Almost Perfect? Estimating Renovation Costs Before Deciding To Buy
Here’s How a Great Realtor® (that’s me) Can Help
Many buyers spot a half bath and wonder: Could this become a full bathroom? It’s a smart question—adding a shower can boost both value and everyday convenience. But what about cost? Permits? Is it worth the hassle? Those questions are tough enough when you own the home—if you’re still deciding whether to make an offer, having an experienced Realtor (that’s me!) in your corner can make all the difference.
When you're touring homes, it's easy to fall for the almost perfect one—that charming two-story where you can already picture hosting Thanksgiving... if only it had more natural light. You start doing the mental math: What would it cost to add bigger windows? Redo the floors? Turn that half bath into a full?
Here’s the catch: You don’t own the home yet, and getting solid estimates before you do can be a logistical headache.
That was the case for one of my buyers. The house had it all—great neighborhood, ideal layout, solid price—but it was missing one key thing: a second shower.
There was an existing half bath, and they wondered: Could we convert it to a full bath? A quick online search led them down a rabbit hole of conflicting information. One site said it would cost just $1,800. But another said $25,000 or more. The range they found was so broad it was useless, not to mention that none of the estimates accounted for this home—the layout, the existing plumbing, or the finishes they’d want to use. And none answered their real question: Is it worth it?
Of course, the typical route—getting referrals for three contractors, scheduling visits, collecting bids, and then comparing price, scope, and availability—can be a smart way to evaluate options. But that’s also time-consuming and nearly impossible when you don’t even own the home yet. Most contractors won’t come out unless you’re under contract. And even if they would, timing is tight in a competitive market.
That’s where I come in.
With over 15 years in real estate and a trusted network of vetted contractors, I was able to make a few calls and get a realistic ballpark estimate for my clients—not a firm quote, but far more useful than a vague, wide price range. It was tailored to the home’s layout, age, and existing systems. My contractors considered:
Whether plumbing could be easily rerouted
Space constraints and whether a shower would actually fit
Permit requirements
The cost difference between basic and higher-end finishes
With that information in hand, my buyers could make a confident decision. They didn’t end up moving forward with that house—but they walked away with clarity, knowing exactly what the project would take and whether it was the right fit for them.
Thinking about buying a home and wondering what updates might cost? I’d love to help you search smart, avoid surprises, and connect you with the right people when the time comes. Let’s talk.
📞 614-975-8370 | 📧 teresakenney@kw.com | 🌐 teresakenneyrealty.com
