need complete remodel quote estimate

need complete remodel quote estimate

Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes

Property is 1,148sqft, 3bed, 2bath, family/living room, kitchen/laundry.

Work that i would like to do:
- brand new kitchen
- 2 brand new baths
- all cosmetics brand new
- some if not all windows need to be replaced
- convert from wall furnace to central A/C and heat
- raising ceiling from 8' to 9' 
- new roof
- want brand new modern exterior look
- landscaping and maybe a new driveway
- water/drainage/gas piping condition unknown.  assume need to replace.
- Garage is good, has drywall but poor insulation/ceiling. want to fix the insulation/ceiling and maybe do durable flooring.

there's a huge 8,000sqft yard in which i'd like to add an ADU to, but that can wait.

any estimates or referrals would be greatly appreciate.  thx!

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Investor · Minnetonka, MN · Member since 2013 · 70 posts · 100 votes
6y

@Yi Chung Chen

Since you initially had "increased ceiling heights" on your wish list, I'm assuming you're planning for higher-end finishes throughout. That being said, I've pulled together some bare bones guesstimates for each item below.

I'm also from the Minnesota market (this thread reached my inbox via keyword notification), and work full-time as a general contractor. Obviously, labor rates, etc, vary drastically; however, I can tell you the following would apply in our market:

(1) Kitchen: $40,000 minimum. Kitchens have a ton of updated code requirements, and as soon as you open any walls, you'll need to update electrical and plumbing to code. Many municipalities will require these updates if cabinets, counters, and flooring come out, as they'll deem you're already past the point where it can be deemed cosmetic. Since you'll be living in the property, I believe you'll regret skipping electrical updates, etc, as you'll tend to have breakers trip (especially in kitchens). I also have never completed a remodel where there isn't something dangerous/illegal buried (spliced wiring, corroded pipes, etc). As such, we always take our remodels to the studs. Minimums are typically as follows: cabinetry (even for box/IKEA, smaller kitchen) ~$5,000. Appliances (~$2,000 bear minimum). Stone counters (~$3,000). Fixtures (~$1,500) and flooring (~$3,000). As you can see, you're already at $14,500 before accounting for demolition, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, framing, insulation, sheetrock, paint, and finish carpentry. This is also assuming a small footprint and bear bones design (no bells/whistles). We've had plenty of kitchens run in excess of $75,000. Most of the time once you crack $75,000, it's either related to additional structural components (opening walls, relocating windows, etc) or very high end finishes/appliances.

(2) Baths: $20,000 minimum (each). This would be assuming a full gut, and vinyl flooring, vanity package from big box store, fiberglass tub/shower surround or shower stall, etc. Our typically 5x8 bathroom with full gut and re-build using tile on floors/walls runs more like $30,000 minimum. Again, we open all projects to the studs to provide the best finished product, and ensure no safety/code issues upon completion.

(3) All costmetics is very broad; however, if you're talking paint, flooring, trim, lighting, door knobs, etc, this will be a very big number. Too broad to ballpark, but certainly wouldn't be less than an additional $20,000 when all is said and done.

(4) Windows vary a bit based on size; however, I agree with @Justin V. regarding per opening costs - minimum $500 per opening. I would also add, this often only covers the cost of the window, and its replacement labor. Not necessarily re-trimming the interior, painting that trim, etc. There's a huge difference in Jeldwen or similar Menards/Home Depot windows, and lines like Marvin/Andersen (popular in Minnesota, and the only lines we install). If you start looking at changing window sizes/locations, this cost will grow exponentially as you bleed into siding re-work, new headers, opening walls, etc. Assuming maintaining all locations, lower end windows, and 12 openings, call this $6,000.

(5) Forced Air Conversion: $15,000 minimum. Depending on layout, conversion to central air could be somewhat straight-forward, or extremely difficult. We've converted a couple, and with a new furance, A/C unit, and all ducting/permits, this is usually a safe beginning placeholder (before accounting for concealing new ducts, etc).

(6) Roofing: $15,000 (your guess). In MN, asphalt runs ~$300/square in MN ($300/100 square feet of coverage). Steel, tile, slate, etc are all significantly more expensive, and decking issues beneath the existing (due to moisture, etc) will also significantly increase cost. This is a decent placeholder.

(7) Exterior: $20,000 (your guess). Based on the size of the home, this definitely feels doable if you're sticking with more of a siding/paneling application. If you're looking at brick, stucco, etc things may become more expensive; however, the SW is a totally different market than Midwest when it comes to stucco, etc). May be a comfortable placeholder.

(8) Landscaping and driveway: $10,000 (your guess). Both are highly subjective, based on size/length of driveway, asphalt (cheapest) vs concrete (more expensive vs pavers (most expensive). This budget could be OK if you're going asphalt on the driveway and looking mainly at minor plantings/yard cleanup for the yard. If you're getting into hardscaping and potential retaining walls/systems, that number will be significantly higher.

(9) Conversion of Water/Drainage/Gas Piping: $10,000 (your guess). This could open Pandora's box. I strongly recommend you verify it's all in operable shape. If you're planning to have everything gutted to the studs in the entire place, a full update is somewhat palatable; however, you'll then end up spending a ton of money re-sheetrocking, etc. 

(10) Garage Work: $5,000 (your guess). Depending on the size, this likely wouldn't be a huge expense, but depends on how "finished" you'd like things to look. This could increase significantly if you're looking to make this a "man cave" or something similar.

As you can see above, I'm pushing almost $180,000, assuming you aren't doing a ton with layout/floor plan changes, and also aren't going high-end with finishes. This budget could easily double, as it excludes electrical specifics among other things. Permitting, dumpsters, blueprints, etc are also excluded. 

In addition, you have the massive challenge of finding a contractor who not only bids the project, but follows through on that budget both from a timing and cost perspective (much easier said than done). Many people err here in hiring the cheapest company - 99 times out of 100, that leads to extreme hardship, and a project that never reaches completion. I would also caution you to make sure you aren't taking the $100,000 goal budget, and simply making the pieces fit (for example, everything before windows totals $95,000, so you think "I'm sure I can get windows done for $5,000"). That approach (which can occur subconsciously) is very dangerous.

If this is your first foray into a remodel of this magnitude, I'd aim for some type of extended due diligence period where you're able to truly determine costs (or at least get within 15% of projected cost, knowing you're comfortable with a 15% swing in either direction). Our bidding process involves:

(1) High level figure based on square footage, photos, scope of work - this is within 15% of final project cost.

(2) If initial budget estimate feels aligned with goals, we schedule a site visit to hash out a more exact scope of work and take into account job sites specifics, access, finish level, etc - this is within 5-10% of final project cost.

(3) If the refined budget and our working style are a fit for the client, we take a small down payment for planning and finalizing the project budget (typically $1,000 to cover drafting fees, etc). During this process we spec all finishes/fixtures/scope of work, and then provide a final "guaranteed" budget that will only change if hidden conditions arise (code/safety-related), scope of work changes (additional work added above the defined scope), or fixtures/finishes change (price will go up or down, based on the new selection and any re-work necessary).

I strongly recommend you find someone with a similar process, who also freely offers up proof of licensing, insurance, 3-party reviews, and client references you can contact.

Finally, if it's a long term play and you don't mind spending the money, consider the "phased" approach mentioned by @Nabil Suleiman. If you pursue this, you'll want to have a "master plan" to ensure you won't end up with re-work (remodeling often leads to new roof penetrations, exterior adjustments, etc). There's nothing worse than re-siding a home, and then needing to complete re-work when a window location changes.

This post got a bit long, but I hope my insight is helpful. Best of luck with the project!

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  • Nabil SuleimanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 596 posts · 299 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    Where do you live?

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    @Nabil Suleiman San Jose

  • Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    “Raise ceiling from 8ft to 9ft” could easily make this a bad idea. Hope you’re not banking on this as a flip.

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    @Kris H. No, would be my primary residence.

  • Nabil SuleimanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 596 posts · 299 votes
    6y
  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    @Nabil Suleiman

    Didn’t see anything in your response

  • Nabil SuleimanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 596 posts · 299 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    was going to say the same as kris. Some parts of what you went to do will grow your expense list a lot. Raising your ceiling is one, and many people underestimate the cost of landscaping and hardscaping. Depending on the finishes you choose, the level of contractor you find.. and whether or not you go the ADU route, I would guess around 250k-500k depending on what you actually decide to do and the type of finishes you choose. Obviously a broad range, but the details are broad so the number is too.

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    @Nabil Suleimani'm going to hold off on the ADU

    my estimates
    - brand new kitchen: $15k
    - 2 brand new baths: $10k
    - all cosmetics brand new: $5k
    - some if not all windows need to be replaced: $5k
    - convert from wall furnace to central A/C and heat: $5k
    - raising ceiling from 8' to 9'

    - new roof: $15k
    - want brand new modern exterior look: $20k
    - landscaping and maybe a new driveway: $10k
    - water/drainage/gas piping condition unknown. assume need to replace: $10k
    - Garage is good, has drywall but poor insulation/ceiling. want to fix the insulation/ceiling and maybe do durable flooring: $5k

    Think i could do it for $100k?

  • Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    Completing the work listed for $100k would be a miracle. I would expect more like $20k+ per bathroom. And I would expect minimum of $30k for absolute bare essentials of “landscaping”. That particular item could be $500k if you want it to. Friend of mine has $75k of British Columbia slate in his backyard as a ... wait for it... fire pit area.

    If your budget is $100k do your kitchen and bathrooms and then start saving again. Unless your roof is leaking, then do that first.

  • Rental Property Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 214 posts · 132 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    I figured I’d chime in.

    In my Minnesota market installed windows range from 550-1000 each.

    I would image furnace with ac will be 8k plus the cost of ducting.

    Roof sounds in the range for asphalt shingles. Maybe 15-25k.

    Raising the ceiling is a wild card that I imagine would be very expensive.

    -Justin

  • Nabil SuleimanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 596 posts · 299 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen 

    Is it possible? Yes. I would just make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. 
    Aka. New kitchen. What cabinets? where from? What kind of pulls if any?  Have the design drawn out. Is there plumbing moving? Like you said, does all of the electrical l, plumbing, gas need to be upgraded? 
    if it’s purely cosmetic that’s one thing, if you are taking down walls that’s another. 

    A/c- if there is no a/c my first thought is, what, if any, does the insulation look like? I’m sure someone can install the unit and the ducts, but if you don’t have insulation then you’re missing part of the point of it. so if you are paying for so much work.. especially a new roof, you might as well make sure that you see insulated ground up. 

    As you are the person living there, I would make sure that your GC is licensed and insured, check out their previous work, and make sure you have every detail on paper so you are not surprised with change orders. 
    your project is big, lot of room for error (Missing something you wanted or didn’t know about)/ change orders. 

    So can you get it done for 100? Yes, probably. But not sure you will truly get everything you went from it. If it were me, I would tackle the big items first. 
    foundation, sewer, plumbing, electrical, roof. Once inspected and I’m either ok or not ok with it I’ll spend my money on that. 
    then I would move onto a/c, insulation and windows. Then interior beauty and last last would be landscaping and hardscaping. 

    Go online and get an idea of exactly the styles you want and make sure your GC sources the material, brings you samples or you go see it in person before ordering. 

    Those are my thoughts 

  • Investor · Minnetonka, MN · Member since 2013 · 70 posts · 100 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen

    Since you initially had "increased ceiling heights" on your wish list, I'm assuming you're planning for higher-end finishes throughout. That being said, I've pulled together some bare bones guesstimates for each item below.

    I'm also from the Minnesota market (this thread reached my inbox via keyword notification), and work full-time as a general contractor. Obviously, labor rates, etc, vary drastically; however, I can tell you the following would apply in our market:

    (1) Kitchen: $40,000 minimum. Kitchens have a ton of updated code requirements, and as soon as you open any walls, you'll need to update electrical and plumbing to code. Many municipalities will require these updates if cabinets, counters, and flooring come out, as they'll deem you're already past the point where it can be deemed cosmetic. Since you'll be living in the property, I believe you'll regret skipping electrical updates, etc, as you'll tend to have breakers trip (especially in kitchens). I also have never completed a remodel where there isn't something dangerous/illegal buried (spliced wiring, corroded pipes, etc). As such, we always take our remodels to the studs. Minimums are typically as follows: cabinetry (even for box/IKEA, smaller kitchen) ~$5,000. Appliances (~$2,000 bear minimum). Stone counters (~$3,000). Fixtures (~$1,500) and flooring (~$3,000). As you can see, you're already at $14,500 before accounting for demolition, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, framing, insulation, sheetrock, paint, and finish carpentry. This is also assuming a small footprint and bear bones design (no bells/whistles). We've had plenty of kitchens run in excess of $75,000. Most of the time once you crack $75,000, it's either related to additional structural components (opening walls, relocating windows, etc) or very high end finishes/appliances.

    (2) Baths: $20,000 minimum (each). This would be assuming a full gut, and vinyl flooring, vanity package from big box store, fiberglass tub/shower surround or shower stall, etc. Our typically 5x8 bathroom with full gut and re-build using tile on floors/walls runs more like $30,000 minimum. Again, we open all projects to the studs to provide the best finished product, and ensure no safety/code issues upon completion.

    (3) All costmetics is very broad; however, if you're talking paint, flooring, trim, lighting, door knobs, etc, this will be a very big number. Too broad to ballpark, but certainly wouldn't be less than an additional $20,000 when all is said and done.

    (4) Windows vary a bit based on size; however, I agree with @Justin V. regarding per opening costs - minimum $500 per opening. I would also add, this often only covers the cost of the window, and its replacement labor. Not necessarily re-trimming the interior, painting that trim, etc. There's a huge difference in Jeldwen or similar Menards/Home Depot windows, and lines like Marvin/Andersen (popular in Minnesota, and the only lines we install). If you start looking at changing window sizes/locations, this cost will grow exponentially as you bleed into siding re-work, new headers, opening walls, etc. Assuming maintaining all locations, lower end windows, and 12 openings, call this $6,000.

    (5) Forced Air Conversion: $15,000 minimum. Depending on layout, conversion to central air could be somewhat straight-forward, or extremely difficult. We've converted a couple, and with a new furance, A/C unit, and all ducting/permits, this is usually a safe beginning placeholder (before accounting for concealing new ducts, etc).

    (6) Roofing: $15,000 (your guess). In MN, asphalt runs ~$300/square in MN ($300/100 square feet of coverage). Steel, tile, slate, etc are all significantly more expensive, and decking issues beneath the existing (due to moisture, etc) will also significantly increase cost. This is a decent placeholder.

    (7) Exterior: $20,000 (your guess). Based on the size of the home, this definitely feels doable if you're sticking with more of a siding/paneling application. If you're looking at brick, stucco, etc things may become more expensive; however, the SW is a totally different market than Midwest when it comes to stucco, etc). May be a comfortable placeholder.

    (8) Landscaping and driveway: $10,000 (your guess). Both are highly subjective, based on size/length of driveway, asphalt (cheapest) vs concrete (more expensive vs pavers (most expensive). This budget could be OK if you're going asphalt on the driveway and looking mainly at minor plantings/yard cleanup for the yard. If you're getting into hardscaping and potential retaining walls/systems, that number will be significantly higher.

    (9) Conversion of Water/Drainage/Gas Piping: $10,000 (your guess). This could open Pandora's box. I strongly recommend you verify it's all in operable shape. If you're planning to have everything gutted to the studs in the entire place, a full update is somewhat palatable; however, you'll then end up spending a ton of money re-sheetrocking, etc. 

    (10) Garage Work: $5,000 (your guess). Depending on the size, this likely wouldn't be a huge expense, but depends on how "finished" you'd like things to look. This could increase significantly if you're looking to make this a "man cave" or something similar.

    As you can see above, I'm pushing almost $180,000, assuming you aren't doing a ton with layout/floor plan changes, and also aren't going high-end with finishes. This budget could easily double, as it excludes electrical specifics among other things. Permitting, dumpsters, blueprints, etc are also excluded. 

    In addition, you have the massive challenge of finding a contractor who not only bids the project, but follows through on that budget both from a timing and cost perspective (much easier said than done). Many people err here in hiring the cheapest company - 99 times out of 100, that leads to extreme hardship, and a project that never reaches completion. I would also caution you to make sure you aren't taking the $100,000 goal budget, and simply making the pieces fit (for example, everything before windows totals $95,000, so you think "I'm sure I can get windows done for $5,000"). That approach (which can occur subconsciously) is very dangerous.

    If this is your first foray into a remodel of this magnitude, I'd aim for some type of extended due diligence period where you're able to truly determine costs (or at least get within 15% of projected cost, knowing you're comfortable with a 15% swing in either direction). Our bidding process involves:

    (1) High level figure based on square footage, photos, scope of work - this is within 15% of final project cost.

    (2) If initial budget estimate feels aligned with goals, we schedule a site visit to hash out a more exact scope of work and take into account job sites specifics, access, finish level, etc - this is within 5-10% of final project cost.

    (3) If the refined budget and our working style are a fit for the client, we take a small down payment for planning and finalizing the project budget (typically $1,000 to cover drafting fees, etc). During this process we spec all finishes/fixtures/scope of work, and then provide a final "guaranteed" budget that will only change if hidden conditions arise (code/safety-related), scope of work changes (additional work added above the defined scope), or fixtures/finishes change (price will go up or down, based on the new selection and any re-work necessary).

    I strongly recommend you find someone with a similar process, who also freely offers up proof of licensing, insurance, 3-party reviews, and client references you can contact.

    Finally, if it's a long term play and you don't mind spending the money, consider the "phased" approach mentioned by @Nabil Suleiman. If you pursue this, you'll want to have a "master plan" to ensure you won't end up with re-work (remodeling often leads to new roof penetrations, exterior adjustments, etc). There's nothing worse than re-siding a home, and then needing to complete re-work when a window location changes.

    This post got a bit long, but I hope my insight is helpful. Best of luck with the project!

  • Tim SwierczekPro Member
    Lender · White Bear Township, MN · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Keith Linne incredibly valuable post

  • Rental Property Investor · Woodstock, GA · Member since 2017 · 517 posts · 772 votes
    6y

    Just to be clear...

    We're talking about California prices here, right? 

    I'm way in the east coast (N. Atlanta) and to spend $200k on an 1,100 sq. ft house is freakin' insane.

    But just in case any beginners read this and have a heart attack...I'm assuming California rehabs are 3-5X  higher than the rest of the country?

    E.G. a roof for an 1,100 sq ft house for $15k? ... more like $5k-$6k here...  siding? $5k - $10k (max)...windows $210 - $400...

    (I didn't Minnesota was so expensive too)

  • Brittany KuschelBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Duluth, MN · Member since 2016 · 99 posts · 89 votes
    6y

    @Keith Linne love the detail and candid approach!

    Kuschel Realty Group LLC549 Reviews
    View Page
  • Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2019 · 129 posts · 210 votes
    6y

    @Joe Cassandra It’s insane in Minnesota too if you’re looking at it from an investors viewpoint. My small bathroom remodel should run me about 5k tops and that’s with redoing the plumbing, granted I’m only paying a plumber and not a GC to do it all. 

    I'm not trying to dispute Keith Linne at all here though. As a GC he's certainly forgotten more about construction than I've ever learned but my point is that if you're looking at the renovation as trying to get as much value for your dollar as possible, there are ways to do a kitchen and 2 bathrooms for 20k and have it add maybe 75% as much value as doing it for 80k. Those are super rough estimates and will depend on your location and comps though. In general high end finishes aren't going to have as much ROI unless you're a contractor or very skilled DIYer.

  • Investor · Minnetonka, MN · Member since 2013 · 70 posts · 100 votes
    6y

    @Evan Kraljic

    I completely agree with you on how to maximize value on investment remodels!

    I'm always up-front with investors that we aren't the best fit for investment-style work. I started out solely in investment (rehabbed houses for 3 years), and that requires a completely different set of tradesmen (investments typically aren't occupied, finishes are entry level, working hours can be longer, reliability can be lower, followup service/warranty work is non-existent, etc). We've spent the past 5 years building a rock solid team, and my motto is you can't work with our crews/company unless I'd trust you to babysit my 8 month old. Every team we work with has a sub-24 hour response time to calls/emails, and typically will be on site within 48 hours if any need for warranty, service, or something else comes up. This allows us to deliver an excellent end product, with as minimal disruption as possible to our clients' lives, and provide the peace of mind that the end of the project does not mean the end of stellar service. We are also cognizant of warranty followup, and regularly deliver on that (MN has 1 year, 2 year, 10 year statutory warranties related to certain construction elements which most GCs try to avoid mentioning).

    There's certainly a balance, and DIY work is the best way to shave costs. That being said, numerous investors treat time as though it's infinite, when it needs to be treated as the extremely valuable/finite resource it is. You can certainly fix up your own spaces (I'm personally finishing my own basement); however, there is an opportunity cost associated with DIY work. For some, it's worth it (maybe you would otherwise be watching TV or feeling un-productive). For others, it isn't (maybe you'd use that time to track down 2-3 more investments properties instead). Our client basements take 8-10 weeks, depending upon overall complexity/scope of work, whereas my personal basement is going on week 53. If DIY is the approach, you really need to track every material expense and every minute of time spent on the project to accurately reflect the true cost (still likely cheaper, but not likely as astronomically cheaper as it appears at first glance). The other related element here is timing. If my personal basement were an investment, I'd be bleeding holding costs like crazy (10+ unnecessary months of expenses). If one contractor is 10-20% more expensive from a bid standpoint, but can guarantee he'll finish the job a month faster, there is a chance his/her company will still end up being more cost effective on the whole, all things considered.

    The last thing I'll mention is reliability. So many investors have horror stories related to contractors flaking out, and it typically stems from hiring the cheapest crews possible (this would never be the goal for your CPA, doctor, attorney, etc). We strive to provide extremely high value for the cost bid. As I always say, "price (budget), timing (speed to completion), and quality (craftsmanship)...pick two". And as with everything, the best blend/balance is highly subjective and depends on personal preference.

    Great discussion, and appreciate you bringing up the additional perspective!

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    Thank you so much for all the amazing and detailed feedback.  This place is truly wonderful.
    Learning so much here.

    So I've scheduled to meet with a few contractors at the property so that they can give me some estimates.  

    will let everyone know how it goes.  Thx again!

  • Contractor · Placerville, CA · Member since 2019 · 85 posts · 66 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen Keith's response is great but costs are likely to be even higher.

    Contractor license numbers are issued chronologically...so the lower the number the longer they've been in business. Staying in business in California a long time is challenging. Be weary of contractors that don't want to pull permits. A good contractor will be weary of customer that doesn't want permits. Have their insurance "accord" sent directly from their broker to you. Just my 2c as a contractor that works San Jose.

  • Contractor · Fremont, CA · Member since 2018 · 50 posts · 17 votes
    6y

    @Yi Chung Chen,

    I’m a licensed and insured contractor from Fremont with experience in remodels, additions and new construction. Been in the trade for over 20 years and licensed for 12. Have plenty of references so If you’d like a quote for the work mentioned, feel free to message or call me anytime.

    Thanks

    Zab Khan

  • Real Estate Agent · San Jose, CA · Member since 2017 · 57 posts · 35 votes
    6y

    Hi there! My b/f is a reputable Remodel General Contractor, lives in San Jose. Let me know if you would like him to contact you to come by, he can do a free estimate.

    Diane

  • Rental Property Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2015 · 401 posts · 221 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Yi Chung Chen:

    my estimates
    - brand new kitchen: $15k
    - 2 brand new baths: $10k
    - all cosmetics brand new: $5k
    - some if not all windows need to be replaced: $5k
    - convert from wall furnace to central A/C and heat: $5k
    - raising ceiling from 8' to 9'

    - new roof: $15k
    - want brand new modern exterior look: $20k
    - landscaping and maybe a new driveway: $10k
    - water/drainage/gas piping condition unknown. assume need to replace: $10k
    - Garage is good, has drywall but poor insulation/ceiling. want to fix the insulation/ceiling and maybe do durable flooring: $5k

    Think i could do it for $100k?

    - 2 brand new baths: $10k

    Maybe labor only, but with material ... it's probably higher.

    - convert from wall furnace to central A/C and heat: $5k

    Since it'll be your primary home & you want to use the ok stuffs, a decent AC & heater will cost you about 3K already. Installing & ducting ... will easily push it over 5k

    - raising ceiling from 8' to 9'
    Yes, forget about this. It would require framing / changing structure ... and cost you an arm and a leg.

    - water/drainage/gas piping condition unknown. assume need to replace: $10k
    Do copper pipe if you don't have it yet. It's much easier to do it along with the remodeling.

    - Garage is good, has drywall but poor insulation/ceiling. want to fix the insulation/ceiling and maybe do durable flooring: $5k
    I'm doing one right now, and most general contractor / handy man quote 5K - 6K for the work, not including the flooring (I'll do it myself and you can too).

    Are you doing this with permit & licensed contractor, or no-permit & handy man?

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    @Albert Ng

    Got a lot of BP fam reaching out to me.

    Some are licensed, some are not.

    pulling permits probably.

  • Member since 2018 · 57 posts · 26 votes
    6y

    Been watching a buncha YouTube videos, seems you can raise the ceiling without tearing off the roof? Based on what I saw on the time lapse, looks like they were able to do it in 2-3days, is that possible?

    https://youtu.be/zUAJXXBtnBM

    Other options?

    Convert to vaulted ceiling, or half vault?

    Faux beam covers?

    Pardon my newb talk, I know I must sound crazy...

  • Rental Property Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2015 · 401 posts · 221 votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Yi Chung Chen:

    Been watching a buncha YouTube videos, seems you can raise the ceiling without tearing off the roof? Based on what I saw on the time lapse, looks like they were able to do it in 2-3days, is that possible?

    Other options?

    Convert to vaulted ceiling, or half vault?

    Faux beam covers?

    Pardon my newb talk, I know I must sound crazy...

    Most of us are against raising the ceiling because it makes change to the house's structure, thus require lot of permits, drawings .... and thus cost a lot of $$$. 

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