Gutting a house can be an excellent way to give your home a fresh start, increase its value, and make it more functional according to your needs. However, the cost of gutting a house and remodeling it can be significant, making it essential to have a clear understanding of the basics before getting started.
There are several factors that can influence the cost of gutting a house and remodeling it, including:
The size of your house is one of the most significant factors that determine the cost of gutting and remodeling it. A larger house would require more labor, materials, and time, which would translate to a higher cost.
What do you plan to do with your house? Is it a complete gut job, or are you only remodeling a few rooms? The extent of the work to be done will significantly influence how much it costs.
The age of the house is another crucial factor affecting the cost of gutting and remodeling it. Older homes may require additional work, such as rewiring, asbestos removal, or replacing outdated plumbing, which can add to the cost.
Location affects the cost of gutting a house in several ways. For starters, labor, and material costs can vary between states and even cities. The location can also affect the permitting process, which can take longer in some locations.
Each house gutting and remodeling project is different. However, the overall cost breakdown of the process is relatively standard. Below is a breakdown of what to expect in terms of costs in each phase.
The demolition and removal process is the initial step when gutting a house. This step involved removing all the old finishes, walls, ceiling and floors, plumbing and electrical systems that won't be necessary for your project. The cost will depend on the complexity of the demolition and removal process. If the permit requires extensive care for hazardous waste, lead, asbestos, or mold, you should expect to pay more.
Averagely, the cost of demolition and removal ranges between $4 and $15 per square foot. If the house is large, it could cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the amount of material to be removed.
Once the old finishes, walls, ceiling, and floor have been removed, structural changes are made to the house, including any installation of new walls, ceilings or floors. This step aims to make the property functional according to your needs.
The structural changes will depend on the extent of remodeling you are planning to do. They may include adding staircases, enlarging or reducing the size of rooms, modifying existing rooms or relocating rooms, among others. The cost of structural changes can range from $2,000 to $25,000 or higher.
Installation of new systems involves updating the house's electrical and plumbing systems, among others. It is essential to update your home's electrical and plumbing systems if they are not updated, to ensure the safety and reliability of the newly gutted home.
From running new electrical and plumbing systems to insulation and drywall installation, this phase typically costs between $20,000 and $50,000.
The finish work phase involves installing the final decorative pieces, such as light fixtures, cabinetry, and painting. This phase typically cost between $15,000 and $40,000, although it can vary depending on the materials used and the number of rooms involved.
Gutting a house can be costly, but it can also be an excellent investment. Understanding the basics of the cost of gutting a house and the different factors that influence it can help you set a realistic budget as you plan your home's gutting and remodeling. Remember to factor in additional expenses, such as permits and cleanup, to get a comprehensive estimate of the overall cost of the project.
