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I have to decide this weekend whether to write an offer on a 40-year-old house (brick and wood siding) that needs a lot of work (roof, walls, floors, etc.). This 1,800 square foot house sits on a beautiful lot in Northern Virginia, which probably has most of the value. I expect to nuke the kitchen and bathrooms. What can I expect to pay to have 2-coat plaster installed over blueboard. Same for wainscotting installed to a traditional height? Same for quarter-sawn oak floors that I want finished in place? If I find a concrete slab under the existing carpets, are hardwood floors still a viable option? What is a reaonable price to pay for a 2-car garage? What is dense-pack cellulose insulation, and what does it cost? How does it compare to Icynene (spelling?)? Thanks in advance for all your help!!!
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HUH!!!!
How much is the moon and do they deliver.
*Normally, I am a lot more sympathetic to the questions about costs than most of the people on this board. That is probably because I am still learning how to price work myself.But in this case, it looks like the road to bankruptcy at best.Do not write the offer.Learning to run (away) myself.Rich Beckman
*Sounds like a big order in one shot. This is one of those things that need to be walked thur. Do you plan to do all this in one shot? Or will you do this as you go? I'm out of Md. and work out your way and have seen some houses double in five years.I'll give you a quick idea of prices for what your askingBlue board and two coat around $2.00 per sq.ft.Wainscotting basic bat and bead, around $2.50 lin ft materials and labor. Price for panels can go up and what about cap/chair rail and base?Quarter sawn oak is around $10 to $11 installed and finished. This price is based on not having to go the the antique stuff. Their price on quarter sawn oak is $9.85 sq.ft, this doesn't include install and finish.If concrete is found under the carpet hard wood is still a go. Just a little differant to installMy last two car garage was attached and was $12,00(slab, vinyl siding Arch. shingles door openers)Dense pack is blown in your house and should run around $5,000 or as high $12,00I don't know Icyene.. I'm guessing foam???????b All the above is a very general idea on pricingBefore writting a offer I would have a home inspection service check the house out. A good job around Va. runs about $500.00 As much as it hurts to say this don't us a builder. Most will want the work they find and it leaves some linging as to who's intrest is being served.Hopes this helps e mail me if you have any questions
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Thanks again to those of you who responded because your comments helped me stay focused on reality.
I didn't know whether I had found a diamond-in-the-rough or a dream house (as in "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House"). After reading your comments this morning, I discussed the situation with a friend who had worked in construction until about 15 years ago. In his view, the fact that the property has suffered from obvious neglect suggests the possibility of other serious problems (e.g., rot caused by leaking roof). The bottom line: This house probably is a tear-down, so I'll just walk away and avoid bankruptcy.
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I have to decide this weekend whether to write an offer on a 40-year-old house (brick and wood siding) that needs a lot of work (roof, walls, floors, etc.). This 1,800 square foot house sits on a beautiful lot in Northern Virginia, which probably has most of the value. I expect to nuke the kitchen and bathrooms. What can I expect to pay to have 2-coat plaster installed over blueboard. Same for wainscotting installed to a traditional height? Same for quarter-sawn oak floors that I want finished in place? If I find a concrete slab under the existing carpets, are hardwood floors still a viable option? What is a reaonable price to pay for a 2-car garage? What is dense-pack cellulose insulation, and what does it cost? How does it compare to Icynene (spelling?)? Thanks in advance for all your help!!!