gut renovation costs | Sweeten

What Are the Costs That Go Into Gutting A Home?

Steve Hansen — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:05:02 +0000

Demolition, amount of work, a home’s condition, and alternate living arrangements all affect gut home renovation costs

A different level of owner commitment comes with a gut home renovation than a smaller renovation project. Here, Sweeten provides some guidance on points to consider when planning a major project like this.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

What’s involved in a gut home renovation?

First, let’s define the term. Gutting a home is more than an extensive remodel. It’s taking the walls down to the studs, removing existing interior doors and trim, cabinets, sinks, and exposing the structure of the home. It often includes replacing windows and exterior doors, the roof, and replacing most or all plumbing and electrical. Gutting is about the material removal before you remodel.

A renovation budget overview

Costs of materials

You’ll find Sweeten’s renovation cost guides here but keep in mind material costs and timelines have shifted. Prices for materials and labor have jumped, drastically in some cases and in some locales. It’s a good idea to add 20% to the materials budget and talk with your contractor about timing, materials, and budget.

Pro tip: Do not wait. Many sectors are experiencing a backlog in the supply of materials. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices may continue to go up and your material order will be at the back of a long queue.

“Must-haves” and “Nice-to-haves” lists

When making your project budget, it’s important to create a renovation list of “must-haves.” These are elements that are definitely required for the project, then make a second wishlist of “nice-to-haves.” This includes all of the changes you’d like to see but might be willing to forgo as you consider your budget.

A home’s existing condition

It’s also crucial to be realistic about the condition of your home, as the cost of a gut renovation can vary considerably by the condition of the structure. Updating the mechanical systems such as the electrical panel and old plumbing can range from straightforward in a dated foursquare house to challenging in a home located in an historic district.

Ask your contractor about worst-case scenarios given the building’s age and history. Consider the budget contingency that will give you peace of mind when your project kicks off. Your contractor can’t price out every possible surprise, but you should feel confident that you have a partner who will help you problem-solve when challenges come up.

Have a contingency plan

Homeowners undertaking serious gut remodels should build in an extra cash reserve for issues that come up along the way including issues that come up once the walls are broken into. Add more than 15% for a gut remodel.

Bathrooms contain the most plumbing and fixtures per square foot so tend to be the most expensive spaces in the house per square foot. Kitchens are next, then the other living spaces follow.

Should you leave or stay during a gut home renovation?

One of the most important considerations is deciding where you’ll live during the project. Nearly anything is possible, so you probably can remain in the house during the project. However, nearly any other plan is preferable for most people because you’ll almost certainly have to deal with surprises. You might discover a need for structural reinforcement, or unveil mold or asbestos, and decide then that you should reside elsewhere for a while. Also, if you do choose to stay during the project, you’ll need to make sure that you’re legally allowed to do so, too. Your city’s building department is the place to inquire.

Just remember that if you decide to stay in the home during the project to save money, you’ll still incur costs, and they could be substantial. Financial costs include delaying the project because you or your things are in the way. Non-financial costs could include a strain on daily family routines such as finding alternatives for when a kitchen or shower is being renovated. All those can result in financial costs, too.

Your contractor will guide you through the cost for permits and regulations associated with your project, such as placing dumpsters. If your home is in a homeowner’s association, they will also have requirements to meet.

Demolition before renovation

The demolition part of gutting a home is mostly labor and disposal costs, so it’s not really that expensive but removing plumbing pipes and drains and so on takes time. Outsourcing the demo or doing it as a DIY project doesn’t really save much money. For safety and hazard concerns, Sweeten recommends leaving demolition to the professionals.

Note that moving walls is not included in these costs. Moving load-bearing walls requires consulting with a structural engineer, and that could be $500—$1,000. Whenever you change walls around you’ll need to build temporary support walls, so there’s another cost to add in.

During demolition, you may discover hazards like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. If you do, a pro will evaluate how extensive the problem is. These hazards are not DIY-friendly. In some places, you’re not legally permitted to deal with these dangerous materials, especially asbestos which can only be handled by a professional.

The general contractor brings subcontractor connections

Finally, managing an extensive construction project like gutting a home is challenging and benefits from having an experienced general contractor. A general contractor usually has steady and long-standing connections to many subcontractors, so communication often goes smoothly. They will orchestrate and schedule between architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and other skilled labor.

When you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

Architects specialize in bringing ideas to fruition, and they must communicate with homeowners at a high level. An architect must have a crystal-clear vision of how to transform the current home into the space you dream of. Getting the input of the architect as early in the process as possible will be invaluable in helping you mentally walk through the steps in advance. Sweeten design-build firms have in-house architectural services. Alternatively, Sweeten contractors can refer an architect if the project needs one.

Gutting a home is a major project. Having an understanding of the process with the guidance of the right general contractor and team sets you on a path for a smoother renovation. And a step closer to your dream home.

—

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

The post What Are the Costs That Go Into Gutting A Home? appeared first on Sweeten.

2021 Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in NYC

Carol Wang — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:06:30 +0000

Ready to renovate? Here’s what you’ll need to calculate the cost of a bathroom remodel in NYC, including materials, labor, and permits

UPDATED: Click to read our most up-to-date NYC Kitchen Remodeling Costs here and Bathroom Remodeling Costs here

With an abundance of Pinterest boards and design blogs, it’s easy to imagine how your dream NYC bathroom could look. If you’re ready to turn those daydreams into reality, the first crucial step is creating a bathroom remodel budget. To get you started, Sweeten offers a roadmap of elements that will impact the cost of a bathroom remodel in New York City. Sweeten’s guide to bathroom remodeling costs, covering building requirements, permits, and design will help nail down your scope and better align real costs with a realistic budget.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors in NYC, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Take a look at the overall average cost to remodel a bathroom in New York City, based on Sweeten renovations:

Budget remodel: Starting at $600 psf (per square feet) or $21,000 (based on a 35-sq-ft space)
Mid-grade remodel: Starting at $700 psf or $24,500 (based on a 35-sq-ft space)
High-end remodel: Starting at $850 psf or $68,000 (based on a 80-sq-ft space)

Pro tip: Do not wait. The pandemic has caused a backlog in the supply of materials in many sectors. For homeowners interested in a bathroom renovation, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices will continue to go up and your material order will start at the back of a long queue.

Remodeling an NYC bathroom all at once

While it can be tempting to apply à la carte prices to individual elements of the work, a full bathroom renovation is an integrated process that involves design, materials, installation, and plumbing. If your bathroom has one or two areas of concern, you might decide to swap out an individual fixture or two. You can replace a toilet or vanity or take on some limited retiling and pay solely for the cost of the new fixtures and the hours of installation work.

However, it can be misleading to break up and price out each step of a bathroom remodel. Even if you are just redoing fixtures and tile work, you may discover that you need to replace the sheetrock on the wall or address issues behind the walls, like old valves and ancient drain pipes. A gut renovation, which addresses the whole bathroom space, allows you to plan more broadly. By doing a gut renovation, you can get more work done, in the right sequence, and more cost-effectively.

Budget to high-end costs for bathroom materials and finishes

Listed below are the visible parts of a bathroom renovation, and probably the aspect you’ve spent the most time thinking about. Review the range of pricing for various fixtures, materials, and finishes in the chart below. On the budget side, you’ll find items sourced from big-box stores like Home Depot, Walmart, or IKEA. Prices increase if you choose to use their interior boxes but upgrade or customize the function or style, such as the door fronts. On the high end are highly customized, handmade, or imported items.

How much will materials for a bathroom remodel cost?

Wall and floor tile: Budget – $3 per square foot (psf), Mid-grade – $15 psf, High-end – $35 psf
Sink: Budget – $50, Mid-grade – $150, High-end – $500 and up
Vanity: Budget – $250, Mid-grade – $1,000, High-end – $2,000 and up
Sink and shower fixtures: Budget – $40/fixture, Mid-grade– $100/fixture, High-end – $350/fixture
Bathtub: Budget – $150, Mid-grade – $600, High-end – $2,000 – $3,000
Shower enclosure: Budget – $350, Mid-grade – $1,000, High-end – $2,000
Toilet: Budget – $150, Mid-grade – $400, High-end – $1,000 and up
Medicine cabinet: Budget – $50, Mid-grade – $150, High-end – $500 and up
Accessories (hooks, towel bar, paper towel holder): Budget – $10/item, Mid-grade – $50/item, High-end – $100 and up
Lighting: Budget – $25/fixture, Mid-grade – $150/fixture, High-end – $300 and up
Ceiling vent: Budget – $50, Mid-grade – $200, High-end – $500 and up
Radiant floor heating: Budget – $6 psf, Mid-grade – $8 psf, High-end – $12 psf

Bathroom remodel costs for permits, design, and everything behind-the-scenes

In contrast to visible upgrade items, there are unavoidable behind-the-scenes investments to consider when creating your budget.

Building requirements impact bathroom remodeling costs

For those in apartments, building requirements can play a significant role in dictating design and budget needs. These requirements can range from insurance coverage minimums, which limit your ability to work with professionals who aren’t carrying high-value insurance policies, to general alteration agreements that require anyone doing any work in the building to have far-reaching coverage for problems they may never encounter, like asbestos removal or collapse scenarios.

Sweeten NYC contractor Thomas explained, “Buildings are becoming less flexible on their [insurance] requirements which cause us to raise prices to keep up with those needs.” The contractors who can afford to work in buildings with more extensive requirements tend to have higher operating costs and can meet higher insurance requirements, more stringent debris removal expectations, limited noise and hours-of-work requirements, and stricter parking rules. While there is no exact figure on this, you may see this translate into higher rates overall for teams that can meet those demands.

NYC permit costs for a bathroom remodel

Plumbing services: $2,000 – $3,500 and higher
Plumbing permits: up to $2,000 and as high as $5,000 per permit
Electrical permits: $900
Asbestos inspection: $500 to $1,000

Tackling a NYC bathroom remodel means planning for plumbing services and permits. Any plumbing work that exceeds a minor repair or a direct swap of a similar fixture requires a permit from the City’s Department of Buildings, which can run up to $2,000 and as high as $5,000 per permit. Plumbing is a specialized trade that often comes with hourly rates; expect to budget between $2,000 and $3,500 (or higher) for a full bathroom remodel.

If you’re adding outlets or doing electrical work, an electrical permit may be needed, which can run close to $900. You may also need an asbestos inspection, depending on the building requirements and your plumbing plans, which cost $500 to $1,000.

How design affects bathroom remodel costs

In the design stage, plan to collaborate with the experts you hire to produce detailed drawings that account for all physical elements of the bathroom. A schematic drawing is usually presented to the building board as part of the approval process, which needs to outline the locations of the major fixtures as well as specifications for the vanity and tub/shower, and lighting.

If you plan to move the plumbing to convert a bathtub to a shower or vice versa, the permit alone to change the plumbing in NYC is $6,000. This is because you’ll need to hire a registered architect to file a permit application certifying that the plan complies with applicable codes and laws. An architect or interior designer will typically charge 15 to 20 percent of the project’s construction costs for his or her fee.

Sweeten general contractors can help provide architect referrals for a range of services, saving homeowners a step.

Demolition and site prep for bathroom renovations

In this stage, labor is needed to ensure that your bathroom renovation maintains its value over time. Old materials and fixtures need to be disposed of, which can be complicated on busy city streets with limited parking. This difficulty will be reflected in the contractor’s rate. Almost without exception, your contractor may need to strip the walls and flooring to frame and level before any installation occurs. This behind-the-scenes step is critical and labor-intensive and can cost an average of $2,000.

If your home is new or the sub-floor is concrete, any leveling needs may be minimal. Otherwise, you probably need to account for floor leveling and new drywall or plastering before any surface work can get going.

Exposing the existing conditions inside walls while leveling and framing will also allow your contractor to address plumbing or electrical issues before you hook up a new plumbing fixture. It may be necessary to replace all horizontal plumbing work to the building’s “stack” (the main vertical lines that run throughout the building) and run new wiring to head off plumbing and electrical problems that you may have unwittingly inherited.

You’ll want to factor in costs that support the success and longevity of the work. Examples of this are prep work to protect floors and valuables (which can add $600 to $900) and waterproofing steps (which can add $1,000). This is critical for the project’s foundation alignment and infrastructure.

Installation

Installation is the final stage to incorporate all of the bathroom renovation materials you’ve purchased. The craftsmanship involved in the installation of all the pieces will depend on the size of your bathroom and the degree of customization you need to make all of the pieces fit.

PRO TIP: Expect to spend 30 percent or less of your total project cost on visible materials, fixtures, and finishes. The rest will go to behind-the-scenes costs, like labor, permits, and fees.

Behind-the-scenes for a bathroom renovation costs

Raw materials for bathroom renovations

For 2021, Sweeten general contractors are seeing wood materials as the main increase in costs. “These material costs have increased approximately 3x the amounts mainly due to Covid-related issues, from what we have seen,” said Sweeten contractor Thomas. “These, in turn, relate to higher costs for plywood subfloors, kitchen cabinets, and other woodwork-related projects.”

Overhead costs

General contractors always factor in a percentage of the project to cover overhead costs, including insurance, administrative support, and the inevitable costs of growing a business. Sweeten contractors range from two-men crews to much larger entities that employ dozens of staff (including designers, project managers, millworkers and laborers, bookkeepers, and operations staff). No matter the size of your contractor’s business, however, you will absorb some of the cost increases they bear from year to year, though not necessarily dollar for dollar.

Sweeten NYC contractor Aaron explained that in the last year, there have been specific increases of compliance, certificates, and safety measures imposed on MEP subcontractors (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) by the Department of Buildings leading to higher costs. While Sweeten contractors attempt to explore all avenues to stay competitive, it is an industry that is affected by trade. The prices you’re quoted at any given time may not be the same six months or a year from now. Prices on labor and materials fluctuate and this will be reflected in your overall quote.

Bathroom remodeling costs in New York in 2021

You have a fair amount of choice in deciding what to spend on the material aspects of a bathroom renovation. Less obvious are the costs that are the backbone and labor of the work overall, no matter what you spend on materials. Knowing what impacts cost during a bathroom renovation will allow you to better align your budget while avoiding surprises.

When you’re ready to get started on your bathroom or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in NYC.

A note on fixture and appliance deliveries: If you’re on a tight timeline, Appliances Connection has over 50,000 items in stock and ready to ship nationally. If you’re in the NY/NJ metro area, in-stock items typically deliver within 2-3 days.

—

2020 Costs for Home Renovation in Washington DC

Serena Solomon — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:19:06 +0000

Remodeling costs in Washington DC in 2020, including kitchen, bath, and whole-home (plus building additions and permit tips!)

UPDATED: Read our most-up-to-date Washington DC Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

A stately Capitol Hill rowhouse. A mid-century modern jewel in Falls Church. A unique craftsman’s cottage in Kensington. Whatever your abode, it’s a great time to renovate in Washington DC, the sixth most populated area in the country. If you’re ready to make your own splash to a home and increase its value, one of your first steps is to create a budget to cover your remodeling costs in DC.

Sweeten offers a cost guide to give you a sense of how to budget for remodeling costs in the DC area, Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland, and select counties in Virginia, including Fairfax and Arlington. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Here’s a quick overview of budgets for some standard renovation projects:

Gut renovation: Starting at $100 per square foot (psf)
Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $20,000—$25,000
Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $30,000—$40,000
High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $68,000
Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $12,000—$15,000
Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $21,000 or $600 psf.
High-end bathroom remodel and extension: Starting at $40,000
Adding square footage: Starts at $120 psf

Total Gut Renovation Costs for a DC Home

A total gut renovation in Washington DC that brings a home down to its frame and studs could start at around $100 psf. Doing it all at once will get you the best price per square foot if you are already planning multiple projects.

How much does a Washington DC kitchen remodel cost per square foot?

A best-value kitchen remodel typically starts between $20,000—$25,000. This allows the replacement of cabinets and countertops from big-box stores, a stocked appliance package, and tile flooring.
For a mid-grade kitchen, expect starting costs between $30,000—$40,000. This pricepoint would include semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, upgrade in appliances, and an island (with no sink).

Remodeling‘s Cost Vs Value report found the average cost in the Washington DC area costs around $68,000. This works out to be $340 psf. About 60 percent of the cost is recouped in the value it adds to your home. With a budget of this amount, you can remodel a 200-square-foot space with countertops, semi-custom wood cabinets, and a stainless steel sink with a standard single-lever faucet. It also allows the addition of a built-in microwave, dishwasher, and custom lighting. Other than adding a kitchen island, the layout, such as where the oven and dishwasher are installed, must remain the same as the original design. Keeping your layout will be the biggest influence in a low budget down.

For a high-end kitchen remodel, costs start at $68,000 and include a stone or marble countertop as well as opening up the space or removing a wall.

A luxury remodel comes in at an average of $135,000 for Washington DC, the Cost Vs Value report found. The psf cost is $675. This project can add 58 percent of the budget to your home’s value. A high-end kitchen remodel can consist of custom cabinets, built-in sliding shelves, stone countertops, and imported ceramic or glass tile backsplashes. The appliances would also kick up a few notches to include a commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood. The kitchen can also have designer faucets and a water filtration system.

How much does a DC bathroom remodel cost per square foot?

For a best-value bathroom, expect a typical project to start between $12,000—$15,000. At this budget, it would not be a gut but a refresh.
A mid-grade bathroom remodel has costs at $21,000 or $600 psf. These figures come from the Cost Vs Value report. For this price, you can remodel a 35-square-foot bathroom. It includes adding a porcelain-on-steel bathtub, ceramic tiles, and a recessed medicine cabinet with built-in lighting. This renovation can add $14,000 to a home’s value. That’s 65 percent of the project’s cost.
A high-end bathroom remodel starts at $40,000. This budget includes a 3 or 4-piece bath such as the sink, shower/tub combination, and toilet. For $67,000, a 5-piece bathroom could be installed.

According to the 2020 Cost Vs Value report, the average price in this category is around $67,000. For this price, you can expand your bathroom from 35 square feet to 100 square feet. The new bathroom can have features like a freestanding soaker tub. On top of that, you can have a shower with recessed shelves, a frameless glass enclosure, and body spray fixtures. Your budget can also afford a double sink and double-mirror vanity with custom draws and wall cabinets.

Adding square footage to your DC home

Enlarging living space to an existing floor plan starts at $120 psf and can easily go up to $200 psf. The most economical addition is adding square footage over a crawl space. An extension where you are adding or adjusting the foundations will come in around $150 psf. The cost increases to $200 psf if a wet space—bathroom, laundry, or kitchen—is added. The cost of adding a second floor can start at $150 psf.

Remodeling costs in DC: Permits

The District of Columbia is a compact city of only 69 square miles. The Council of the District of Columbia issues building permits for this area. Permits cost two percent of the budget for work over $1,000. For example, a permit for $20,000 bathroom will cost $400.

Prince George’s County, to the east and south of the city, uses an equation for permit fees. $50 + (Construction Costs x 0.008) = permit fee. So, a $20,000 renovation would cost $210. Watch out for specific fees for projects such as basement finishing which is $340.

In Montgomery County, the area to the north, building permits for alterations, additions, and repairs start at $270.

Enjoy making your DC home your own! Know the costs and find the right renovation team to bring your vision to life. Post your project on Sweeten and you’ll be one step closer to your home sweet home!

—

Six steps on how to start your renovation and finding the right general contractor for your scope.

How much does a home gut renovation cost in Washington D.C.?

Plan to spend an average of $100 per square foot for a Washington D.C.-area gut renovation. Want to keep gut renovation costs down? If you are planning gut renovations of multiple rooms, doing them all at once allows for maximum efficiency, which will help you get the best price per square foot.

How much does a Washington D.C. kitchen remodel cost?

Most budget kitchen remodels near Washington D.C. start between $20,000—$25,000. Mid-grade remodels typically start between $30,000—$40,000, and can increase based on finish level and layout changes. Luxury kitchen remodels start near $68,000 and go up significantly, to as much as $135,000, or $675 per square foot.

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom in Washington D.C.?

In Washington D.C., a budget remodel (not a gut remodel) of a bathroom will start in the $12,000—$15,000 price range. Mid-grade bathroom remodels increase; starting near $21,000, or about $600 per square foot. For a luxury bathroom project, Washington D.C owners can expect costs to start at $40,000 and increase from there.

The post 2020 Costs for Home Renovation in Washington DC appeared first on Sweeten.