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Im considering having a new kitchen addtion built, along with a 1/2 bath.
I live in the Boston Area. What should I expect for building costs? Im getting esimates that seem off the chart to me. Total sq.footage would be about 370. I know there are lots of variables, but any imput on cost per sq foot would be very helpful.
Bob
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Replies
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Bob,
I'm in the Boston area, and have gone through similar, but the question you are asking is too open ended.
What do you mean "new kitchen addition?" How old is the existing house? Is the addition an entirely new structure just connected to the old on one face? If so, is the wall gable or load-bearing end? How much cabinet in linear feet? What's the counter top materials? The appliance level?
Just to give you an idea, for appliances and cabinets alone, we were first looking at custom inset cabs, and stainless appliances from speciality stores, and the cost was about $20K cabinets, $18K appliances for $38K for materials (before the actual framing, foundation, etc.). We pulled back to stock cabinets for $8K and black appliances (some Kenmore!) for $7K or $15K total. That's a swing of $23K in just those two areas. Laminate counters vs. Granite can be the difference between $400 and $3000 for the same area.
Other factors: flooring choice, condition of the soil for excavation, present condition of wiring (you may have to bring some wiring up to code, including your board), condition of plumbing, exterior siding, window choice (Anderson from HD? Marvin from Lumber yard? Could be $300 per window difference), door choice (masonite or pine)?
It also depends on what area your contractor lives in and what their business is. There are trade-offs - it takes money to live in around rt. 128, but local people know the inspectors, towns, etc. Business with employees have extra cost with health care, but those may be more stable (though not always).
The key is to get some solid personal references on a contractor, and go with someone you think you can communicate with - we all have different styles. Get a couple of quotes (3, at least) and don't forget your 20% override that will hit.
E-mial me off line here, with what area you live in, and if we are in the same area, I can give you the names of some solid people (if they have time :-)
*The kitchen and bath are the two most expensive pieces of real estate in your house. Don't imagine that a house that appraises at 120/sf can have a new kitchen built for the same anymore than you would want to build a garage for 120/sf. I am just starting a fairly modest kitchen with addition bumpout that will run 141/sf but I don't price'm that way. that just happens to be what it works out to. Boston's one of the highest places too.
*Hi-end kitchens and baths can run $275-$350 per square foot. Remodels/additions can run even higher.I'd guess a low end "starter" price for your footage would be arond $60k.No offense, but your question is about as specific as "How much does a house cost near Boston?" Big house? Small House? Beacon Hill? Billerica? Slate roof? Tar paper shack?Sticker shock is common, especially if you haven't has any work done in a while. Bill offers some good thoughts. You need to quantify what you want, then specify the quality you want. If what you want is a budget-breaker, then you shift from what you want to what you need.If you haven't already done so, go shopping and see what the nuts and bolts of kitchens and baths cost.Bring smelling salts.
*Thank all of you for your responces. My project includes adding a new structure to my circa 1920, 4 Square home. Kitchen would go off one wall, (load bearing that would be opened up) an a half bath w W&D off the other side, forming a "L" shape. A 12/12 solarium would connect the two. Electrial panel would be changed from 100 amp fuses to 200 amp w breakers. Soil is all loam and gravel, no ledge. Renavations would be limited to cleaning up what now is my kitchen,(new floor covering,one closet) NOT including cabnits, countertop, or appliances, the builder is at 90 K. Windows are specified as Harveys, sheet flooring @ 22 SY installed, siding not factored in, thats another complete project for the spring!Im not total naive at this building thing. In addtion to gutting this house to the studs (except for the kitchen!) I build a post and beam house in NH, and a 26x46 post and beam barn/garage/workshop on this property.Bob
*bob,I think the best advice is to get several estimates. many factors go into each builders estimate, and they can vary widely. I can't help but ask you why you aren't doing this addition yourself, given your past accomplishments?my own reason for hiring out future projects are aging body and growing family!!
*a buck 590 a poundreally, about $150 sq/ft for NOTHING fancy.
*For the Boston area and this market, that doesn't sound like a bad price if the man has a good rep. for quality.
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Im considering having a new kitchen addtion built, along with a 1/2 bath.
I live in the Boston Area. What should I expect for building costs? Im getting esimates that seem off the chart to me. Total sq.footage would be about 370. I know there are lots of variables, but any imput on cost per sq foot would be very helpful.
Bob