Our CCDC friends paid $250K for the same reno two years ago. They should have paid an extra $100K. It added sq ft, but the kitchen is already falling apart and the finishes just aren't that nice. Floor isn't completely level, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

We just did a kitchen renovation, approx 300 sq.ft., including knocking down a wall, moving water lines, full power box upgrade, etc. We got quotes, just for labor ranging from $14K to $31K. We went with the $14K and he did an incredible job and used exactly the same drywall and nails that the $30K guy would have used. And since he's got his own business, he was there every day, instead of contracting it out to a bunch of subs, thereby increasing my price.

Please PP - can you share the contractor's name?!

Its Chaim Cohen http://www.jamesbondconstruction.com/. He's awesome. He did a full kitchen remodel - total demolition - in less than 4 weeks (would have been faster but the cabinets were delayed).

We just did a kitchen renovation, approx 300 sq.ft., including knocking down a wall, moving water lines, full power box upgrade, etc. We got quotes, just for labor ranging from $14K to $31K. We went with the $14K and he did an incredible job and used exactly the same drywall and nails that the $30K guy would have used. And since he's got his own business, he was there every day, instead of contracting it out to a bunch of subs, thereby increasing my price.

Please PP - can you share the contractor's name?!

Our two story addition in N Arlington cost $300K and this was 5 years ago. Full new kitchen, half bath and full master suite. Costs are plumbing, grading the land, pouring the foundation, and 12 new Pella windows, among other things.

We will get our money back and more. We live in a very desirable area that softened a little during the real estate bust, but are now seeing homes sell in under a week again.

Would we do this in Ashburn or Manassas? No. But we live in Arlington. Anyplace in the immediate DC vicinity will see the rewards..

Contractor names, please, people. Contractor names.

Anonymous wrote:Out estimate for CC Md, two story addition is $350- 375k.

To the person who thinks people are crazy paying that money, the difference is quality. Can you build a crappy house for $350k, sure. Would I want to live in that house, no.

If you want to high highly skilled craftsmen, they charge (and deserve) more money that the average "design/build" contractor. The architect also costs money, but is worth every penny.

I'm and attorney and my billable rate is above $500 an hour. Can you get an attorney for $250 and hour, sure. But you get what you pay for.

Yeah you get what you pay for ... but maybe that attorney at $250 will still win your case ..... they may not have a nice plush office in NW but they are still an attorney. Contractors are the same, some are more reputable than others and have big crews others have smaller crews and still do your work for less. It's all a matter of preference.

Anonymous wrote:All the haters who think people are spending too much money should do this thread a service and start posting names of contractors who are willing to construct a 2-story additon with re-routed plumbing and changes in load-bearing walls for under $200k. Don't have any names? Then pipe down about how everyone who pays more than $200k is being ripped off.

jesus. re-routed plumbing is not a big deal. piping materials cost a few hundred dollars and you are looking at 2-4 more days of labor. Are you paying people $20K a day??? Structural walls are no big deal either. You put up a brace post and then put in another wall. Again, just a few more days labor. You got so ripped off.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All the haters who think people are spending too much money should do this thread a service and start posting names of contractors who are willing to construct a 2-story additon with re-routed plumbing and changes in load-bearing walls for under $200k. Don't have any names? Then pipe down about how everyone who pays more than $200k is being ripped off.

oh, plumbing is re-routed and their are structural issues???? in that case, it is $600K.

diamond windows and liquid gold paint

Cant you get quotes just for labor and contractor materials (drywall, wiring, etc) Then, you can price out your materials - high, mid, or low end - separately, but at least you'll be comparing apples to apples.

We just did a kitchen renovation, approx 300 sq.ft., including knocking down a wall, moving water lines, full power box upgrade, etc. We got quotes, just for labor ranging from $14K to $31K. We went with the $14K and he did an incredible job and used exactly the same drywall and nails that the $30K guy would have used. And since he's got his own business, he was there every day, instead of contracting it out to a bunch of subs, thereby increasing my price.

Anyone who pays more is just being foolish.

Here is the problem contractors see yoyr rich area and overcharge

Anonymous wrote:All the haters who think people are spending too much money should do this thread a service and start posting names of contractors who are willing to construct a 2-story additon with re-routed plumbing and changes in load-bearing walls for under $200k. Don't have any names? Then pipe down about how everyone who pays more than $200k is being ripped off.

Plus you have to wonder about the guy who apparently is in such high demand that he had time to be on this site all day telling the rest of us we were being ripped off.

Anonymous wrote:All the haters who think people are spending too much money should do this thread a service and start posting names of contractors who are willing to construct a 2-story additon with re-routed plumbing and changes in load-bearing walls for under $200k. Don't have any names? Then pipe down about how everyone who pays more than $200k is being ripped off.

oh, plumbing is re-routed and their are structural issues???? in that case, it is $600K.

All the haters who think people are spending too much money should do this thread a service and start posting names of contractors who are willing to construct a 2-story additon with re-routed plumbing and changes in load-bearing walls for under $200k. Don't have any names? Then pipe down about how everyone who pays more than $200k is being ripped off.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, these prices are crazy. Yes, I felt somewhat ripped off that we paid so much for an addition when I know people in other parts of the country who have built nice quality homes for the same amount. However, I challenge you to find anyone reputable who is willing to construct a 2 story addition in Chevy Chase for less than $300k. Believe me, we tried.

well it is hard because you don't want to take a chance on someone who didn't do the addition down the street. I understand completely. if you are going to spend $200K plus, better to be safe than sorry, and being safe often means you use the same 3 or 4 guys making all the $$ and you pay a lot more for that comfort level.

Yes, these prices are crazy. Yes, I felt somewhat ripped off that we paid so much for an addition when I know people in other parts of the country who have built nice quality homes for the same amount. However, I challenge you to find anyone reputable who is willing to construct a 2 story addition in Chevy Chase for less than $300k. Believe me, we tried.