Renovation + Addition - Cost Expectation?
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Anonymous
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We are starting to think about renovating our 1930s colonial. We think we'd also add some square footage but have no idea how much this might cost. Any data points from folks on the board?
We are in UNW, are hoping to work with an architect (we understand this is about 30 minus management), and think we will keep the existing structure but heavily remodel the 2500 or so sq ft and add another 1500- 2000 (this includes adding finishes to an existing walk up attic). Is this something that can be done under 500k? Any data points in the last couple years would be super useful. (And contractor/architect recommendations). |
Anonymous
| $350+/sq ft depending on finishes. Add $100 to $200k if also doing the kitchen. |
Anonymous
No |
Anonymous
| You’re looking at 1M easily if you go with your typical GC/design build firm in the area. If you take on a lot of the program management/GCing yourself you may get it down to 700-800. But you need to know a decent amount about construction to pull this off. |
Anonymous
| I just completed a renovation with an architect and GC. Reno'd existing ~1100 sf main floor plus whole basement including underpinning (lowering basement floor) and added a 200sf addition. 1 completely new kitchen and 1 completely new bath. Total all in was around $700k including architect's fees; $600k or so of that was the contractor. Prices are higher per sf in smaller projects, but I offer that as an anecdata point. |
Anonymous
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More anecdata: we did a gut remodel and added about 500sf (plus a porch, portico & then some) 3 years ago and when all was said and done we spent ~$475k. We got a lot for our money - we also replaced all windows, doors, roof, all new Hardie, most of the flooring, 3 new baths, etc etc. Close-in MoCo but lower price neighborhood. Worked with an architect & GC; design-build priced much higher but perhaps in the end it wouldn't have been such a big difference.
One point I always note here: the fittings and fixtures can really add up: tile, faucets, counters, shower glass, lighting. Also factor in cost of moving out and back in as well as a rental house. We also needed new sod (the construction turned the yard into a mudpit) and I've spent a small fortune trying to DIY landscaping. |
Anonymous
This seems really high. We talked to DB firms last year (NoVa, so maybe there's a DC markup?) for something similar, but including basement underpinning, and our ballpark quotes were 500-600. I know labor has gone up a bit. Depending on your finishes, you may be able to get it done for around 500-600 if you work with architect and work with contractor to aggressively keep costs down. |
Anonymous
This sounds more reasonable and is very similar to what we paid almost 4 years ago. Our cost was closer to $400K. Gut reno of 2400sqft and added 600sqft in a new addition. New kitchen and 4 new baths. |
Anonymous
No way you can do a kitchen, 4 new baths, gut reno of 2400 sq/ft and 600 sq/ft addition for $400. Having put an addition only out for bid in the past year, I can tell you that the addition alone will be 400+. |
Anonymous
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Architect recommendation? Well, here is my portfolio if you want to check it out. Feel free to email me to see how i may be able to help.
All the best, www.ileanaschinder.com |
Anonymous
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Cost per sf will be higher in NW DC than farther out. I would think costs there will run $300-$350/sf depending on finishes.
I also would allow for 10-20% cost overrun, just in case there are hidden costs only visible after the existing walls are opened up or you choose more expensive finishes. Obviously, one might not need that, and I definitely would not tell the builder I had that contingency fund, but its good to have just in case. |
Anonymous
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Resurrecting the old thread here as I am searching for the costs of similar work.. So discouraging and depressing..
I cannot understand why it costs 100K to renovate ONE kitchen when entire tiny homes can be built for this price with kitchen and baths and roofs and floors and all that. Even inexpensive tile and fixtures now are nice looking. Renovations and additions costing 700k+ just blow my mind. You can buy an entire house for this price. In many places a new home would cost this or less. At some point it makes more sense to build a brand new home when your cost of remodel/addition approaches 1 mil 
Anyone decided to just get into more debt and build a new home for better resale value or are people still doing these crazy expensive renovations/additions with a risk that they won't recoup their money back (especially in areas with lots of new construction where any older home is likely to be worth only the land it sits on) |
Anonymous
o Same! |
Anonymous
Congratulations on discovering Levittown I guess? If you really don’t understand why it’s as expensive to renovate an old home as it is to build new ones, you’re just not trying to understand. |
Anonymous
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I am in a 1920s SF house in DC, smaller than yours (~1400 sf not counting basement), but for what it's worth, I did:
300 sf addition with new-from-scratch kitchen, custom cabinets but no high-end appliances New back porch as part of addition All new bathroom and laundry room in existing footprint Custom built-ins in existing living room and den Substantially new electrical, plumbing, and a/c, replaced and moved some radiators, new boiler which I needed anyway Dug out part of basement and redid entire basement w/new flooring, waterproofing, and drywall I spent approximately $700k, with an architect and GC. Almost half that total was electrical and plumbing. I kid you not. The trades are crazy expensive. |