What Does it Cost to Buy That Fixer in San Mateo and Fix It?

lenorewilkas — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:05:20 +0000

We’re often asked what it costs to fix up a prospective house that we are showing a client. Of course, the answer can be as much as you want it to cost, but that’s not being realistic. San Mateo County is not the least expensive place to live and therefore, having work done will cost more here than in other places in the country.

I have a little chart here to give you an idea and a range of what things could cost. This is only a guide. When it comes to kitchens or bathrooms, what you select for cabinets, flooring, counters, appliances, fixtures, and the like can run the cost up ten fold.

EXTERIOR

Wooden Deck $25 to $50 per square foot
Wooden Fencing $25-$35 per linear foot
Concrete Flat Work $4-$6 per square foot
Build Detached Garage $100-$150 per square foot
Build Addition $150-$350 per square foot
Replace Windows $400-$600 per or more depending on size
Paint Building Exterior $3500-$7000 or more depending on size of house

FOUNDATION

Install Anchor Bolts $1000-$3000
Extensive Seismic Retrofit $5000-$10,000
Replace low foundation wall $100-$250 + per foot

ROOFING (To install one square or 100 square feet)

Composition Shingles $200-$300
Wood singles $400-$500 / Wood Shakes $400-$600 if allowed where you live
Tile $800-$1600
Install new rain gutters and downspouts $6-$10 per foot
Install Skylight $1500-$2500 – Sun Tunnels run considerably less.

ELECTRICAL

Upgrade Service 125 amps $1200-$1600

HEATING / COOLING

Install New Forced-Air Furnace $2500-$5000
Install New Wall Furnace $1000-$2500
Install New Floor Furnace $1500-$2500
Install Air Conditioning (if there is a forced air furnace in place) $3000-$5000

PLUMBING

Replace Galvanized Piping with Copper $1700-$3000 per floor
Replace Shower Pan $1000-$1500
Replace Tile Shower $2200-$3200

INTERIOR

Painting $500-800 per room
Install Prefabricated Fireplace $3500-$6000
Major Bathroom Remodel $6000-$12,000+++
Major Kitchen Remodel $15,000-$60,000+++

FLOORS

Refinish hardwood floors $3-$4 per square foot
Refinish softwood floor $9-$11 per square foot
Buff and apply finish $1-$1.50 per square foot

This is only a guideline for you. If you ask friends you can find skilled workers who will do thing for much less, or much more, or click on the link on this page for our Referral Directory, where you’ll find many tradesmen. Remember, the quality of the materials you use will also determine costs. Will you recapture your costs when you go to sell? Yes, some, if not all depending on what it is you do and how much time has past from when you did it.

Burlingame Real Estate - The Wilkas Group » What does it cost to remodel a house