Remodeling questions, answered

Nationally, the median renovating household spent $20,000 in 2025 and the top 10% spent $150,000 or more (2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study). No survey publishes a New Jersey-only figure. For the Middle Atlantic region, a midrange major kitchen remodel cost about $89,679 and a midrange bathroom remodel about $30,158, according to the Remodeling 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).

It varies with the scope, the house, and how long design, selections and permits take. As a national benchmark, kitchen projects averaged 9.5 months of planning and 5.8 months of construction in 2025, and primary bathrooms 8.4 and 4.8 months (2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study). New Jersey contracts must state start and completion dates.

Usually. New Jersey requires a construction permit to build, renovate or alter a structure (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14) unless the work is ordinary maintenance. Painting, flooring, trim, cabinets and swapping a fixture without changing the piping need no permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7). Moving plumbing, adding wiring or cutting a bearing wall does.

An emergency escape opening, usually an egress window, with at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, 24 inches of clear height, 20 inches of clear width and a sill no higher than 44 inches (IRC 2021 NJ Edition, R310). The room needs a 7-foot ceiling, with beams and ducts allowed down to 6 feet 4 inches (R305.1).

Anyone paid to disturb paint in a home built before 1978 must be an EPA-certified firm using lead-safe work practices, under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. Before work starts, the firm must give you the Renovate Right pamphlet. Jobs disturbing 6 square feet of paint or less per room inside are exempt; window replacement and demolition never are.

Any home improvement contract over $500 must be in writing and signed by all parties (N.J.S.A. 56:8-151). It must include the contractor's legal name, address and registration number, a copy of its liability insurance certificate, the total price, a description of the work and products, start and completion dates, and any warranty (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2).

Yes. You can cancel for any reason before midnight of the third business day after you receive a copy of the contract (N.J.S.A. 56:8-151). Send a signed, dated written notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or deliver it in person to the address in the contract. Your money must be refunded within 30 days.

Search the business in the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System (newjersey.mylicense.com). Home improvement contractor businesses must register with the Division every year (N.J.S.A. 56:8-138) and show the registration number on their advertising, contracts and vehicles (N.J.S.A. 56:8-144). Then ask for the insurance certificate the contract must include.