Chapter 2: The Problem with Square-Foot Pricing
In more than 35 years of experience in residential construction and remodeling, one thing has become obvious: the industry’s reliance on square-foot pricing is a disservice to homeowners. On paper, it looks simple—charge X dollars per square foot, multiply it by the size of the project, and there’s your estimate. But the reality is that square-foot pricing is one of the most misleading and inaccurate ways to price a remodel.
Why Square-Foot Pricing Fails Homeowners
The biggest flaw with square-foot pricing is that it assumes all projects are the same. But two bathrooms of equal size can have completely different costs. One homeowner may want standard ceramic tile, while another prefers imported marble. One may choose a stock vanity, while another invests in a custom-built cabinet with stone countertops.
Square-foot pricing doesn’t capture those differences. Instead, it provides homeowners with a false sense of security—a number that looks neat and tidy, but has little connection to the actual project. By the time selections are made and real work begins, that “estimate” is nowhere near the final cost. That’s when budgets are blown, frustration sets in, and trust is lost.
Remodeling Is About Selections, Not Just Size
Every remodel is driven by selections—tile, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, flooring, plumbing trim, and even the small accessories like towel bars and robe hooks. These choices don’t just affect the look of the space, they directly affect the cost.
That’s why we never rely on square-foot formulas. Instead, we build estimates based on your actual selections. If you want porcelain tile, we price porcelain. If you want heated floors, we include the cost of that system. If you want a frameless glass shower with a custom bench and niche, we make sure those details are reflected in your quote.
The result? A proposal that’s tied to your project, not a generic average.
Transparency Matters
At Trends Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists, we believe in being upfront. Homeowners should know exactly what they are paying for—from the tear-out and prep work to the final coat of paint. Square-foot pricing hides the details. Our estimates reveal them.
That’s why every estimate we provide is line-item detailed. It shows you the true cost of materials, labor, and finishes, broken down clearly so you can see where your money is going. No vague “per square foot” math, no hidden surprises—just real numbers you can count on.
Experience That Delivers Accuracy
After decades of remodeling, we know no two projects are ever identical. Tile alone can change the budget dramatically depending on the type, size, and layout. That’s why we treat every estimate as a custom plan, tailored to your selections, your layout, and your lifestyle.
Square-foot pricing might be quick, but it’s not accurate. And when it comes to remodeling, accuracy is everything.
— Damon Fowler
Owner, Trends Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists