Installing all new ducts in an old house?

Question

I am looking at an old house, built 1916, in Portland as a place to live for a year to 18 months while working on the parts of the house that I can work on and hiring out other parts before reselling. The numbers are there (house is a REO languishing around $120k with an arv of $200k, up toward $230k if done w/ higher end finishes).

It needs some basics (roof, whole kitchen will need to be redone) but most of the place retains some great features and should be a standout in the neighborhood when finished.

So with that extended intro aside, the house has electric baseboard heat with no existing ductwork. I lived with electric baseboards for one winter and don't wish to relive the experience. What am I looking at in terms of having this installed though the house? I am guessing that this is way out of the range that can be done by the novice diy-er and that it will need to be hired out. I imagine that many walls and floors will have to be removed, and I am comfortable with that.

I guess I'm looking for any insight into this project. If anyone has any experience and wants to share costs involved with previous projects like this, I'd appreciate it. For reference, this house is 1500 sq' (plus 500 in an unfinished basement), two story and I'm just trying to get an idea if I'm going to be handed a $5000 estimate or a $30k estimate. Or if I can reduce those by providing any prep or other labor.

Account Closed · Answer

I recommend a heat pump. Cost of heating keeps going up and up, so buyers are looking for the cheapest heat they can get.

The big companies who advertise on the telly are really expensive. I've always managed to get heat pumps for about 30% of what they charge by hiring some little one man company.

18 months? I hope the prices are well on their way up in Portland by then. We had a price increase last month in Bend, so my fingers are crossed so tight they ache.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Did that a couple of years back in a house that had radiators but a shot boiler.  Upgraded to forced air heat and central air, and had ductwork and returns installed as well.  I think it was around $7K or so for all that.  Getting a return to the upper floor is important, and that was the trickiest part.  That number did not include fixing any drywall.

If you are opening up any walls or ceilings, then you will want to install the ducts while things are open of course.