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!
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!
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...
Remember you are in CA and you likely will be required to do earthquake retrofitting when you do something as major as lifting the ceiling. I did a room addition in CA and the building and planning department called out retrofitting the original house for earthquake and also installing hard wire smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house. You might want to check with your County Planning and see what they will require for lifting a ceiling. Sometimes the side requirements can add a lot to the cost.
BP fam, quick update.
my first rehab, and it's not an easy one. Structural engineer said with the vaulted design we want, it's like we're performing surgery on this old 1948 home :P
honestly, i'm learning so much, so much fun!
5/11 - got the keys to the property :)
5/12 - title24 submitted to the city (have an amazing structural engineer if you need one)
5/12 - removed a Privet & Boxwood (PV Tree Services is awesome! can share contact if needed)
5/18 - old insulation is coming out
5/20 - demo starts
JunWk2 - should have foundation bar/prep done. if we have permits by then, will have the city come by and inspect before pouring concrete. if city still dragging along on permits, i'll probably just take a buncha pics and video record the pouring. Structural engineers said we can also get x-rays in the future if needed.
my cost and schedule


hopefully it'll be done under $200k and we can move in by Sept.
You might want to rethink the concrete pouring before the permit. They can require you pull it out. In CA its really best to stay on the good side of the building inspectors. They can make or break you. Waiting for the permit is always the right way to go.
Thanks for sharing your quote. Just wonder if you hire a licensed GC or get owner permit and sub to different handyman? $7500 for a kitchen and $150/door are great price in Silicon Valley. Could you share your Structural Engineer and GC contact? Thanks!
Hi @Yi Chung Chen would love to hear how the bids are coming! Would always like to get good contractors in the rolodex too. Can you share pictures of the home too so people can see what kind of work needs to be done? Is it a full rehab?
So we submitted our Title24 to the city on May12th by email.
They responded saying the system was generating a target date of about 3 weeks out for reviews.
understandably due to COVID-19 the 3wks have come and gone and no response from the city.
Just wondering if anyone has any actual experience on how long the city is currently taking to approve permits.
I'm guessing it'll take 2-3mths?
Quick update, 12wks later we have our permit card.
man, getting that permit felt like winning a million bucks!
original submittal: 5/12/2020
permit card: 8/3/2020
Foundation prep. done and actually got approval from City Inspector today :)
Inspector was actually really impressed with my contractor's foundation prep work. bending that 3/4" rebar isn't easy by any means.
Next step pour concrete + subfloor framing.
Congrats for the new house and all that work you put into it, it looks great! I'm currently weighing my options now to buy a house that needs a major remodel
Thanks Nick! yea, it was one heck of a remodel. let me know if you have any questions.
Congrats's on completing the remodel, the house looks great. Appreciate you sharing the cost breakdown. I'm always surprised by all the cost in the DYI shows and how they are able to complete their remodels at such a low cost. Realize the shows are regional based, but always surprised on how much they can complete with their budgets.
Yea, I think a lot of those shows are flips? So the materials they're using are probably lower end.
Other factors for my high costs are:
- we're going to live here for 2yrs at least, so kind of wanted higher quality stuff. We used brands like Cabinet Joint ($20k), Cafe Appliances ($8.5k), Porcelanosa ($10k), Concreate ($3.5k), Andersen Windows ($11k)
- technical details: vaulted our ceilings from 8' to 13.5', that was expensive structural work, had to add a 15' long / 2' deep beam, all new plumbing and electrical, all new insulation.
- design details: flush baseboards with shadow line reveal, some interesting LED lighting, 4mm wear layer eng. hardwood, level 5 drywall, custom trim-less doorframes, pivot doors, and even one hidden door
- I'm newb: this was our first remodel, so costs and schedule far from optimized
but yea, process was hella fun. Highly recommend giving it a shot if you have the opportunity.
@Yi Chung Chen if you are financing the rehab might as well build room for an ADU. Or at least phase it out strategically.
@Yi Chung Chen, what/where did you use Concreate? A section of walls & flooring? And for Anderson Windows, is that Renewal by Anderson or other Anderson? And that was windows for the whole house? Just asking because Renewal by Anderson, I got quoted around $30k for about half to 2/3 of the house's windows. So $11k there seems relatively cheap (or that was $11k parts excluding labor?)
@Yi Chung Chen if you are financing the rehab might as well build room for an ADU. Or at least phase it out strategically.
done 😉

@Yi Chung Chen, what/where did you use Concreate? A section of walls & flooring? And for Anderson Windows, is that Renewal by Anderson or other Anderson? And that was windows for the whole house? Just asking because Renewal by Anderson, I got quoted around $30k for about half to 2/3 of the house's windows. So $11k there seems relatively cheap (or that was $11k parts excluding labor?)
Concreate Natural Grey wall tiles were used on a 13.5' high vertical wall in our half vault family room as you enter the house. And also used as the legs of our shadow line peninsula island.
Windows were not the Renewal, they were the Andersen Windows 100 Series and I got them from Home Depot. highly recommended as they have great post-sale service. Our house is small, 11 windows in total. $11k was only for the windows. actually it was much less since the $11k included 3 Velux skylights. Labor was $200 per window from my unlicensed contractor.
Were the windows a new construction type install (tearing down the whole window and surrounding wood/stucco framing) or a retrofit where they remove old window but keep the frame to install new window over?
new construction.