Home renovation costs

[malcolmk14]

I am looking at buying a home, and the place we are looking at could use a bit of work before we move in. I'm trying to get an idea of cost, and since I've never done anything like this before, I have no idea. I'm also wondering roughly how long it takes to complete some of this work... Like a one week job, two week job, etc.,

Replacing the floor on the main level with wide plank hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring (approx 900 sq. ft)

Replacing carpet on the upper level (900-1000 sq. ft)

Re-tiling a large bathroomincluding tile around the tub.

Quartz countertops for kitchen and two bathrooms, one of the bathrooms is a double sink. Kitchen would be a large island and two small slabs along the wall.

Rough estimates of what these things might cost would be much appreciated!

[prarieboy]

I have no meaningfull contribution to this thread except for "more than you ever imagined"

I should also add "longer than you ever expected"

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

I am looking at buying a home, and the place we are looking at could use a bit of work before we move in. I'm trying to get an idea of cost, and since I've never done anything like this before, I have no idea. I'm also wondering roughly how long it takes to complete some of this work... Like a one week job, two week job, etc.,

Replacing the floor on the main level with wide plank hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring (approx 900 sq. ft)

Replacing carpet on the upper level (900-1000 sq. ft)

Re-tiling a large bathroomincluding tile around the tub.

Quartz countertops for kitchen and two bathrooms, one of the bathrooms is a double sink. Kitchen would be a large island and two small slabs along the wall.

Rough estimates of what these things might cost would be much appreciated!

Hardwood or laminate should be budgeted at between $6,000 and $10,000. Quartz for the counters could easily be between $10,000 and $15,000.

The wood flooring should be done in a day. It is a quick install.

Counters should be a day for install, a few hours for measurements and probably a month for the actual production/cutting.

[Kybosh]

Are you doing some of these things yourself? There are lots of variables in the cost depending on the job complexity.

Regarding quartz, check out IKEA (seriously). They use Jadestone to do the measurements and install of Caesarstone products. Mine were reasonably priced compared to other places and I basically got a sink and faucet for free.

[malcolmk14]

I probably could do some of the stuff myself, I just don't trust myself to do the quality of work that I'd want it to be. Maybe it's easier than it looks. Stuff like a backsplash for the kitchen seems easy enough and we're comfortable doing that on our own, but other stuff we would want professionally done so the finished product doesn't look amateur-ish.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

Are you doing some of these things yourself? There are lots of variables in the cost depending on the job complexity.

Regarding quartz, check out IKEA (seriously). They use Jadestone to do the measurements and install of Caesarstone products. Mine were reasonably priced compared to other places and I basically got a sink and faucet for free.

IKEA is priced very competitive. If I'm not mistaken they were $129 per linear foot for the quartz stuff installed. If I wasn't looking for a more interested stone for our basement bar I would have gone with IKEA.

[OMG!WTF!]

There's going to be a bunch of stuff you "should" do or may have to do as well. For example the baseboards probably have to come off to get the hardwood in so there's no gap. You could add a small quarter round to cover the gap. But likely you'll take them off. Then you're going to reinstall and paint....or get new ones. Then window trim to match. But at least reinstall and paint. Vinyl might go in easier.

Carpet install is easier but it usually scratches the heck out of walls and baseboard. Painting or at least touch ups.

Countertops may not fit with the existing backsplash. You might need to do the tile over. Sink, taps and plumbing too.

The shower tile will almost certainly require new tile backer. The old drywall is probably done for. This will likely require some drywalling and painting too.

[Kybosh]

I would estimate the material costs, multiply by 2-3 for labour, then add 20% for all the extras that pop up. All that stuff would take maybe a couple weeks if the contractor doesn't screw around. Quartz takes at least a month to get cut after measurement. You could probably do that one after moving in.

*disclaimer: I'm not a contractor, just a guy who does a lot of renos himself.

[GGG]

Hardwood Floors are surprisingly easy to do yourself. Just get the first row straight. Pay someone to do the baseboards.

[DoubleF]

Just a tip. If you want to protect certain things from dust while renovating, saran wrap that stuff. $20 for a big roll and it's probably more than enough to wrap everything you want to protect.

Wrap TVs, sofas, paintings, stuffed animals etc.

[flaming_potato]

No one is going to install 900 sqft of hardwood in one day unless you hire a 4 man crew even then that's a stretch depending on prep work involved. Also I would not suggest installing your own hardwood if you have never attempted such a thing before or only have a little experience on what goes on.

There are many more factors to consider than just "making sure the first row is straight", proper subfloor preparation, underlayment, fixing squeaks, humidity control and maintenance moisture testing, proper glues and fasteners, height transitions between different types of flooring, under cutting door jambs and casings, flooring material warranty requirements, proper tools and more.

I Don't want to make it sound overwhelming but as a professional in the flooring trade I don't want you to get the wrong advice. I will be happy to give you advice if this is something you wish to tackle yourself or if you would like an estimate I can provide that as well.

[calgaryblood]

A job like that should take about two weeks but that's if your trades are in right after each other which likely won't line up like that. They'll probably be a good 7-10 days of just waiting for the next trade to show up. That job will likely take around 25-30 days.

[blender]

Please find a contractor you trust or at least someone who has had this work done recently to their own house.

Most of the advice is this thread is not very good/accurate.

[surferguy]

tile in bathroom - if doing floor and backer estimate approximate a week or so. 2500 - 4000 depending on a few variables.

[PostandIn]

I posted similar in a previous thread. A website like www.trustedpros.com can be very helpful. Settle up on the scope of work that you want done. Then post it to TrustedPros. There are some similar sites as well. The most motivated contractors will be contacting you after the post is approved. There will typically be more bidders than you want to deal with so research as many that you feel comfortable doing (time is money after all) and look at their reviews / testimonials on the website. There are frequently photos of previous projects plus look at their own company websites and BBB. Decide which three or four you want an estimate from.

If your driver is cost, tell them you have a fixed budget (don't mention contingency) and allow them to propose materials choices, fixtures and and how they would execute and see what they come up with. Most of the companies that respond are general contractors that typically do the carpentry scope and they subcontract and coordinate the other crafts (electrical, plumbing, etc.). If you find the bids too high you can opt to perform as the general contractor instead and coordinate all of the work yourself. That means you are getting individual bids for each piece of the work. You can save much money doing this but it takes time obviously and you need a pretty good overall knowledge level.

If particular materials (like quartz) or a particular finished look are must haves then have them specify the allowance within the budget for those items. If an allowance is established within the budget the contractor is motivated to find the cheapest material he can unless you specify the material and know the cost. Be sure you approve each material and ensure any savings from the allowance in the budget is credited back to you. Even ask what brand of paint they intend on using.

When proposals are provided go over every line item and make sure you agree. Bidders should provide you sku numbers and the suppliers they intend on buying from so that you can go online and see the item / materials and verify pricing. Others may put together a sample board (i.e. hardwood, baseboard, carpet, paint chips) so you can see the actual materials and OK them.

I agree with previous posters that if you do not have a well developed skill set and the tools / equipment to do any aspect of the work I suggest getting reputable professionals to do it for you. Anyone can paint; not everyone can paint well. It is generally pretty easy to identify a space that has been finished by competent professionals and one done by a weekend warrior.

Lastly, a bit of risk management: if you own the house then you are the Prime Contractor from an OHS point of view. Ensure every contractor that works for you has CGL insurance (typically $1M) and an active WCB account. If you are using a general contractor to coordinate the work it is not unusual that there will be 3, 4, 5 tiers of subcontractors (painters is a good example) in your house and some of these guys may not even be corporations but sole proprietors working for cash. It's a good thing to ask the GC what pieces of the work they are self-performing with their own employees and those that are subcontracted.

[V]

Originally Posted by GGG

Hardwood Floors are surprisingly easy to do yourself. Just get the first row straight. Pay someone to do the baseboards.

I was with you until the end. Hardwood is much harder than baseboard. If you can install a hardwood floor, you can install your own baseboard.

[V]

Originally Posted by flaming_potato

No one is going to install 900 sqft of hardwood in one day unless you hire a 4 man crew even then that's a stretch depending on prep work involved. Also I would not suggest installing your own hardwood if you have never attempted such a thing before or only have a little experience on what goes on.

There are many more factors to consider than just "making sure the first row is straight", proper subfloor preparation, underlayment, fixing squeaks, humidity control and maintenance moisture testing, proper glues and fasteners, height transitions between different types of flooring, under cutting door jambs and casings, flooring material warranty requirements, proper tools and more.

I Don't want to make it sound overwhelming but as a professional in the flooring trade I don't want you to get the wrong advice. I will be happy to give you advice if this is something you wish to tackle yourself or if you would like an estimate I can provide that as well.

I find the best approach is to help a buddy do their floor, usually with someone who knows what they're doing. I worked on 3 other floors before I did my first floor. There's a lot to it, but none of it is overly complex.

[sa226]

Originally Posted by V

I was with you until the end. Hardwood is much harder than baseboard. If you can install a hardwood floor, you can install your own baseboard.

I would pay someone to do the baseboards for the simple reason that I hate doing baseboards.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

Replacing the floor on the main level with wide plank hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring (approx 900 sq. ft) $6-12/sq ft installed for standard grade stuff (hardwood or engineered) depending on how fancy you go. Few weeks lead time to get it ordered and line up installer time slot.

Replacing carpet on the upper level (900-1000 sq. ft) $4-8sq ft installed for standard grade stuff depending on how fancy you go. Few weeks lead time to get it ordered and line up installer time slot.

Re-tiling a large bathroomincluding tile around the tub. $2,500 installed I'd bet. Same thing, couple days job, plus leadtime getting materials and labour set up.

Quartz countertops for kitchen and two bathrooms, one of the bathrooms is a double sink. Kitchen would be a large island and two small slabs along the wall. Regular sized kitchen for Quartz should be ~$5k, $1.5k for the double sink, and maybe $500 for the single sink vanity. 3-4 week lead time from measurement to install

Rough estimates of what these things might cost would be much appreciated!

Bolded. As with anything in life, costs can go from barebones to infinite depending on your taste. I ballparked standard level stuff.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by V

I was with you until the end. Hardwood is much harder than baseboard. If you can install a hardwood floor, you can install your own baseboard.

I can't do baseboards to save my life. Corners have little gaps and just looks like crap. Hardwood is a bunch of research to get the design right but the actual work of putting it in is easy. Time consuming but easy.