Good estimate for house remodeling.
By
on
November 25th, 2009
We’re looking to do some renovations for selling our 3,200 sq-ft house. We are looking for an economical-to-moderate general budget estimate. How much do you think these things will cost. (We are seniors and won’t be able to do any of the work ourselves.)
1. Replace all vinyl floor (with tiles) and carpet (with new carpet)
2. Kitchen: New cabinets, sink, dish washer
3. 2 bathrooms, total remodel (new toilet, sink, cabinets, tub, shower doors)
4. Repaint whole house (including inside, outside, and garage)
5. Fix a few window screens
6. Replace chimney wood siding
7. Repair garage door sensors
(We’re looking for basic, lower-end finishes, mostly for repairs, not cosmetic.)
Jeremy F says:
There could be a huge variance depending on the finishes you choose and other decisions. Answering by item is difficult without more information. If you hire a good general contractor, the total is probably over $35k, mostly in the kitchen and 2 bathrooms.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
lynzillla says:
Do you have a Direct Buy location near you. I am doing a full remodel on my home, so i joined Direct Buy.its expensive to sign up, but worth it in savings if you are getting cabinets, and carpet, and tile all all of that.
its usually around $7000 per bathroom
to re-do a kitchen, it will be at least $10,000 just on the cabinets
carpeting is usually a couple hundred dollars per room
but, if you join direct buy all of the materials are whole sale prices.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Mary says:
Even one of these items on your list if done improperly could cost you a small fortune. Your very best bet is to call some local “licensed general contractors” in your area that have been in business there for quite awhile, will give you references that are local, will give you complete detail in writing as to what they will do for you and the exact cost.
Make appointments with several. They should be willing to give you a free estimate. Make sure the person coming to your door is clean, dressed appropriately, friendly and knowledgeable, on time, and professional to your satisfaction. First impressions DO count. Make sure he is accountable for all his workers work. Make sure it is a satisfaction guaranteed in writing contract.
Always, always, always leave these projects to the professionals. If you cannot afford to do it all, do it in small affordable batches; then when finances permit, do more. Never, never, never deal with unlicensed “jack-of-all-trade” types to save money. It will cost you in the end.
And never, never, never pay in advance of the work being done. A reasonable deposit is fine, but never in full. Absolutely no more than 50%. No legitimate business person will ask you to pay in advance. If he cannot afford supplies to do the job with, he probably will not finish your job either properly or timely.
Do not get names from your local Home Depot or Lowe’s stores. They allow any and everyone to leave their business cards there to pick up extra work. Call your local Contractor’s Board to get names of licensed contractors. You’ll be happy you did.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:23 pm