Your Essential Resource for Planning a Successful Home Renovation in Whatcom County
Presented by: Monarca Construction & Remodeling
Table of Contents
Introduction: Plan Your Dream Home with Confidence
Welcome!
If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely dreaming of a change. Maybe it’s a brighter, more functional kitchen where your family can gather, a spa-like bathroom to unwind in, or simply more space to live and grow. At Monarca Construction, we believe that a well-planned remodel can truly transform your house into the home of your dreams.
For years, we’ve been helping homeowners across Bellingham and Whatcom County navigate the remodeling process. We’ve seen firsthand how daunting the first steps can be, especially when it comes to understanding costs and making design choices.
That’s exactly why we created this guide.
Our goal is to pull back the curtain on the remodeling industry and provide you with the transparent, honest information you need to plan your project with confidence. Inside, you’ll find realistic budget ranges for projects in our local market, insights into the latest design trends suited for the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, and practical advice for maximizing your return on investment.
This guide is our way of sharing our expertise with the community we’re proud to be a part of. We hope it empowers you to take the next step in your home’s journey.
Sincerely,
Carlos & The Monarca Construction Team
Chapter 1: Understanding Remodeling Costs in Bellingham
Before diving into specific projects, it’s important to understand what drives the cost of a renovation. While every project is unique, costs are generally influenced by three main factors:
- Scope of Work: Are you simply replacing cabinets, or are you moving walls and reconfiguring the entire plumbing layout? The more complex the project, the higher the cost.
- Materials & Finishes: The materials you select represent a significant portion of the budget. Custom cabinetry, high-end quartz countertops, and luxury appliances will cost more than stock items from a big-box store.
- Labor: This is the cost of having skilled, licensed, and insured professionals—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and painters—bring your vision to life. Labor and project management typically account for 40-60% of a total remodel budget.
Don’t Forget the Contingency Fund! We always advise clients to set aside a contingency fund of 15-20% of their total budget. In any remodel, especially in older homes, unexpected issues can arise (like old wiring or hidden water damage). This fund ensures that surprises don’t derail your project.
Chapter 2: 2026 Kitchen Remodeling Costs & Trends
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s the most popular room to remodel. A well-designed kitchen not only enhances your daily life but also provides one of the best returns on investment.
Bellingham Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimates
These ranges are based on typical projects in the Whatcom County area and are intended for planning purposes.
| Level of Remodel | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Typically Included |
| Mid-Range | $35,000 – $75,000 | Refinishing or replacing cabinets, new countertops (laminate/solid surface), new appliances, sink, faucet, flooring, and fresh paint. Layout remains the same. |
| High-End | $80,000 – $150,000+ | Custom cabinetry, premium countertops (quartz/granite), high-end appliances, moving walls, new island, updated plumbing/electrical, custom lighting. |
2026 Kitchen Trends for the Pacific Northwest
- The Natural Connection: We’re seeing a strong shift toward materials that reflect our beautiful PNW surroundings. Think warm wood tones (like white oak and walnut), stone-look countertops, and earthy color palettes with deep greens and blues.
- The Multi-Functional Island: The kitchen island is now the command center. Trends include adding a second sink for prep work, integrated seating for casual dining, and dedicated outlets and charging stations.
- Statement & Texture: Homeowners are moving away from sterile, all-white kitchens. Personality is coming back through textured tile backsplashes that go all the way to the ceiling, fluted wood details on cabinets, and bold, dramatic stone countertops.
- Concealed Functionality: To maintain a clean look, there’s a growing demand for appliance garages to hide toasters and coffee makers, as well as integrated “pantry walls” that provide massive amounts of storage behind beautiful cabinet doors.
Chapter 3: 2026 Bathroom Remodeling Costs & Trends
A bathroom remodel can turn a purely functional space into a personal retreat and significantly increase your home’s appeal.
Bellingham Bathroom Remodel Cost Estimates
| Type of Remodel | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Typically Included |
| Guest / Small Bath | $18,000 – $35,000 | New vanity, toilet, fixtures, flooring, and tile for a tub/shower combo. The layout remains the same. |
| Primary / Master Bath | $40,000 – $85,000+ | Expanding the footprint, converting a tub to a large walk-in shower, double vanity, custom tile work, heated floors, and premium fixtures. |
2026 Bathroom Trends for the Pacific Northwest
- The At-Home Spa: Wellness is key. This translates to large, curb-less walk-in showers with multiple showerheads (like a rain head and a hand shower), freestanding soaking tubs, and heated flooring for those cool PNW mornings.
- Warmth & Wood: The cold, clinical look is out. Floating wood vanities bring warmth and a natural feel to the space.
- Bold Finishes: Matte black and brushed gold/brass fixtures continue to dominate, providing a striking contrast to natural tiles and wood tones.
- Seamless Surfaces: Large-format tiles for floors and shower walls are increasingly popular. With fewer grout lines, they create a clean, expansive look and are much easier to maintain.
Chapter 4: Maximizing Your Return on Investment (ROI)
While you should remodel for your own enjoyment first, it’s smart to consider how your investment will affect your home’s value. In the Bellingham market, these projects consistently provide the best ROI:
- Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels: These are the superstars of ROI and are most impactful to potential buyers.
- Exterior Improvements: A new roof or updated siding not only boosts curb appeal but also protects your home from the PNW weather, which is a major value-add.
- Home Additions: While a larger investment, a well-designed home addition that adds a bedroom or bathroom provides a direct and substantial increase in home value.
The key to a strong ROI is professional, high-quality work. A poorly executed remodel can actually decrease your home’s value.
Your Dream Home Awaits
We hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of what to expect as you begin planning your home remodel. With a solid plan, a realistic budget, and the right professional partner, you can create a space that you and your family will love for years to come.
The journey to your dream home is an exciting one, and we’re here to help.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with our team. We’d love to hear about your vision and discuss how we can bring it to life.
Click Here to Schedule Your Free Consultation with Monarca Construction
