Your home should be spectacular. If you’re ready to align your vision with reality, you’re likely planning a remodel. One of your very first questions is likely: “What’s this really going to cost?” The ultimate cost of a Chester County home remodel depends on a few key factors: what you’re remodeling, how extensive the work is, and the level of finishes you’re after.
We know it’s unsatisfying and ultimately unhelpful to provide this kind of “it depends” answer. But you don’t have to guess. Bromwell Construction Co. is here to break down remodeling costs using real figures from our work across southeastern Pennsylvania. Here are the numbers and contextual information you need to start planning.
Every remodel is different, but Chester County presents unique conditions impacting the bottom line. The homes here, especially in towns like West Chester, Kennett Square, and Malvern, tend to be older, architecturally distinct, and built to a different standard than modern construction. That’s part of their charm, and part of the challenge. Here are the main cost drivers.
Many Chester County homes were built 50–100 years ago, and older systems often require updating. It’s not uncommon to uncover hidden plumbing or electrical issues once walls come down.
Every township has its own building codes and permit structures. Updates to smoke detectors, insulation, and egress windows can all add cost, especially in older homes.
A kitchen with quartz countertops and custom cabinetry will cost more than one with builder-grade finishes. The good news: you’re in control of this lever.
Chester County homeowners often expect a high level of finish, and we deliver on that. Our team is trained in working with specialty materials and finishes that ensure you’re thrilled at the final walk-through and years down the road.
Kitchens are often the most complex spaces to remodel. In Chester County, where many homes were built before open-concept living was the norm, kitchen renovations often start with layout changes: removing walls, relocating plumbing, and reworking traffic flow. That alone can shift a remodel from moderate to major. So what drives the cost of a kitchen remodel here?
Retaining your existing layout and keeping appliances where they are will keep costs on the lower end. But if you're knocking down walls, adding islands, or expanding into adjacent spaces, costs go up due to structural work, permits, and often, HVAC rerouting.
Stock cabinets will keep the budget tighter, but most Chester County homeowners we work with opt for semi-custom or custom cabinetry to match the character of their homes. Custom pieces also address the quirks of older homes (non-standard dimensions, uneven walls, etc.).
Granite and quartz are still the most popular countertop options. These materials, along with full-height tile backsplashes or intricate patterns, raise material and labor costs.
If your existing hardwood can be refinished, you’ll save. But many remodels require new flooring throughout the kitchen and nearby rooms for cohesion, especially in open-concept plans.
Swapping out appliances is one thing. Moving them means updating electrical and plumbing, and possibly upgrading your panel to meet code or accommodate modern appliance demands.
Homeowners in West Chester and Chadds Ford tend to favor higher-end finishes, custom solutions, and cohesive design across adjacent rooms, naturally placing most projects in the mid-to-upper range.
Bathrooms can surprise you, both in terms of how transformative a remodel can be and how many decisions are packed into a small space. In historic County homes, bathroom projects often go deeper than just swapping out tile or upgrading fixtures. These spaces usually need significant updates to bring them up to modern standards. Key cost drivers in a bathroom remodel.
Leaving plumbing in place makes things easier. But if you're converting a tub to a walk-in shower, moving the toilet, or expanding the space, expect higher costs. Many homes here weren’t built with today’s bathroom expectations, so layouts often need improvement.
This is one of the biggest line items. Tile material (ceramic vs. porcelain vs. stone), pattern complexity, and shower configurations all affect price. A tiled shower with a custom niche and mosaic details costs far more than a prefab insert.
Fixture choices make a big difference. Wall-mounted faucets, floating vanities, and higher-end plumbing brands add polish and cost. Dual vanities and built-in linen towers are common in primary baths but not smaller hall baths.
Many bathrooms built in bygone eras lack proper ventilation, leading to moisture damage over time. Adding a high-quality fan or improving natural light may involve electrical upgrades and drywall work.
For many of our clients, a bathroom remodel is less about resale and more about creating a space that feels personal and intentional. That’s why even smaller bathrooms often get upgraded finishes and thoughtful touches.
Finishing a basement is one of the most effective ways to add livable square footage without expanding your home’s footprint. In Chester County, where lot sizes vary and older homes often lack modern bonus spaces, basements are a prime opportunity for added function and value. But basement remodels come with their own set of challenges and cost drivers.
Before the fun part starts (designing your game room, home office, or guest suite), basements in this region often need moisture management. That might include drainage systems, sump pumps, or waterproofing. You’ll also need to meet code for egress windows and ceiling heights if you're adding a bedroom or expanding living space.
Unlike main-level rooms, most basements start as blank slates. That means framing out new walls, running electrical and HVAC, and integrating with the rest of the home’s systems. More rooms = more walls = higher labor costs.
Because basements sit below grade, they require thoughtful choices: moisture-resistant flooring, ample lighting to compensate for lack of natural daylight, and insulation that performs year-round. Spray foam or rigid foam insulation is often recommended here, both cost more than standard fiberglass, but deliver better performance.
Adding a bathroom to a basement remodel adds considerable cost, mostly due to plumbing. If there’s no existing rough-in, expect to break through concrete to run new lines.
We see basement projects in Chester County start around $70K–$80K for simpler finishes and layouts, especially when the space is already in good condition. More complex layouts with multiple rooms, upgraded finishes, and a bathroom often range from $100K–$120K and up. Finishing touches like built-ins, wet bars, or dedicated gyms or theaters can push things even higher.
Need more space but love your current home? Additions are a great way to get the square footage you want without relocating. Whether you’re expanding the kitchen, building a new primary suite, or adding an in-law suite, additions offer ultimate customization, but also carry higher complexity and cost than interior remodels. Here’s what influences those costs most.
Every addition needs to be structurally sound and seamlessly tied into the existing home. That usually means pouring a new foundation, framing new exterior walls, and matching rooflines. Homes with stone or brick exteriors (common in Chester County) can require specialized craftsmanship to blend old and new.
Tying into your existing electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems is often trickier than it sounds. Older homes may not have the capacity to support the extra load, requiring panel upgrades or new HVAC zones.
Chester County townships each have their own permitting process, and some are more involved than others. You'll also need to consider lot setbacks, height restrictions, and sometimes even architectural review boards, especially in historic areas.
While the structure and shell can be consistent, the interior finish drives the final price. A basic family room will cost less than a fully-outfitted suite with a bathroom, kitchenette, and custom millwork.
Smaller bump-outs or single-room additions typically start around $100K–$150K, depending on foundation work and finishes. Larger or multi-room additions (think full primary suite or multi-level expansion) can range from $200K to $400K+, especially with bathrooms or kitchens involved.
A whole-home remodel is the most comprehensive remodeling project you can take on, and the most transformational. For Chester County homeowners, this usually means working with an older home that has great bones but needs serious updates to meet modern standards.
Maybe you're remodeling for personal enjoyment, preparing for multigenerational living, or bringing an inherited property up to date; the scope of a full renovation varies widely.
Whole-home renovations often start with behind-the-scenes upgrades: electrical rewiring, new plumbing, HVAC system replacements, and structural repairs. In homes that are 70+ years old, these updates are usually unavoidable and essential for long-term performance and safety.
If your goal is to open up living areas, expand kitchens, or rework bedrooms and bathrooms, expect to encounter structural changes. Removing load-bearing walls, altering staircases, or shifting bedroom layouts drives both cost and complexity, but also delivers a huge improvement in flow and function.
One of the biggest drivers of whole-home remodeling cost is the sheer square footage you're updating. The more rooms you touch, the more flooring, trim, cabinetry, and paint you’ll need. Clients often invest in upgraded finishes across the board to ensure a unified, elevated look.
In towns like West Chester or Kennett Square, many homes are 100+ years old and fall under historic guidelines. Working within these parameters often means custom work, stricter permitting, and greater detail.
Because these projects are so individualized, costs range broadly. Lighter renovations that focus on finishes, surface updates, and minor layout changes may start around $250K. More comprehensive overhauls, including structural work, system replacements, and luxury finishes, often land between $400K–$700K+, especially for larger square footage homes or those with historical status.
One of the most common questions folks will ask next is, “What does that price include?” At Bromwell Construction, our pricing reflects more than materials and labor. It includes a start-to-finish, high-touch remodeling experience designed to reduce surprises and deliver exceptional results.
Our pricing includes:
In other words, we handle the details so you can focus on the big picture: how your remodeled space will feel and function when it’s complete. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t bait-and-switch on pricing. What we quote is what we build, with full transparency along the way.
If you’re thinking about remodeling in Chester County, Bromwell Construction is here to help you make confident, informed decisions. Reach out here to connect with us about your goals and start the conversation about how we can bring them to life together.