RL off topic question

[Kelly Haggerty]

Does anyone have a good approximate cost per sq ft for a "from-the-studs-out" remodel in SoCal? By this I mean all new wiring, plumbing, HVAC, roof, windows, insulation....the answer to "does it need?" is yes. I found a really awesome old house with an amazing layout, but the same people lived in it for 65 years and did basically nothing so it is time for a major refresh. Thing is, I have no idea what that would cost, so trying to factor it into what I could pay. 1430 sq ft single-story.

[John Smith]

not really researched, so grain of salt here, but hearsay on neighbors nearby, they pretty much tore down all but something like one wall to keep it as a "renovation" by law and just rebuilt the house.

However there seems to be some tax credits floating around, I think for windows, HVAC for sure, maybe plumbing - certainly water conservation stuff.

I have thought about similar but so far the roof isnt leaking, so why fix what aint broken!?...hopefully I can get out if the wiring is so bad it catches fire!

Guess my biggest concern around here is the old houses with galvanized sewage/plumbing.. I know coming in should have been updated already (which it has) but who knows what that sewage line looks like under ground to the right of way.

A few years ago it was about 300 per square foot on a new build - renos are just so site specific. I know the new build number because we were going to go ADU use that to live while house was getting a reno in future because it is going to be a mess (plaster walls with Latte, etc etc)

Anyway, pretty sure this no help, but if you find a trustworthy contractor let me know so I can have them come tell me what i can't get accomplished before I die!

[Kelly Haggerty]

Thanks John. I have heard the $250-$300 per sq ft for new build number, too. Not sure how that would translate because the utilities and footprint are there, no lot prep. But, I would need to pay for demo, and in a 1955 build there is bound to be something, or things, that CA law requires be remediated and treated a certain way, like lead or asbestos. If it is $200 or more per foot, I couldn't swing it and the numbers wouldn't even make sense for the neighborhood.