what is the fair labor only price for remodeling a home?

March 12, 2010 by homeremodeling · 5 Comments
Filed under: Decorating & Remodeling 
Home Remodeling
Vince asked:

I have gotten quotes (for labor only) all over the place, ranging from 10-35K to do what I wanted. I don’t know what the fair price would be. Any suggestion?

Doing it myself is not an option because I can’t even handle a hammer properly (found out the hard way after I did the demolition of the basement bathroom)

I am remodeling a home and wanted to do the below list. The house is approximately 1950 sq. ft.

1) remove ~1300 sq. ft of popcorn ceiling and replace with texture ceiling
2) remove carpet and install tile ~850 sq.ft.
3) remove carpet and install pre-finished hardwood floor ~600 sq.ft
4) remove carpet on stair and stair rail and replace with hardwood plank stair tread and modern rail (20 steps and 4 3×3 landing areas)
5) remove old tile in 2 bathrooms and replace with new tile and and tile bathroom floors.
6) Install a standing shower in basement (bathroom already there, I ripped it out to stud) and tile the floor and fixing ceiling.
7) replacing (the whole house) old & tired looking baseboard and doors, windows trim with new baseboard and trim 8) sanded the current door jam and painted same color with new trim
9) paint the whole house with 4 different colors

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Comments

5 Responses to “what is the fair labor only price for remodeling a home?”
  1. Hiram says:
    March 15, 2010 at 6:56 am

    I would forget about the 10 k that’s impossible, the 25k to 35k sounds more likely, I would do a back ground check on the contractors as well, to make sure they have a good rep. [who]

  2. liteyesu@sbcglobal.net says:
    March 16, 2010 at 4:18 am

    Well since you got quotes from a construction co now look at there work and ask people that have delt with them even the hardware stores. . Now if you have not get a quote from a hardware store to see how much it will cost then ask if they can recommend anyone. OH come on it will cost less to do some of the work just look up how to do it they have alot of help online
    Base boards,removing carpet,removing pc ceiling, door jam you can do all this. believe it i did my floors im a girl just look online to find out how. that’s what i did.
    (FYI) you pay for all that stuff it is yours all material keep your eye on inventory.Also always expect something to add to the $ . Oh have yo yet check with the city inspector for permits. it sound like more than 35 k [who]

  3. fortyniner says:
    March 17, 2010 at 12:27 am

    It will depend on the area where you are as to the fair labor price. Labor prices vary from area to area and as you have found out it also varies a lot from contractor to contractor. What you can do is ask some of your friends and co-workers and other family members and see if they know of some of these contractors work. Someone will know something. You can check with the Better Business Bureau and see if any of them have had any complaints filed against them. You can contact the city and see if they have a business license and you can ask them to show you proof of liability and if they are bonded. Once you decide who you want to do the work you can request they give you references and go talk with the references. Ask them if they were satisfied with the work and if they would use them again if needed. Just remember the cheapest may be just that the cheapest. You just need to check around and ask questions. You could talk with the building supply stores in the area and ask them about the contractors. They will know more about the contractors than most people will because they deal with them on nearly a daily basis. [who]

  4. Deren Monday says:
    March 18, 2010 at 9:55 am

    Such a spread in the bids means either the scope for the contractors is not well defined or not all of the contractors are qualified to do the job, or both.

    I recommend going to my site,, and downloading my e-book for free. It covers the entire process of hiring a contractor from start to finish. I think it might help you.

    Good luck! [who]

  5. Brandsconstruction.com/WordPress says:
    March 19, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    You may be better off asking for a price of labor and materials as some contractors add around 10% extra to work with materials purchased by the customer do to the inconvenience and time which inevitably is lost due to you buying all materials.

    Breaking up the different areas and asking for separate bids with yourself being the general contractor may save you quite a few dollars. It also may help you decide if some of the items are necessary and some are optional or to be done at a future time.

    Ask for a price on your flooring from 3 flooring contractors.

    Ask for a price on your drywall work from 3 drywall contractors.
    Drywall installation check list

    Ask for a price on your painting from 3 painting contractors.

    Having the plumbing work done from a smaller reputable plumber by the hour may be your best option as bids on small projects often raise the dollar amount.

    You may also consider painting the trim and baseboard versus removing it if the total dollar amount is too costly.

    Remodeling Planning Informational Blog

    Wishing you remodeling success! [who]

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