Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels: Complete Guide for NJ Homeowners

Thinking about transforming your home with kitchen and bathroom remodels? You're making a smart investment. These two rooms have the biggest impact on your daily life and your home's value. At Custom Kitchens & Baths by Lopez, we've completed hundreds of combined kitchen and bathroom projects across Monmouth County and Ocean County, and we've learned exactly what makes these projects successful.

This guide covers everything you need to know about kitchen and bathroom remodels in New Jersey—from costs and timelines to the benefits of bundling both projects with one trusted contractor.

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Why Combine Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels?

Many homeowners wonder if they should tackle their kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling projects separately. In most cases, combining them is the smarter choice.

Save 10-15% with Bundled Projects

When you hire one contractor for both your kitchen and bathroom remodels, you benefit from:

• Volume pricing on materials – Cabinets, countertops, and fixtures cost less when ordered together
• Reduced labor mobilization – One setup, one crew, one cleanup
• Shared overhead – Permits, dumpsters, and project management spread across both jobs
• Coordinated scheduling – No gaps between projects

Real example: A recent client in Rumson saved $12,000 by bundling their kitchen and master bathroom renovation instead of doing them separately.

One Disruption Period

Living through one renovation is better than two:

• Set up your temporary kitchen once
• Arrange alternative bathroom access once
• Deal with construction noise and dust once
• Get back to normal faster

Coordinated Design

When both spaces are designed together:

• Consistent aesthetic flows throughout your home
• Matching finishes (hardware, fixtures, color palette)
• Complementary materials that work together
• Unified vision from a single design team

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What's Included in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels?

Kitchen Remodel Scope

A complete kitchen remodel in New Jersey typically includes:

Cabinetry:

• Custom or semi-custom cabinet design


• Soft-close hinges and drawer slides


• Interior organization systems


• Crown molding and trim

Countertops:

• Quartz, granite, marble, or quartzite


• Edge profile selection


• Backsplash integration


• Island countertop with overhangs for seating

Appliances:

• Refrigerator integration (panel-ready or freestanding)


• Range or cooktop with hood ventilation


• Dishwasher


• Microwave (built-in or drawer)

Electrical & Lighting:

• Under-cabinet task lighting


• Pendant lights over island


• Recessed ceiling lights


• Outlet additions for modern needs

Plumbing:

• Sink and faucet installation


• Garbage disposal


• Dishwasher connections


• Pot filler (optional)

Flooring:

• Tile, hardwood, or luxury vinyl


• Transitions to adjacent rooms


• Heated flooring (optional)

Bathroom Remodel Scope

A complete bathroom remodel in NJ includes:

Vanity & Storage:

• Custom or semi-custom vanity


• Medicine cabinet or mirror


• Linen storage solutions

Shower/Tub:

• Walk-in shower with frameless glass


• Freestanding or built-in tub


• Tub-to-shower conversions


• Tile surround (floor to ceiling)

Tile Work:

• Floor tile with proper waterproofing


• Wall tile (full height in wet areas)


• Niche and bench tile


• Decorative accents

Fixtures:

• Sink faucet and accessories


• Shower fixtures (rain head, hand shower, body sprays)


• Toilet (comfort height, dual flush)


• Towel bars and accessories

Extras:

• Heated tile floors


• Towel warmer


• Ventilation fan (quiet operation)


• Lighting (vanity, shower, ambient)

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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Costs in New Jersey

Combined Project Cost Ranges

| Project Level | Kitchen | Bathroom | Combined Total |
|--------------|---------|----------|----------------|
| Essential | $25,000-$45,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | $40,000-$75,000 |
| Premium | $50,000-$80,000 | $25,000-$45,000 | $75,000-$125,000 |
| Luxury | $80,000+ | $45,000+ | $125,000+ |

Note: Bundling typically saves 10-15% off these combined totals.

What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs?

Higher cost factors:

• Custom cabinetry (vs. semi-custom or stock)


• Premium countertop materials (quartzite, exotic marble)


• High-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele)


• Structural changes (moving walls, relocating plumbing)


• Large kitchen size (250+ sq ft)

Ways to manage costs:

• Semi-custom cabinets with custom touches


• Quartz countertops (excellent value)


• Quality mid-range appliances


• Keep plumbing in existing locations

What Drives Bathroom Remodel Costs?

Higher cost factors:

• Marble or natural stone throughout


• Custom frameless glass enclosure


• Freestanding soaking tub


• Heated floors


• Moving plumbing locations


• Adding square footage

Ways to manage costs:

• Porcelain tile that mimics marble


• Standard glass enclosure sizes


• Alcove tub or shower-only design


• Refinish existing tub (if in good condition)

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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Timeline

Combined Project Timeline: 12-20 Weeks

Weeks 1-2: Design & Planning

• Initial consultation


• Measurements and photos


• Design development


• 3D renderings


• Material selection begins

Weeks 3-4: Selections & Contracts

• Finalize cabinet design


• Choose countertops, tile, fixtures


• Sign contracts


• Order long-lead items (cabinets, special order materials)

Weeks 5-6: Permits & Prep

• Submit permit applications


• Order remaining materials


• Prepare temporary kitchen setup


• Plan bathroom access alternatives

Weeks 7-10: Kitchen Construction

• Demolition


• Rough plumbing and electrical


• Cabinet installation


• Countertop templating and installation


• Backsplash tile


• Flooring


• Appliance installation


• Finish electrical (fixtures, outlets)

Weeks 8-12: Bathroom Construction (overlaps with kitchen)

• Demolition


• Rough plumbing


• Waterproofing


• Tile installation


• Vanity and fixtures


• Glass enclosure


• Finish work

Weeks 13-14: Finishing Touches

• Final inspections


• Punch list items


• Deep cleaning


• Final walkthrough

Why One Contractor = Faster Timeline

With separate contractors:

• Kitchen contractor: 8-12 weeks


• Wait time: 2-4 weeks (scheduling gap)


• Bathroom contractor: 4-8 weeks


• Total: 14-24 weeks

With one contractor:

• Simultaneous work: Kitchen and bathroom progress together


• Shared resources: Same crew, coordinated deliveries


• Total: 12-16 weeks

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Choosing Your Kitchen and Bathroom Contractor

What to Look For

Licensing & Insurance:

• Valid NJ home improvement contractor license


• General liability insurance


• Workers' compensation coverage


• Bonded for your protection

Experience:

• Proven track record with BOTH kitchen and bathroom projects


• Portfolio of completed work in your area


• References from recent clients


• Years in business (stability)

Specialization:

• Focus on kitchen and bath (not general construction)


• Understanding of latest trends and materials


• Relationships with quality suppliers


• In-house design capability

Communication:

• Responsive to inquiries


• Clear written proposals


• Detailed contracts


• Regular project updates

Questions to Ask Contractors

1. "Do you specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling?"

- You want specialists, not generalists

1. "Can you show me similar projects you've completed?"

- Look for work comparable to your scope

1. "Who will be on-site managing the project?"

- Know your point of contact

1. "What's included in your proposal vs. what's extra?"

- Avoid surprise costs

1. "How do you handle changes during the project?"

- Understand the change order process

1. "What warranty do you offer?"

- Look for written workmanship guarantees

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Design Considerations for Combined Projects

Creating Cohesive Design

When remodeling both spaces, consider:

Color Palette:

• Choose complementary colors (not necessarily matching)


• Use consistent neutral tones as a base


• Add personality with accent colors

Hardware & Fixtures:

• Same finish family (e.g., brushed nickel throughout)


• Consistent style (modern, transitional, traditional)


• Matching cabinet hardware optional but creates flow

Countertop & Tile:

• Consider using same countertop material in both spaces


• Coordinate tile styles (doesn't need to be identical)


• Maintain consistent quality level

Flooring:

• Same flooring in kitchen, bath, and connecting spaces creates flow


• Different but complementary choices also work


• Consider practical differences (tile in bath, wood or LVP in kitchen)

Current Design Trends for 2025

Kitchen trends:

• Warm wood tone cabinets


• Waterfall islands


• Integrated appliances


• Statement hoods


• Mixed metals

Bathroom trends:

• Large-format tile


• Floating vanities


• Frameless glass


• Freestanding tubs


• Black fixtures as accents

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The Custom Kitchens by Lopez Difference

At Custom Kitchens & Baths by Lopez, kitchen and bathroom remodels are our specialty—it's literally in our name.

Why homeowners choose us:

• 50+ years combined experience in kitchen and bath exclusively
• NJ Licensed Contractor (#13VH04175700)
• BBB Accredited with A+ rating
• 5.0 Google rating from 127+ verified reviews
• Local focus on Monmouth & Ocean Counties
• Design-build approach for seamless execution
• Written warranties on all work

Our process:

1. Free consultation – We visit your home, listen to your goals
2. Custom design – 3D renderings help you visualize
3. Transparent pricing – Detailed proposals, no surprises
4. Quality construction – Skilled craftsmen, premium materials
5. Final walkthrough – We're not done until you're delighted

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Ready to Start Your Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels?

Transform your home's two most important rooms with one trusted contractor. Our team at Custom Kitchens by Lopez is ready to bring your vision to life.

Next steps:

1. Schedule your free consultation
2. Discuss your goals for both spaces
3. Receive a custom proposal
4. Begin your transformation

Get Your Free Quote | View Our Gallery | Call 732.984.1043

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Related Resources

• Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for 2026
• Bathroom Remodel Ideas: 50 Inspirations
• Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
• Kitchen Remodeling Timeline
• Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Services
• Kitchen & Bath Contractors NJ

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Custom Kitchens by Lopez | NJ License #13VH04175700 | 50+ Years Experience | 5.0 Google Rating (127+ Reviews)