Aug 26, 2020
We’ve been in business for 15 years now and still
consider it an important part of our jobs to educate our clients on
what things actually cost. It seems like everybody is wanting to
improve their homes after being cooped up for long during this
pandemic, so we figured this was the perfect time to don our
teacher hats and have the discussion about WHAT THINGS COST.
Before we dive in, we wanted to let you know that
this episode is sponsored by Currey & Company. Currey &
Company is a family owned business based in Atlanta that we rely
heavily on for distinctive lighting, furniture and
accessories. We invite everybody to visit their website
curreyandcompany.com to see all their products or follow #curreyco
or #curreycohospitality on Instagram to see tons of amazing photos
of their products in homes.
2. Countertops
We find ourselves using mostly Quartz for countertops
lately, but granite and marble are still very much in the
game.
Let’s review them all:
- Marble – Marble is
very luxurious and we LOVE the look but just be aware that marble
is a bit of a diva. This natural stone is porous so it needs
regular sealing and daily cleaning. It can also stain and chip so
you won’t want to choose this for heavy use. The cost is
$75-$250/sq. ft.
- Granite – Granite prices have
dropped drastically in the last 10 years as it has gained
popularity. The finishes tend to be a bit busier than Marble and
quartz. If we use granite, we prefer the finish to be
leathered or honed. Cost is $45-$200 per sq.
ft.
- Quartz – Quartz is an engineered
product so it won’t have the raw beauty of granite or marble but
the variety of finishes is still amazing and the color is
consistent so they tend to not be quite as busy to the eye. Quartz
is non-porous and very tough. Cost is $55-$155/sq.
ft.
Notes:
a. Remnants, make sure to pick your slab for Marble
and Granite
b. Prices quoted usually include
install.
c. Other options like Concrete, Butcher Block, Reclaimed
Wood, Stainless Steel and laminate are options but we will discuss
on another episode!
3. Wallpaper
If we had our way (and most of the time we do), we
use wallpaper on every job. The cost varies widely depending on the
quality, brand name and material but the average cost falls
somewhere between $15-$50 per single rolls. A few things
to know about wallpaper from our experience:
- Wallpaper is priced per single roll but in most
cases sold in double rolls.
- Leave the measuring to your wallpaper hanger – they
will need to know the repeat and the
material.
- Super fun for powder rooms and laundry
rooms
- The average cost of labor to install:
?/roll
4. Decorative pillows
We don’t get much push back on our pricing, but
eyebrows usually rise at the cost of quality throw pillows. Luxury
throw pillows may cost upwards
of $50 to $250 or
more, especially if custom-made. Throw pillows are often expensive
due to the fabric used, shape, and design. It is possible to find
inexpensive throw pillows, but the quality of construction, level
of design, and comfort may be sacrificed.
A few things to note:
- Hidden Zipper
- Inserts with 50% down and 50%
feathers
- Inserts should be 2” bigger than the pillow cover
for proper fullness so a 20x20” pillow would have a 22”
insert.
- Both sides fabric – some will have a cheaper solid
fabric on the back.
- Quality of fabric and workmanship
5. Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors come in such a variety of materials,
finishes and plank size that it can be very overwhelming – even for
us! We will break it down for you.
- Real Unfinished Hardwood
Floors: Price will vary with wood species, plank
width and length, finish and thickness. Price: $5-$13/sq.
ft..
- Engineered Hardwood floors: These
are a real wood veneer over another wood like plywood. More durable
than real hardwoods but you can only refinish once or twice. Cost
is slightly more at $6-$15/sq. ft.
- Vinyl Plank flooring (also call LVT or
LVP): A more common choice these days due to great
qualities such as being waterproof, won’t scratch or fade, doesn’t
require wax is LVP. Cost: $2-$7/sq. ft.
6. Furniture
-
- Sofa: Quality drives the price in all these
areas - $500 - $4000
- Chair: $300-$1500
- Table/Chairs: Chairs -
$300-$800
Notes:
- Think about your transport timeline – how long
will you keep it?
- How trendy are you?
- Do you have
kids/pets?
7. Lighting
- Chandelier: $400 - $1800
- Table lamp: $150 - $400
- Quality, voltage,
size
- Does not apply to custom made