Anonymous wrote:We gutted a $900K old, charming home in MoCo, to update it totally to current inside. We didn't add anything on, already large (2600 SF). Around $200K--we didn't get extravagant with finishes, at all. That would be my choice if the exterior/bones are charming.

We're in MoCo and this is what we're hoping to do with a small add-on within the original footprint (small 2nd story addition over an existing first floor room) with a budget of $300K. Would love to know who you used or if anyone else has a recommendation or a builder?

Anonymous wrote:Sprinklers probably increase because of risk of water damage, which is probably much more likely than a house fire (but not as personally catastrophic)

I'm the poster who originally stated this. Yes, floods are much more common than fire, especially in a home with new wiring. I don't have exact stats but over half of house fires are electrical. With modern breakers and wire, electrical fires are much less likely.

Even in a fire, the water damage from putting the fire out is often as catastrophic as the fire itself. This is why building codes are firefly debating the need for residential sprinklers.

House built early 1900s. We did a major renovation - complete re-wiring, plumbing, heating, added steel to structure, new kitchen, floors, some minor additions (that we worked to make look original). Had to do it to make it livable. When you start, you find some things behind the walls are scary - so rewiring is added to list. DH in the business and he did a lot himself so we did the project at probably 1/3 the cost. But We did not do a "full" renovation or "gut" so roof will need to replaced in next decade or so, some windows to be replaced - Closets - sigh- are still too small. House has a lot of charm - but old houses unless full gut, will continue to take money.

Teardowns, permits, fees, approval can be expensive especially depending on the jurisidiction New building costs vary a lot - not for unreasonable factors - including a build that doesn't completely stand out in the neighborhood . That's partially why you see a variety of quotes on this site.