s. Because it’s such a desirable place and has limited land availability, some of the homes that sell are in need of repairs and upgrades. Homeowners in Gig Harbor remodel so they can modernize their homes and make them more suitable for their families. Many homeowners plan to stay in the area long-term and are looking to invest in their homes and enjoy them for years to come.
The Most Popular Types of Remodels in Gig Harbor
Many homeowners in Gig Harbor want to make their homes fit better with their lifestyles. Often, this means remodeling their kitchens to make room for their families and friends to gather. Other common home remodels include
opening up floor plans,
adding smart technology,
updating finishes and fixtures, and
taking advantage of outdoor spaces.
Gig Harbor is one of the best places in Washington State to retire, due to great housing options, good medical care, lower taxes, and a social lifestyle. Because of this, many home remodels have to do with making homes more accessible and safe.
How Much Does a Remodel Cost in Gig Harbor?
It’s tricky to know what a home remodel will cost without knowing the specifics of what is being done in the home, what materials the homeowner prefers, etc. When you work with a design-build company, you’re designing your home remodel from start to finish with a professional designer who helps you with every decision. The choices you make will impact your final cost.
That said, home remodels often run between $100-$300 per square foot. Our fixed-price contract model will give you confidence and clarity on the final budget and what you can expect. And at Massey Remodel + Design, we make sure we’re having clear and open conversations about the bottom line so everyone is on the same page.
Permits and Regulations You Should Know in Gig Harbor
Permits are generally required for home remodeling projects that involve moving walls and changing layouts, working with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, adding on rooms, and more. Your contractor will be able to help you with this process. In Gig Harbor, you will be working with the City of Gig Harbor’s Building and Fire Safety Services.
Choosing the Right Remodeler in Gig Harbor
Allowing someone access to your home is hard—you want to make sure you have a team you can trust. And at Massey Remodel + Design, we believe that a design-build company is the best option for every home remodel. (Read more about that here.)
Make sure you talk to any potential contractors, asking them questions and discussing your plans until you are confident that you are on the same page with them. And go with your gut—you need to feel comfortable with your contractor and his team. Some good ways to vet a potential Gig Harbor remodeler include:
Check their website. Look at photos of their past projects and make sure they fit your taste.
Read about them and their building and business philosophy.
Ask for references and call them. Ask former clients if they’d use this company again.
Read reviews online.
Make sure they’re licensed and insured.
Remodeling Timeline: What to Expect in Gig Harbor
Just like with budget expectations, it’s hard to accurately predict a timeline without project details: how big and involved is your remodel? Are you planning to use (and need to order) a lot of custom materials? Even what time of year it is can affect your timeline.
That said, a good rule of thumb is to expect a remodel to take between three and six months, with a whole-home remodel taking closer to a year from start to finish. Your contractor will be able to give you a more accurate and detailed timeline based on your project’s specifics.
Design Trends in Gig Harbor Homes
Biophilic and Nature-Focused
Gig Harbor has done a great job of keeping the green spaces and trees that capture residents’ hearts. With all the gorgeous water views and outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that Gig Harbor homeowners want their homes to reflect a connection to nature. Warm, earthy colors, wood accents, plants, natural elements, and large windows tie the indoors to the outside and make the most of natural light and views.
Sustainable and Smart
Everyone wants their homes to be greener. Energy-efficient appliances, windows, and other features make Gig Harbor home remodels better for the planet. And sustainably-sourced materials add beauty and style to every space.
Smart technology is a constant in most home remodels. From smart appliances to safety features, today’s technology merges convenience, security, and energy efficiency. It’s a desirable feature in Gig Harbor homes.
Flexible and Wellness-Driven
Gig Harbor residents value flexibility and privacy, with spaces that serve multiple purposes and can be adjusted to homeowners’ future needs. Think: flex spaces that can be an office, guest room, or home gym. Cozy nooks and quiet spaces support mental health, and some homes even include features like saunas and other spa features.
Common Mistakes Gig Harbor Homeowners Make When Remodeling
Avoid these missteps to ensure that your home remodel is everything you dreamed it could be.
Not focusing on planning and design. If you’re not clear on exactly what you want from your home remodel, you’re sure to be dissatisfied with the results. Use mood boards, gather inspiration, and work with a designer to make a great plan for your Gig Harbor remodel. This will save both time and money (no scope creep on a well-designed remodel!), and leave you with results you love.
Not prioritizing storage. You’ll never regret adding more storage to your home’s design. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, you can never have too much storage space. Use built-ins, cabinets, drawers, and more to maximize your storage options.
Prioritizing style over function. You don’t have to choose! A good design-build team will be able to help you find the perfect balance of style and function for your specific family in your specific home.
How to Get Started on Your Gig Harbor Remodel
Ready to start your dream home remodel? Whether you want to update an older home, add square footage to a smaller home, or tailor your space to your family’s needs, we’re here to help. We’d love to talk with you about your dreams and plans to make your home the best it can be. Contact us today, and let’s get the process started.