What renovations would be possible within a $115,000 budget?

Question

On this property:

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?gate=google&source=a15696&ctid=85744&mxp=24&typ=21&supads=pup,pun&sid=f857540082d34378a3e53b6b808f2a3a&sdir=0&sby=2&pg=2&lid=1095224575&lsn=18&srcnt=200#Detail

I'd like to work on the kitchen, install central air (if possible), as well as working on the porches, and just fixing the interior in general, and the windows.

I just need to know what I CAN do, not what I CAN'T.

Answer 1

You may not have enough in your budget to make the necessary repairs to the house not including the central air system.  From the pictures, you can see damage to the ceilings, that means you will have to put in some of your funds to repair the roof and flashings.  Everything basically needs to be gutted and replaced.  You also have to assume that plumbing lines and electrical lines needs replacing as well.  If you're using a GC, that will eat more into your budget, but this will be a major undertaking, you can try to do it yourself if you are handy.

Answer 2

that house needs one more full bath and perhaps a 1/2 bath for guests downstairs.  then focus on kitchen and essentials like electrical, pipes, central a/c (if you really need it in Maine), furnace, etc.  double pane windows will save a lot in utility bills.

projects always run over budget so take it one step at a time.

Answer 3

If you don't go overboard you should be able to get it all done on your budget.  Unless you are planning as acting as your own general contractor get a reputable one to handle everything for you.  Get references and check them out.  Make sure all proper permits are gotten.  Don't give all the money up front.  It is customary for money to be given in stages as the work progresses.  Stay behind them every minute.  If you see a problem developing that they don't address to your satisfaction don't wait...fire them and get someone else.

Answer 4

The site wouldn't open to a picture.  Since I don't know the size of the home, I can at least say that a roughly 3000 sq. ft. home would need anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 to do a very nice kitchen remodel.  I can't speak to air conditioning but replacement windows can be costly but if you are doing them choose the best you can afford.  Choose low-E double hung tilt-ins.  The low-E glass will insulate your home and save on heat and air, double hungs allow you to open windows from top down or down up and tilt-ins allow you to wash your windows inside and out from the inside.  These are cost saving issues for you down the road.  Anderson and Pella are two of the top lines but I know there are others that can do the job if you need to be budget concerned.  Fixing porches unless they are delapidated and painting the interiors of the home are lower budget items.  Put your monies into the kitchen, bathrooms, windows, and air conditioning.  The other stuff can be done as you can afford it.

Answer 5

Holy c**p where do you live? You could just buy a whole new house with that where I'm from! With the renovations you are talking about it all depends on the size of the house  you are renovating, where you live, the decor you are going for, etc. Central air can range from a few thousand dollars up to around 9000 depending on the size you will need. An entire Kitchen can get done from 10 to 15 grand if you use a professional, cheaper if you are a good do it yourselfer and know how to hunt for a bargain. General repairs like paint, carpeting etc I would price between 1 and 2 thousand all together once again depending on size. There are a lot of differentiating factors to consider. But I'd say no matter what you have TONS of wiggle room with the budget you've got. I've done these things before myself so I have a decent idea but like I said, I live out in the middle of nowhere IL, so it could be cheaper here.