Whole House Remodel Pricing

Get a clear and transparent pricing plan for your whole house remodel

Remodel and New Addition to Home in Paradise
Budget

Whole house remodels are typically a dramatic modernization to a home, involving structural changes, energy and code updates, interior and exterior improvements, and even additions. Due to the amount of components and different aspects to consider about a whole home remodel/addition, how you determine the price depends on multiple factors, which we will cover in this section. The cost of a major home remodel, commonly known as a “gut renovation,” can vary greatly from $250,000 to $550,000 depending on factors such as the size and age of the home, and the extent of necessary repairs. The extent of work required is a crucial consideration, as with any project, as it directly impacts the final cost. A well-defined job scope enables accurate comparison of contractor bids. This page provides an overview of the typical scope of work involved in a complete home renovation. The size of the property is also a significant factor in construction costs. For this discussion, we will focus on moderately sized homes between 1,500 and 2,200 square feet.

Size Of The House

Determining the price per square foot for a house depends heavily on its size and whether it is a single-story or multi-story structure. Wet locations, such as kitchens and bathrooms, typically have a higher cost per square foot compared to dry locations such as bedrooms and common areas. Additionally, the number of bathrooms in a house can also impact the price per square foot. As a general rule, the overall price per square foot tends to decrease as the total square footage of the house increases. However, remodeling a two-story house usually incurs higher costs than remodeling a single-story one.

Quality of Materials

The cost of materials for a home renovation project can fluctuate greatly depending on the quality and type of products selected. Premium tiles, fixtures, and other finishes are likely to be more costly than their basic counterparts. High-end materials can also increase labor expenses due to additional installation requirements, specialized tools, and potentially the need to engage specialty trade subcontractors. Homes offer limitless possibilities for customization, with corresponding price points. To avoid overspending, it’s crucial to establish a budget and prioritize the main features that you desire, planning accordingly.

Scope

The scope of work for a whole house gut remodel can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the project. Here are some common elements that might be included in a whole house remodel:

  1. Plumbing System: New sewer line, re-pipe the freshwater lines, and new tankless hot water heater.
  2. Electrical System: Upgrade to 200 AMP service if an older 100 AMP panel or fuses are still in use, new subpanel, recessed lights throughout, and rewiring the entire home to meet today’s electrical code.
  3. HVAC System: Replacing the older system with either a a multi-zone mini-split or a whole house forced air system, and if energy codes are requiring, a whole house fan.
  4. Insulation: insulating the roof deck, new insulation in the walls (typically older homes have a severe lack of insulation), and blow-in insulation in the attic. For raised foundations, insulation under the home is included.
  5. Removing and replacing the roof with 30 year asphalt shingles (metal roofing and clay tiles are additional, expect it to come out to around $15-20k more.)
  6. Exterior siding or stucco repairs. Removing and replacing all of the exterior would be an additional price, depending on what materials and application.
  7. Drywall: Removing all of the drywall, replacing with new and texturing, smooth, imperfect smooth, or spray.
  8. Painting: Interior and Exterior
  9. Windows: Replace all windows with Milgard or similar, specs to match energy calculations. Typically 12-20 windows.
  10. Flooring: Remove all of the existing flooring, install new vinyl planks (or laminate), hardwood, tile, and/or carpet.
  11. Bathroom Remodels: Remodel 2 bathrooms (See budget bathroom remodel description on this page.)
  12. Kitchen Remodel: Remodel the kitchen (See budget kitchen remodel description on this page.)
  13. New Interior doors throughout
  14. New baseboard and door trim throughout

Services

Are you only looking for the physical construction portion of your remodel? Do you need professional design or architecture services? Here at Synergy Builders we can work with you on your project and coordinate the engineering, interior design, and handle all of the permitting process. It’s a one stop shop.

Build-only

If you have already made all the necessary selections for the finishes and have a clear idea of what you want your project to look like, a build-only service is the appropriate choice for you. This service involves a general contractor who carries out the demolition and construction work required for the project. While some general contractors focus only on the build service, there are different levels of service offerings available within this category. This means that some contractors may not provide professional design services.

Designer/Architect

Design services can be categorized into creative and technical design. Creative design involves working with an architect or interior designer to redesign the space and typically costs 10-20% of the construction budget, depending on the level of service. However, some firms may charge a flat fee based on the project scope and anticipated duration. Technical design expertise, on the other hand, is necessary for projects that require permits and safety considerations, such as gut renovations. An architect or structural engineer is needed to ensure that the project is done safely and to code.

Design-builder

For design and build services, you can hire a designer/architect and a general contractor separately, or opt for a design-build firm. The latter offers advantages like working with the same firm for planning, design, and construction, which can save time, provide seamless coordination, and keep the project on budget. Many clients appreciate the working relationship and its benefits.

When it comes to remodeling, it’s many customer’s first time. There are a lot of questions that may come up, hopefully we can answer some of them for you here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The final cost of a whole house remodel depends on the size of the house, quality of finishes, number of bathrooms, and whether there are additional upgrades and changes made to the floorplan outside of a gut and replace. In Chico, a full, rip-and-replace whole house remodel for an average-sized 1500 square foot house ranges from $250,000 to $325,000. A major gut remodel, with walls moving, structural improvements, exterior changes adds an extra 15-25% or more to the total cost.

A whole house remodel typically takes three to six months, depending on materials chosen. The planning stage is an additional 8-12 weeks.

Yes. The scope of work is major enough to require a permit. If the project isn’t moving walls around, an over-the-counter permit may be pulled for a majority of the scope. Fees associated with the permit process are separate from the estimate project cost.

You may, but the overall process would be slowed down, resulting in a more expensive project. Ultimately you do not want to live in a house during a whole house remodel. It is a construction site, which presents an unsafe environment for those not wearing appropriate personal protection equipment. And will provide an inconvenient situation to live around.

Choosing the right contractor is essential for a successful whole house remodel. Here are some steps you can take to help you choose the best contractor for your project:

  1. Research potential contractors: Start by researching potential contractors in your area. Check their website, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations.
  2. Check their credentials: Ensure that the contractor has the proper licensing, insurance, and certifications. You can verify this information by checking with your local licensing board and asking for a copy of their insurance certificate.
  3. Schedule a consultation: Meet with the contractor to discuss your project and see if they are a good fit. During the consultation, ask about their experience, the scope of their services, and their project timeline.
  4. Check references: Ask the contractor for references from past clients and follow up with them to learn about their experience with the contractor.
  5. Review the contract: Carefully review the contract and make sure that all aspects of the project are outlined clearly, including the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties or guarantees.
  6. Consider communication: Look for a contractor who communicates effectively and listens to your needs and concerns. You want to work with someone who is responsive and keeps you updated on the progress of your project.

Remember that finding the right contractor may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it to ensure that your whole house remodel is successful and meets your expectations.

Based on the age of a home, some upgrades or fixes may be necessary, such as:

  1. Structural issues: If your house remodel involves moving walls or changing the layout, you will require engineering, additional permit fees, and then on the physical construction side you will see a starting price of $15,000 to install new framing, footings, and glulam beam to support the roof weight for removing weight bearing walls.
  2. Plumbing and electrical upgrades: Older homes may require updates to plumbing and electrical systems to meet building codes, which can add to the overall cost of the project. Plumbing has often become corroded and is either reducing water flow or has metal deposits in the water. Sewer pipes likely are nearing the end of their life and will need to be removed and replaced. In the instance of a concrete slab, concrete will need to be cut and jackhammered out to get access to the piping. Electrical often doesn’t have ground wires and usually needs a larger service 200 AMP panel.
  3. Mold or water damage: If there is existing mold or water damage in the bathroom, it will need to be addressed before the remodel can begin, which can add to the overall cost.
  4. Car Charger
  5. Water Heater Upgrades: gas or electric instant hot water heater.

Permitting fees for major projects and change orders after a contract has been signed can also increase costs. To protect yourself from unforeseen expenses, it’s recommended to set aside a contingency budget of 10-15% for a non-gut renovation and 15-20% for a gut remodel. This monetary cushion can help keep your project on track. One of the things that we see often is that once the room has everything removed it becomes a lot easier for customers to see different possibilities that they were unable to see prior. In this instance be prepared that you may be interested in changing the plan once the construction phase has started.

A whole house remodel provides an opportunity to update the design and functionality of your entire home. Here are some design options to consider for a whole house remodel:

  1. Open concept: Knocking down walls to create an open-concept living space is a popular design option for modern homes. This can involve merging the living room, kitchen, and dining room into one large space, creating a more fluid and spacious layout.
  2. Updated kitchens: The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and a whole house remodel provides an opportunity to update and modernize this space. This can include adding high-end appliances, updating cabinets and countertops, and incorporating new lighting and fixtures.
  3. Luxurious bathrooms: Remodeling your bathrooms can transform them into luxurious spa-like retreats. Consider adding high-end finishes, such as marble or granite countertops, rain showerheads, and soaking tubs.
  4. Energy efficiency: A whole house remodel can also include incorporating energy-efficient features, such as new windows, insulation, and appliances. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also save you money on your utility bills.
  5. Smart home technology: Many homeowners are incorporating smart home technology into their whole house remodels. This can include voice-activated assistants, remote-controlled lighting and temperature systems, and home security systems.
  6. Outdoor living spaces: Creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces is a popular design trend. This can involve adding outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and comfortable seating areas.

These are just a few design options to consider for a whole house remodel.

A whole house remodel can significantly increase the value of your home, but it’s important to focus on projects that will have the biggest impact. Here are some tips on how to maximize the value of your home with a whole house remodel:

  1. Focus on high-impact areas: Consider which areas of your home are most important to potential buyers, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas. These spaces are where people spend the most time and where they expect to see high-end finishes and modern features.
  2. Add more space: Adding square footage to your home is one of the best ways to increase its value. This can involve adding a room, expanding the living area, or building an outdoor living space.
  3. Energy efficiency: Adding energy-efficient features to your home can not only save you money on your utility bills but also make your home more appealing to potential buyers. This can include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, adding insulation, and installing new windows and doors.
  4. Smart home technology: Incorporating smart home technology into your whole house remodel can make your home more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. Consider adding features like a smart thermostat, automated lighting and window shades, and a home security system.
  5. Maintain the character of the home: If your home has historic or architectural character, try to maintain that during the remodel. This can include restoring original features, such as hardwood floors or molding, or incorporating elements that match the style of the home.

Remember, it’s important to balance your desires for your home with the potential return on investment. Work with a professional to determine which projects will have the biggest impact on the value of your home.

 

Your budget and your dreams are the limit for how much you can customize your remodel. It is important to consult with professionals to determine what is affordable for you and what are the exact needs you have that need to be met.

A whole house remodel can be a complex and challenging project, and several obstacles or challenges may arise. Here are some of the potential challenges and ways to address them:

  1. Budget overruns: Budget overruns are common in remodeling projects. To prevent this, it’s important to work with a contractor who can provide you with a detailed estimate and who will work with you to establish a budget and prioritize expenses.
  2. Unforeseen structural issues: It’s possible that during a whole house remodel, structural issues may be discovered that were not visible before the renovation began. It’s important to have an experienced contractor who can identify these issues and work with you to develop a solution.
  3. Permitting: Obtaining permits for a whole house remodel can be a lengthy and challenging process. Be sure to work with a contractor who is familiar with the permitting process and can help you navigate the requirements.
  4. Change orders: Changes in design or scope during a remodel can lead to change orders, which can add costs and delay the project. To avoid this, work with a contractor to develop a clear plan upfront and try to stick to it.
  5. Living in the home during the remodel: Depending on the extent of the remodel, you may need to live in the home during the renovation. This can be challenging, so it’s important to work with a contractor who can create a plan to minimize disruption and maintain a safe and livable space during construction.
  6. Timeline: Whole house remodels can take several months or even longer to complete. Be sure to work with a contractor who can provide you with a realistic timeline for the project and communicate regularly to keep you informed of progress.

By working with an experienced contractor and developing a solid plan upfront, many of these potential challenges can be addressed or prevented.

Remodel with Confidence:

Choose Our Expert Team for Your Home Renovation

Our transparent pricing policy means you’ll never be blindsided by hidden fees. Our estimates include all costs associated with your remodeling project, except for dry-rot and design change orders, and the additional conditions that may come with that.