Why That “One Small Change” in Your Remodel Costs More Than You Think

Understanding the Hidden Costs Behind Remodeling

It happens all the time—beginning or in the middle of a remodel, a client asks: "Can we get a cost for just this one small change?"

What starts as a simple question often turns into a more difficult conversation when the actual price is significantly more than expected.

We hear the same surprise every time: “How does this one little thing cost so much?”

On a recent master bathroom remodel for one of our returning clients in the Portland metro area, we encountered the perfect example of how a seemingly minor change—like replacing a single piece of closet door trim—can spiral into a larger cost. So we’re taking this opportunity to walk you through what really happens behind the scenes, and why finish work isn’t something to underestimate.

The Remodel Scenario: A Simple Piece of Closet Door Trim

Our project began as a full custom master bathroom remodel, including new vanity cabinets and countertops. During demo, we noticed the existing countertop was cut into the closet door trim. Once the vanity came out, it became obvious—the trim wasn’t going to survive the remodel.

No problem, right? Just replace the one side of trim?

Here’s where it gets tricky.

That specific trim style? Discontinued. The closest available match is wider and thicker, which means we can’t just swap out one piece—it throws off the proportions of the whole door. The only clean solution is to replace the entire trim around the door.

Why That One Change Adds Up

Now let’s tally the cost:

• Demolition of the old trim

• Material for the new (and now full) frame

• Labor to install, And remember—this is custom finish work, the kind of detail you don’t want to cut corners on. Quality finish carpentry is what separates a quick patch job from a beautiful, cohesive remodel.

  
  

But wait, there’s more. What about the other side of the door? Doors have trim on both sides. And while it’s up to the client, if you want a clean and seamless look (and trust us, you will), you’ll want the inside and outside to match. So now we’ve doubled the material and labor—just for one closet door.

Suddenly, what seemed like one small change has turned into a more substantial scope.

Visualize It for Yourself

Let’s do a quick exercise—look around the room you’re in. Find all the doors and windows. You probably haven’t noticed their trim in a while because everything matches.

Now, pick just one of those doors or windows. Imagine its trim being completely different—wider, thicker, maybe a slightly different profile. Now look back around the room. Would you notice? Would it stand out? Would it bug you?

Chances are, it would—and that’s exactly the point. That’s why in this bathroom project, once we addressed that one closet door, we also had to tackle the other three doors in the room to keep everything consistent.

Luckily, in this case, the window trim was a completely different custom style and didn’t need to match—but that’s not always how it plays out. In many homes, all the trims need to match, and every variation multiplies the cost.

More Than Just Trim—Painting and Final Touches

Trim is just the beginning. Every door frame you update also requires painting, and paint isn’t cheap—especially when it needs to be sprayed or blended for a perfect match. Multiply that by 4 doors, and the labor hours and paint materials start to stack up.

And finally, even if the doors are being reused, there’s still labor to reinstall them. And if any drywall gets damaged in demo? That’s more cost.

So yes, your "one small change" could realistically snowball into a several-hundred-dollar (or more) line item, depending on the scope.

Why Edelweiss Construction Takes the Time to Explain the Details

At Edelweiss Construction, we believe in complete transparency. We may not always give you the answer you want to hear, but we’ll always give you the truth. No sugarcoating, no inflated optimism—just honest, educated answers so you can make confident decisions about your home.

Yes, sometimes a small change is as easy and inexpensive as it sounds—especially if matching materials are still in production. But other times, as in this example, that change can uncover a domino effect of design and detail that needs to be addressed to maintain the integrity of your home.

Conclusion: The Devil’s in the Details—But So Is the Beauty

Home remodeling isn’t just about big transformations—it’s also about the little things that make your space feel complete. And those “little things” often carry big value.

We’re here to help guide you through all of it, every step of the way. Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation, kitchen remodel, or a full home update in the Portland-Vancouver metro area, Edelweiss Construction is your partner for quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and attention to detail.

So next time you hear “it’s just one piece of trim,” you’ll know exactly what that really means.

Ready to Remodel with Integrity and Expertise?

Serving Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Vancouver WA & beyond

Specializing in Custom Home Building and Remodeling

Contact Edelweiss Construction today for a free consultation and honest estimate.