Thinking about giving your old house a complete makeover? You’re not alone! Many homeowners want to start fresh by gutting their homes. But before you start tearing down walls, let’s talk about how much money you’ll need to gut a 2000 square foot house.
What Does “Gutting a House” Mean?
When we talk about gutting a house, we mean taking out almost everything inside. Think of it like emptying a toy box – you take everything out so you can put new things in. Workers will remove walls, floors, old bathrooms, and kitchen cabinets. This gives you a fresh start to build your dream home.
How Much Money Will You Need?
The price of gutting your house depends on where you live and what new things you want to put in. Here’s what most people pay:
Basic work costs about $80,000 to $120,000. This gets you new walls, basic cabinets, and simple floors.
Middle-range work costs about $140,000 to $180,000. This means better cabinets, nicer floors, and better appliances.
Fancy work costs $200,000 or more. This gets you the best of everything – fancy kitchens, beautiful bathrooms, and special designs.
What Each Room Costs
The Kitchen
Your kitchen will cost the most to redo. A basic kitchen costs about $30,000 to $45,000. This includes new cabinets, counters, and appliances. A fancy kitchen can cost $75,000 or more.
Bathrooms
Each bathroom costs about $10,000 to $15,000 to redo. This pays for new toilets, sinks, showers, and tiles. Fancy bathrooms with special features cost $25,000 or more.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
These rooms cost less because they need simpler work. Each room costs about $2,000 to $5,000 for new walls, floors, and lights.
Surprise Costs to Watch Out For
Sometimes workers find problems after they start gutting your house. Here are common surprises:
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Finding bad wiring: $8,000 to fix
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Finding old pipes: $5,000 to fix
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Finding harmful materials: $2,000 to $10,000 to remove
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Finding damaged walls: $5,000 or more to fix
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire Help?
While doing the work yourself might save money, gutting a house is big, hard work. Most people hire experts because:
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They know how to do the work safely
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They can get the right permits
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They have tools and workers ready
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They can fix problems they find
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They finish faster than you could alone
How Long Will It Take?
Gutting and rebuilding your house takes time. Here’s what to expect:
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Getting ready and getting permits: 1-2 months
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Taking everything out: 1-2 weeks
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Putting in new pipes and wires: 2-4 weeks
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Building new rooms: 3-6 months
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Adding final touches: 1-2 months
Most people’s houses are done in 6 months to 1 year.
How to Save Money
Here are easy ways to spend less:
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Get prices from three or more workers
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Buy materials when they’re on sale
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Keep some old things that still look good
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Do simple work yourself, like painting
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Plan everything before you start
What to Do Next
Ready to start your house project? Here’s what to do:
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Write down what you want to change
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Decide how much money you can spend
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Talk to at least three companies about the work
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Get your permits
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Make a plan for where you’ll live during the work
Conclusion
Gutting your house is a big decision that needs careful planning. We know it’s a lot to think about – from the $80,000 or more it might cost, to finding a place to live during the work, to picking the right workers for the job. But don’t let these things stop you from making your dream home come true. Start by getting our free planning guide today. It will help you avoid costly mistakes and show you the best ways to save money. Take the first step now – call us at [phone number] or visit our website to get your free guide. We’ll help you turn your old house into the home you’ve always wanted, one step at a time. Remember, every beautiful home renovation starts with a good plan and the right help. Let’s start planning yours today!