For many homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts, remodeling is about far more than updating finishes. It’s about comfort, longevity, modern living, and making a forever home truly work for your lifestyle.

If you’re planning a remodel, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is:

“How much will this actually cost?”

Here, we discuss the cost of a home remodel, the factors that affect remodel costs, and whether a remodel is worth it. 

In this blog, you can expect:

• Average Remodeling Costs Near Salem, NH
• How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
• What Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?
• How Much Does It Cost to Build an Addition?
• How Much Is a Whole-Home Remodel?
• What Does an Accessory Dwelling Unit Cost?
• Aging-in-Place Renovations
• What Factors Impact the Cost of a Remodel?
• Scope and Complexity
• Age and Condition of the Home
• Materials and Finish Level
• Structural, Electrical, and Plumbing Needs
• Custom Cabinetry and Millwork
• Site Conditions and Accessibility
• Design, Engineering, and Permits
• Is a Home Remodel Worth It?
• The Investment
• The North Shore's Trusted Remodeling Contractor

Average Remodeling Costs Near Salem, NH

While every project is unique, remodels in our region typically fall within a predictable range. Here are the price ranges you can expect from all of our remodeling services. 

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

Let's start with a big one: the kitchen. A kitchen remodel in Southern NH or Northeastern MA typically starts at $65,000, depending on design, layout changes, and the level of finish you choose.

Here's what our range of kitchen remodels can look like: 

• Good kitchens: $65,000+

• Better kitchens: $110,000+

• Best kitchens: $150,000+

A “Good” kitchen often maintains similar plumbing and layout, while the “Better” and “Best” tiers include upgraded cabinetry, premium surfaces, reconfigured layouts, structural changes, and expanded lighting plans. No matter what level you choose, you get a high level of excellence with every remodel from Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel. 

What does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

Bathroom remodels in Salem typically start at $15,000, depending on type, size, and complexity.

Here is a further breakdown of the different types of bathroom renovation:

• Half- Baths/Powder Rooms: $15,000+

• Full Baths: $40,000+

• Primary Suites: $90,000+

Primary bathrooms are the highest investment due to larger footprints, increased tile work, multiple fixtures, and more features. Adding a primary (or master) suite can radically transform how you use your home. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Addition?

Adding a home addition is an incredible way to increase square footage and make your home that much more useful. It's a common request for our clients and a service we're well-experienced in. Home additions on the North Shore generally start at $175,000+, with larger or multi-room additions with kitchens and bathrooms costing the most due to the project's complexity. 

What does an Accessory Dwelling Unit Cost?

The cost to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) typically begins at $345,000+, largely due to the need for a kitchen, bathroom, HVAC, insulation, and independent utilities. Recent law changes requiring ADUs in every NH and MA town are making this a popular project type.

How Much is a Whole-Home Remodel?

A whole-home remodel typically starts at $242,000+. However, the range for this type of remodeling project is wide and depends on the number of rooms renovated and the project scope. Your total cost will depend on your project's specific design and goals. 

These projects are ideal for homeowners updating older properties, reconfiguring layouts, or transforming homes for long-term living or multi-generational use. For a full breakdown of costs, we recommend checking out our cost guide resource. 

Aging-in-Place Renovations

Aging-in-place upgrades, such as zero-threshold showers, grab bars, widened doorways, improved lighting, or layout changes, are typically added into larger remodels rather than purchased as standalone services.

These upgrades vary significantly based on integration and scope, and Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel's certified aging-in-place specialists design them for safety, accessibility, and comfort. Your particular cost will be factored into your estimate. 

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Remodel?

Several key elements influence the cost of any remodeling project. Understanding these factors helps homeowners set realistic expectations and make informed decisions from the start.

1. Scope and Complexity

Larger projects with more moving parts, such as structural changes, layout reconfigurations, or multiple rooms, naturally require more time, labor, and materials.

2. Age and Condition of the Home

Older New England homes often need electrical updates, plumbing improvements, insulation upgrades, or structural adjustments, all of which can affect the overall investment.

3. Materials and Finish Level

Your choices—cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures, flooring, lighting—significantly shape your final cost. Higher-end materials and custom selections lead to higher project investment.

4. Structural, Electrical, and Plumbing Needs

Removing walls, upgrading electrical panels, adding lighting, or relocating plumbing fixtures involves licensed professionals and code compliance, which can increase costs.

5. Custom Cabinetry and Millwork

Built-ins, specialty storage, and custom woodworking elevate beauty and function, but require more craftsmanship and time.

6. Site Conditions and Accessibility

Limited access, tight spaces, or multi-story projects can add labor and logistical considerations.

7. Design, Engineering, and Permits

Professional design work, engineering, and required local permits ensure your project is well-planned, code-compliant, and ready for smooth construction.

Is a Home Remodel Worth It?

For most homeowners in Southern NH and Northeastern MA, a remodel is absolutely worth it when it’s planned well and completed by the right team. An intentional remodel can solve everyday frustrations, update outdated spaces, improve energy efficiency, and make your home more comfortable and functional for years to come. Because many homes in our region are 30 to 80+ years old, remodeling often unlocks livable space, better layouts, and modern features you can’t achieve without rebuilding.

The Investment

A remodel can also be more cost-effective than moving. Given rising home prices, limited inventory, and the costs of buying, selling, and relocating, investing in the home you already love often offers better long-term value. With our design/build approach, you get a predictable, high-quality transformation without the surprises homeowners fear most. A remodel isn’t just an upgrade; it’s an investment in your comfort, lifestyle, and the future of your home. You can take a look at our cost guide for a better idea of what your project might cost.

The North Shore's Trusted Remodeling Contractor 

Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel serves homeowners across Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts. We provide end-to-end remodeling for projects ranging from kitchens and bathrooms to additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and whole-home renovations, each tailored to how you want to live now and in the long term. Our portfolio shows you the high caliber of work you can expect from our team. 

Our process is clear and collaborative from start to finish: we begin with discovery and concept planning, move into detailed design and selections with real-world budgeting, and then guide you through construction with dedicated project management and consistent communication. With experienced designers,  including certified aging-in-place specialists and trusted craftspeople, working as one coordinated team, we deliver spaces that prioritize function, comfort, longevity, and craftsmanship.

Contact Us

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more.