Estimating wood frame renovation

Hi, I’m considering a 3-story wood frame house that needs total renovation (and I mean total). Any idea about how to estimate the minimum needed before I move in, and what a total mid-level job would be? I’m assuming electrical, plumbing, roof, floors (some refinish, some new wood), move the kitchen (yikes), paint the walls. It has 2.5 baths that also need work. I realize from reading other posts that this totally depends on everything (fancy, Ikea, Home Depot, etc.) — and I want nice and livable, able to resell, and I love Ikea when it meets this criteria — but any guidance would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Also, I’m assuming this should be done with an architect but is this always true if, other than moving the kitchen, I don’t want to change the layout (for cost reasons)? Again, many thanks to the community for your help. (I’ve seen some of this in past posts but can’t seem to make the search function pull it up — argh!) Thank you!!

jane1234

in Construction 13 years and 8 months ago

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jane1234 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Thanks, all for your responses. Greatly appreciated!

rcltrh | 13 years and 8 months ago

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We used Eric Safyan as the architect for our remodel and Aaron Gruenberg of Green Mountain Construction and Design for the work (gmcandd.com).  You might give them a call for estimates to help get you started.  Both great guys and we were very pleased with both of their work.

jigman | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Judging from your comment about the house needing a “total renovation,” changing the layout is not going to factor into your cost very much.  If indeed you need to redo all of the plumbing and electrical, moving a kitchen, bathroom, etc, doesn’t really make that much difference in the overall scheme of things.  I wouldn’t limit yourself before talking to more people (namely an architect or two and a general contractor). In a general sense, though, you can start with a general number of $150-$175 per square foot.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Yes, you need to start with an architect.  Throwing a number at something unseen is not adviseable.  It all depends upon the level of finish and how much can be saved.

alfinisher86 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Any old wood you need restored i can do, front doors, stairs, window frames, and kitchen cabinets. You can contact me at alnyc1986@aol.com

masterbuilder | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Figure on lower six figures.  Anything strictly cosmetic you don’t need a permit for, but basically this is going to be an Alteration Type II, and you will need to file with the DOB.  There are architects and engineers who will provide simple drawings that will meet these requirements for basic fees.  For an accurate number you need a detailed scope and bids.