www.costvsvalue.com
y o u r t o o l b o x f o r s u c c e s s
–
Midrange
ATTIC BEDROOM REMODEL
Convert unfinished attic space to a 15-by-15foot bedroom and a 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Include a 15-foot shed dormer, four new windows, and closet space under the eaves. Insulate and finish ceiling and walls. Carpet floor. Extend existing HVAC to new space; provide electrical wiring and lighting to code. Retain existing stairs, but add rail and baluster around stairwell.
BACKUP POWER GENERATOR
Install modular electrical backup system with capacity for providing 70 amps of emergency power in two 240-volt circuits and six 120-volt circuits. Assume existing propane gas supply. Include generator mounted on 2-by-4-four-foot concrete or composite pad, automatic transfer switch, load center, exterior disconnect, and grounding rod. Include 30 feet of conduit and electrical cable for generator connections; grounded cable for circuits; 5 feet of flexible fuel line for connection to existing rigid gas supply line; and automotive-type storage battery.
BASEMENT REMODEL
Finish the lower level of a house to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with wet bar and a 5-by-8-foot full bathroom; construct 24 linear feet of finished partition to enclose mechanical area. Walls and ceilings are painted drywall throughout; exterior walls are insulated; painted trim throughout. Include five six-panel factory-painted hardboard doors with passage locksets. Electrical wiring to code. Main room: Include 15 recessed ceiling light fixtures and three surface-mounted light fixtures, and a snap-together laminate flooring system. Bathroom: Include standard white toilet, vanity with cultured marble top, resilient vinyl flooring, two-piece fiberglass shower unit, a light/fan combination, vanity light fixture, recessed medicine cabinet, towel and
–
Project Descriptions
–
paper-holder hardware. Bar area: Include 10 linear feet of raised-panel oak cabinets with laminate countertops, stainless steel bar sink, single-lever bar faucet, undercounter refrigerator, and vinyl floor tile.
BATHROOM ADDITION
Add a full 6-by-8-foot bathroom over a crawlspace with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; 30-by-60-inch white fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surround; single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced faucet; white low-profile toilet; general and spot lighting; electrical wiring to code; mirrored medicine cabinet; linen storage closet or cabinet; vinyl wallpaper; painted trim; and ceramic tile floor.
BATHROOM REMODEL
Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4-by-4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.
DECK ADDITION (WOOD)
Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.
DECK ADDITION (COMPOSITE)
Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.
ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (STEEL)
Remove existing 3-0/6-8 entry door and jambs and replace with new 20-gauge steel unit, including clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and aluminum threshold with composite stop. Door is factory finished with same color both sides. Exterior brick-mold and 2.5-inch interior colonial or ranch casings in poplar or equal prefinished to match door color. Replace existing lockset with new bored-lock in brass or antique-brass finish.
ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (FIBERGLASS)
Remove existing 3-0/6-8 entry door and jambs and replace with new fiberglass unit with simulated wood grain, stained same color both sides; dual-pane, decorative half-glass panel with zinc caming; PVC-wrapped exterior trim in color to match existing trim; 2.5-inch interior colonial or ranch casings in hardwood stained to match door. Replace existing lockset with mortise lock with lever handle and integrated deadbolt in oil-rubbed bronze or satin-nickel finish.
FAMILY ROOM ADDITION
In a style appropriate to the existing house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawlspace foundation with vinyl siding and fiberglass shingle roof. Include drywall interior with fiberglass insulation, pre-finished hardwood floor, and 180 square feet of glazing including windows, atrium-style exterior doors, and two operable skylights. Tie into existing HVAC. Add electrical system to code, including 12 recessed ceiling lights.
GARAGE ADDITION
Construct a 26-by-26-foot freestanding two-car garage, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, 2×4 wood frame with
–
Project Descriptions continued
–
OSB structural sheathing, and gable truss roof at 6/12 pitch. Install 25-year asphalt shingle roofing with galvanized metal flashing; vinyl siding and trim. Install five double-hung 30-by-48-inch vinyl windows; one 3-0/6-8 exterior door with half-glass and lockset; and two composite 9-by-8-foot overhead doors with motorized openers. Include 100-amp breaker at main house panel and 50 linear feet of trench buried conduit to feed new electrical subpanel. Provide electrical wiring for openers; three-way switching for fluorescent ceiling fixtures over each bay; three-way switching for two exterior spotlights; outlets to code. Interior wall, floors, and ceilings remain unfinished.
GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT
Remove and dispose of existing 16-by-7-foot garage door and tracks. Install new 4-section garage door on new galvanized steel tracks; reuse existing motorized opener. New door is uninsulated, single-layer, embossed steel with two coats of baked-on paint, galvanized steel hinges, and nylon rollers; 10-year limited warranty.
HOME OFFICE REMODEL
Convert an existing 12-by-12-foot room to a home office. Install custom cabinets to include 20 linear feet of laminate desktop, computer workstation, and wall cabinet storage. Rewire room for computer, fax machine, and other electronic equipment, as well as cable and telephone lines. Include drywall interior, painted trim, and commercial-grade carpeting.
MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL
Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
MASTER SUITE ADDITION
Add a 24-by-16-foot master bedroom suite over a crawlspace. Include walk-in closet/ dressing area, whirlpool tub in ceramic tile platform, separate 3-by-4-foot ceramic tile shower, and double-bowl vanity with solid-surface countertop. Bedroom floor is carpet; bathroom floor is ceramic tile. Painted walls, ceiling, and trim. General and spot lighting, exhaust fan; electrical wiring to code.
MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL
In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install midpriced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.
ROOFING REPLACEMENT
Remove existing roofing to bare wood sheathing and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of 235-pound fiberglass asphalt shingles (min. 25-year warranty) with new felt underlayment, galvanized drip edge, and mill-finish aluminum flashing. Assume a 5-square hip roof; custom flashing at two average-size skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge.
SIDING REPLACEMENT
Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new vinyl siding, including all trim.
SUNROOM ADDITION
Construct a 200-square-foot sunroom addition, including footings and slab-ongrade foundation. Post-and-beam framing exposed on interior side. Wall glazing: vinyl or aluminum clad awning and casement windows with low-E, laminated or tempered glazing and screens. Roof glazing: 10 large aluminum-clad venting skylights with screens. Provide ceiling fan; insulate all non-glass areas; provide movable shades for glass area. Quarry tile or equal on floor.
TWO-STORY ADDITION
Add a first-floor family room and a second-floor bedroom with full bathroom in a 24-by16-foot two-story wing over a crawlspace. Add new HVAC system to handle addition; electrical wiring to code. Family room: Include a prefabricated gas fireplace; 11 3-by-5-foot double-hung insulated clad-wood windows; an atrium-style exterior door; carpeted floors; painted drywall on walls and ceiling; and painted trim. Bathroom: 5 by 8 feet. Include a one-piece fiberglass tub/shower unit; standard white toilet; wood vanity with solid-surface countertop; resilient vinyl flooring; and mirrored medicine cabinet with built-in light strip; papered walls; and painted trim; exhaust fan. Bedroom: Include walk-in closet/dressing area; carpet; painted walls, ceiling, and trim; general and spot lighting.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL)
Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT (WOOD)
Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated wood replacement windows, exterior clad in vinyl or aluminum. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do not disturb existing interior trim.
—
Upscale
BATHROOM ADDITION
Add a new 100-square-foot master bathroom to existing master bedroom over a crawlspace. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body-spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding.
–
Project Descriptions continued
–
Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.
BATHROOM REMODEL
Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body-spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistatcontrolled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.
DECK ADDITION (COMPOSITE)
Add a 16-by-20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4×4 posts anchored to concrete piers. At one corner, add a second, 10-foot-diameter six-sided platform one step down from the main deck. Include stairs on the smaller deck, assuming three steps to grade. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Trim the perimeter joists and wrap the 4×4 posts with composite materials to match the decking. Using the same decking material, include a built-in bench and planter along one 16-foot side. On the remaining perimeter, provide a railing system using composite material of contrasting or complementary colors that includes decorative balusters, post caps, and lighting. Railing and trim should provide for overall curb appeal to the outdoor living space by integrating the deck with the home’s color and architecture, creating a custom look.
GARAGE ADDITION
For the same midrange two-car garage, add interior wall finish using moisture-resistant drywall on ceiling and three walls. At rear wall, install modular storage systems including wall panels, upper and lower storage cabinets with work surfaces, and required task lighting. Trim all windows and doors and provide base molding at perimeter; paint all trim, ceiling, and walls. Finish cement floor with color, slip-resistant epoxy sealer.
GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT
Remove and dispose of existing 16×7-foot garage door and tracks. Install new 4-section garage door on new heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks; reuse existing motorized opener. New door is high tensile strength steel with two coats of factory-applied paint and foam insulated to minimum R-12 with thermal seals between pinch-resistant panels. Windows in top panel are ½-inch insulated glass. Hardware includes galvanized steel hinges and ball-bearing urethane rollers. Lifetime warranty.
GRAND ENTRANCE (FIBERGLASS)
Remove existing 3-0/6-8 entry door and cut and reframe opening for a 12-36-12 entrance door with dual sidelites. Move double-gang electrical box with two switches. Fiberglass door blank matches upscale entry, including color, threshold, lockset, and decorative half-glass; sidelites match door. PVC-wrapped exterior trim in color to match existing trim; wider interior colonial or ranch casings (3.5-inch to cover new jack studs) in hardwood stained to match door. All work to be completed in one day.
MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL
Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic- or glass-tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade range and vent hood; built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, and built-in combination microwave and convection oven. Install high-end undermount sink with designer faucets and built-in water filtration system. Add new general and task lighting including low-voltage undercabinet lights. Install cork flooring, cherry trim.
MASTER SUITE ADDITION
Add a 32-by-20-foot master bedroom suite over a crawlspace. Bedroom: Add a spacious sleeping area with lounging/sitting area adjacent to large master bathroom. Include custom bookcases and built-in storage with millwork details; high-end gas fireplace with stone hearth and custom mantle; and large walk-in closet/ dressing area with natural light, mirrors, and linen storage. Add French doors to exterior. Bathroom: Include a large walk-in shower with dual-shower system, stone shower walls and floor, and custom frameless glass enclosure. Add corner-design whirlpool tub bordered on two sides by windows and built into granite or marble platform with custom cabinet front. Include two sinks in separate custom vanities with stone countertops and large mirrors. Create partitioned area for luxury one-piece toilet. General: Add 5-foot-long hospitality center with bar sink, undercounter refrigerator, custom cabinetry, granite or marble countertop, and microwave. Include soundproofing, in-floor heating, custom wall finishes and hardware, general and spot lighting, and lighting controls.
ROOFING REPLACEMENT
Remove existing roofing to bare wood sheathing and dispose of properly. Install 30 squares of standing-seam metal, formed on site into 16-inch panels using factory-enameled roll steel; double-lock all seams. Use custom brake-bent flashing from same material for drip edge and all flashing at roof-wall intersections. Assume a 5-square hip roof; custom flashing at two average-sized skylights; and custom cap treatment at vented ridge. Apply over new felt underlayment; use ice-and-water membrane at eaves, valleys, and all penetrations.
–
Project Descriptions continued
–
SIDING REPLACEMENT (FIBER-CEMENT)
Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new fiber-cement siding, factory primed and factory painted. Include all 4/4 and 5/4 trim using either fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC.
SIDING REPLACEMENT (FOAM-BACKED VINYL)
Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new foam-backed vinyl siding, including factory trim at all openings and corners.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL)
Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulateddivided-lite vinyl windows. Simulated wood-grain interior finish; custom-color exterior finish. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT (WOOD)
Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulateddivided-lite wood windows. Interior finish of stained hardwood; exterior finish of custom-color aluminum cladding. Trim exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.
–
