The R Report: The Cost of Renovations

With a busier market these days, smart home buyers are able to pick up wonderful homes in great locations that may just need a little "Tender Loving Care."

Investing in a spruce-up gives home buyers a chance to take advantage of new technology that not only  affords lower energy costs, but is healthier for living and the environment.

There may be an old kitchen that needs to be torn out and made to sparkle with new appliances, flooring, countertops and tile work.

So, what would it cost to remodel a typical Fairfield County kitchen?

I was fortunate to speak with Bob Simna of J. Tallman Builders, LLC, who said the cost depends on the type of renovation and scope of the property.

Here's a breakdown:

Level of Construction:            Modest                     Mid Range                  Grand

Kitchen Dimension:     12'X 14'     14'x14'    14'X14'   16'X18'    16'x20'   18'X28'

Kitchen Square Footage:   168  to 196            196      to     288        320    to  504

Total Costs: $45,750 to   $59,760 (for a modest kitchen)    $71,880 to  $130,620 (for a mid-range kitchen) and $156,000 to  $292,080 (for a grand kitchen).

A brand new kitchen can sell a house better than any renovation I have found. The second most important renovation — and complaint about the resale if its dated — is a Master Bath. Here are the estimates for bringing your Master Bath up to present standards.

Master Bath

Level of Construction:           Modest                  Mid Range                   Grand

Bath Square Footage:   100    To    125             125    To    175         175    To    250

Total Costs:   $11,225   to $18,600    $21,650  to $40,900  $48,950  to $94,150

Need more space? Another question most often asked when buying a home is,"Is the basement finished?"

If not what would that cost?

Basement

Level of Construction:          Modest                Mid Range                     Grand

Basement Sq Footage:     500  to 1,000       1,000  to 1,500          1.500  to 3,000

Basement Costs: $25,900  to   $54,840    $51,200 to  $85,020    $79,380   to $168,360

J Tallman Builders has a detailed list of everything that can be added or subtracted to this estimate to  help make a wise purchase, selling or renovation decision.

I find that all too often buyers are afraid to do work. They want the house done now, need to move now and then have misgivings over some of these basic rooms we described above that were not exactly as they would have liked them to be.

I suggest using this guide to plan to carry out good construction decisions. With a little foresight and design inspiration a renovation can make all the difference, whether doing it before you sell or getting that great deal in this buyer's market and making it your own.

For a more information contact: J. Tallman Builders, LLC, Bob Simna: at 203-254-1971, www.tallman.com

JuliaBroder is a Realtor with The Riverside Realty Group and shares a weekly column with Susan Albright. She can be reached at 203-247-7500 or by e-mail at  Julia@JuliaBroder.com. For more information, click here.