I have been doing some research on residential construction costs in the SF Bay Area. It’s always good to be up to date on this subject. Clients and potential clients are always asking the question.
Not surprisingly, the numbers I’ve seen have ranged all over the place from unbelievably low to unfathomably high. But the consensus is that residential construction using standard materials and techniques will cost between $300 to $500 per square foot. It is possible to build for less and it’s easy to build for more, but that seems to be the general range for a new house project with average to nicer than average finishes and fittings.
Remodeling costs tend to be less, since the structure is already there. Remodeling costs will also vary wildly depending on what exactly you are doing to the house and the quality of the new fixtures and fittings. In the Bay Area, remodeling costs will vary between about $100 to $500 per square foot. Some things can be done for less. It is frighteningly easy to exceed these costs.
Last year, I had one project that cost just under $60/square foot for a whole house remodel. I also had a kitchen remodel that cost about $450/square foot (including all finishes and appliances).
Building ain’t cheap.
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