In New Jersey, home remodeling continues to grow, with 2025 data showing NJ home improvement spending reaching close to $12 billion statewide. Homeowners are investing in kitchen remodels, home additions, and whole-home renovations to improve house value and improve everyday living.
As interest grows, so do the questions about process, pricing, and what to expect. One common question we hear at G&L and Sons Renovations is: “Why do NJ remodelers charge for design services?” It’s a valid concern, and the answer lies in what those design services truly offer.
In our latest blog, we’ve discussed home design fees as they relate to remodeling to help you put a price on what you’re interested in having done. We’ve also spoken about why design fees in NJ positively affect your renovation. Let’s dive in!
Design fees are a standard part of the process for any reputable firm offering design-build construction. However, the renovation design cost in NJ isn’t solely about drawings but also about building a roadmap for clients that helps them avoid costly surprises.
At G&L and Sons Renovations, we know that it can be difficult to understand why companies are charging for design plans, which is why we want to explain why design fees matter and are necessary for your remodel:
Our team at G&L and Sons Renovations understands the value of design services and their cost. That’s why we ensure our clients are told well in advance about our design fees and why we charge for design when it comes to remodels. We hope the above gives you an indication of our reasoning, but we’re more than happy to discuss it further.
Not all design packages are the same, but many New Jersey homeowners can expect the following within a standard design and build contractor fee:
Some design-build services may include 3D renderings, especially for kitchens and open-concept spaces. This is especially valuable for homeowners undergoing a design-build kitchen or bathroom remodel, where small details can have a big impact on the layout and traffic flow.
Our G&L and Sons Renovations team provides personalized guidance in our design package that will help you make well-informed decisions long before renovations begin.
There are several benefits that come from paying for design early in your remodeling process. They include the following:
In short, this process removes the guesswork, which is why many clients see it as one of the most overlooked benefits of design-build remodeling.
In 2025, most experienced design-build renovation firms in New Jersey charge a separate design fee. Whether you are tackling a kitchen remodel or planning a multi-room renovation, a defined design phase has become the new norm.
Firms that do not charge for design may either build it into their overall price or offer very limited planning support. If you’re not being charged for design, be sure to ask how much time and detail will actually go into your plans.
Firms like G&L and Sons Renovations, considered one of the best design-build contractors in NJ, outline costs clearly and provide meaningful value during the design process rather than pushing you straight into the construction without a complete plan.
In New Jersey, home design fees often range between 2 to 10 percent of the projected renovation cost. That means a well-planned $100,000 project could carry a remodel design cost between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on complexity.
To determine whether a design fee is fair, ask these questions:
Choosing a team that offers clear design fees upfront helps avoid surprise charges and supports a stronger working relationship from day one.
At G&L and Sons Renovations, we believe design is the backbone of a successful remodel. Our design fees in NJ reflect the experience, attention, and creativity we bring to every project. Whether you're looking for help understanding renovation design costs in NJ or figuring out the value of design services, we’re here to help.
Our team takes pride in delivering a thoughtful, detailed design that sets your renovation up for success. We're here to walk you through the process, answer questions, and provide the honest advice that has built our reputation across New Jersey.
Contact us here today. We’re happy to explain how our design process works and how it can make your next project smoother and more rewarding.
To recap, plan your project carefully and take the time to explore what matters most to you.
If you live in our northern NJ area and are ready to create the project of your dreams, we'd love to hear from you.