Kitchen remodel costs in Charleston vary widely depending on scope. Here's how we break it down for homeowners:

• Cosmetic refresh ($20,000–$30,000): New countertops, hardware, backsplash, lighting, and fresh finishes. Cabinet boxes stay in place. No layout changes.
• Standard remodel ($30,000–$60,000): New semi-custom cabinetry, updated countertops, new appliances, tile backsplash, and flooring. May include minor layout adjustments.
• Extensive remodel ($60,000–$100,000+): Structural changes, layout redesign, custom cabinetry, premium countertops, updated plumbing and electrical, and high-end appliances.
• Luxury custom kitchen ($100,000+): Full custom cabinetry, luxury materials throughout, integrated appliances, significant structural changes, and designer finishes.

Every project is different, which is why we provide a fixed-price contract after our design phase so you know exactly what to expect. During your consultation, we'll assess your kitchen and walk you through realistic pricing for your specific vision and scope.

A design-build contractor handles both the design and construction of your project under one roof. Instead of hiring an architect and a builder separately and managing communication between them, you work with a single team from concept to completion. At Serene Builders, this means fewer delays, clearer communication, better coordination with trade partners, and a fixed price before construction begins.

Timelines vary depending on project scope. A typical kitchen remodel takes 8 to 12 weeks, while larger whole-home renovations or additions can take 4 to 6 months. During your consultation, we'll walk you through a realistic timeline for your specific project and keep you updated through your dedicated project portal with real-time scheduling and progress updates.

We primarily serve the greater Charleston area, including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, Johns Island, and Kiawah Island. If you're unsure whether your project falls within our service area, call us at 843-754-9047 and we'll let you know.

Yes. Serene Builders is a fully licensed residential builder, bonded, and insured in South Carolina. We're also BBB-accredited and a member of the Association of Professional Builders. Our license status (RBB 51801) can be verified with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at verify.llronline.com.

A quick estimate may work for small projects, but accurate pricing on remodels and renovations requires a thorough understanding of your home's existing conditions, your design preferences, and all the materials and systems involved. Here's our process: First, we have a discovery consultation to discuss your vision, timeline, and budget. Next, we conduct an in-person site review and provide rough pricing guidance. Then comes our design and planning phase, where we prepare detailed drawings, coordinate with trade partners, and finalize all material selections. Once that work is complete, we deliver your official fixed-price quote. This approach ensures your quote is accurate, comprehensive, and reflects exactly what we'll build.

Our process has four clear steps. First, a discovery consultation to learn about your vision, timeline, and budget. Second, an in-person site review to assess existing conditions and provide rough pricing. Third, our design and planning phase where we prepare detailed drawings, coordinate with trade partners, and deliver your fixed-price quote. Fourth, the build itself, where you'll have access to a project portal with real-time updates, scheduling, and construction documents.

Our design phase is where we turn your vision into a detailed construction plan. We prepare architectural drawings, coordinate with structural engineers and trade specialists as needed, finalize all material selections, and work through the specifics of how your project will be built. This phase includes coordination with local building departments for permit requirements, review of building codes, and (when applicable) HOA or architectural review board approvals. Once the design phase is complete, we have a clear picture of scope, materials, labor, and timelines—which is why we can deliver an accurate fixed-price quote. This thoroughness upfront prevents costly changes and surprises during construction.

We operate as a true design-build firm with transparent, fixed-price contracts that protect your budget. We coordinate all trade work in-house, hold every subcontractor to our standards, and give you real-time visibility into your project through your dedicated online portal. Communication, professionalism, and attention to detail are core to how we work. We also carefully vet every trade professional on our team and stand behind our work with a comprehensive limited warranty.

Yes. Bathroom remodels are one of our core services, ranging from simple updates to complete luxury renovations. Like all our work, you'll get a fixed-price contract, professional design coordination, and real-time project visibility through your portal. Bathroom remodel costs in Charleston vary depending on scope. Here's how they typically break down:

• Cosmetic refresh ($8,000–$12,000): New fixtures, vanity, paint, and accessories. No plumbing or layout changes required.
• Mid-range remodel ($12,000–$20,000): Full tile replacement, new shower or tub, updated plumbing fixtures, and vanity replacement.
• Full gut renovation ($20,000–$35,000+): Complete demolition, layout changes, custom tile work, and luxury fixtures.
• Master bath/luxury ($30,000–$60,000+): High-end materials, custom cabinetry, expanded footprints, or walk-in showers with premium finishes.

We design and build decks, porches, and outdoor living spaces using quality materials like composite and PVC decking and custom railings. Every deck project includes the same transparent process, fixed pricing, and attention to detail as our interior remodels. Deck and outdoor construction costs in Charleston vary depending on material, size, and complexity. Here's how they typically break down:

• Pressure-treated wood deck ($5,000–$10,000): A classic pressure-treated pine deck with standard railings, ideal for budget-conscious projects. Lower upfront cost with periodic maintenance required.
• Composite deck ($12,000–$25,000): Low-maintenance composite decking (such as Trex), custom railings, and a typical mid-size to large footprint. Higher upfront cost but minimal long-term upkeep.
• Premium PVC / luxury deck ($25,000–$40,000+): Capped cellular PVC decking (such as TimberTech), premium railing systems, multi-level designs, built-in features, and larger footprints.
• Screened porch / outdoor living space ($25,000–$60,000+): A roofed, screened structure built on a composite deck base, ranging from a basic shed-roof porch to a high-end space with tongue-and-groove ceilings, phantom screens, and a gable roof.

For long-term homeowners, composite and PVC typically win the total cost-of-ownership comparison after several years thanks to their low maintenance. During your consultation, we'll recommend the right material and walk you through realistic pricing for your specific vision.

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive limited warranty covering 24 months on structural work, plumbing, and finish work (like kitchen and bath installations), and 90 days on grout and caulk. All warranties run from substantial completion of your project. We're committed to your long-term satisfaction.

We handle all permit applications, coordination with local building departments, and required inspections as part of our service. Our fee includes permitting, and we ensure every project meets Charleston's building codes and any applicable HOA or ARB requirements. For projects on Daniel Island, Kiawah Island, or other restricted communities, we manage all architectural review coordination.

Your satisfaction is our priority. If any concern arises during construction, let us know right away and we'll address it immediately. If something comes up after we've finished, contact us and we'll assess it promptly. If it's covered by our warranty, we'll handle the repair at no cost. We stand behind our work because your long-term satisfaction is what builds our reputation.

Yes. We handle all coordination with these boards, including design approvals, compliance documentation, and deposit requirements. We factor HOA approval timelines into your project schedule so there are no surprises.

We accept standard payment terms and are happy to discuss options that work for your budget. We recommend speaking with your bank about home equity lines or construction financing. We're also happy to work directly with your lender and provide documentation they need.

In most cases, yes. Charleston-area municipalities require a permit for new decks, especially those attached to the home or raised above a certain height. The good news is we handle all of it for you—permit applications, plan submittals, and inspections are included in our service. We also confirm whether your project needs HOA or architectural review board approval before work begins.

Approval timelines vary by community, but ARB review on Daniel Island, Kiawah Island, and similar neighborhoods typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the board's meeting schedule and the scope of your project. We have extensive experience with these boards and handle all coordination, including design submittals, compliance documentation, and deposits. We build these timelines into your project schedule so there are no surprises.

In many cases, yes. For projects like a bathroom remodel, deck, or single-room renovation, most homeowners continue living at home. For larger kitchen or whole-home renovations where key living spaces are out of service, some clients choose to stay elsewhere during the most disruptive phases. During your consultation, we'll walk you through what to expect for your specific project so you can plan accordingly.

There's no bad time to start—we build year-round. That said, planning ahead matters more than the season. Because our design and planning phase happens before construction, starting that process a couple of months before you want work to begin ensures permits, materials, and any HOA approvals are ready to go. Reaching out early simply gives you more flexibility on your construction start date.

Look for a contractor who is properly licensed and insured, provides a clear written scope and fixed pricing before construction, communicates consistently, and has a transparent process. Ask how they handle permits, change orders, subcontractors, and warranties. At Serene Builders, we're a licensed design-build firm (RBB 51801) offering fixed-price contracts, in-house trade coordination, a real-time project portal, and a comprehensive limited warranty—so you know exactly what you're getting before work begins.

Yes. We offer a complimentary discovery consultation to discuss your vision, timeline, and budget, followed by an in-person site review with rough pricing guidance. Detailed, accurate fixed-price quotes are prepared during our design and planning phase, once we fully understand your project's scope. Call us at 843-754-9047 to schedule your consultation.