I'm gearing up for some major renovations in Monterey Bay, CA, and I could use some feedback on the pricing estimates I've received from a general contractor. Here's the breakdown:
- $150,000 for a new detached, unfinished garage (26x24ft). This could go to about $175k if we include demo of the existing driveway/carport, tree removal, and new driveway. The contractor mentioned they were pricing based on about $250 per square foot, factoring in my home's value.
- $50,000 for each bathroom (two total), with an estimate of $30k for labor and $20k for finishes. One bathroom is entirely new (around 50 sqft) and the other is a complete gut job with plumbing adjustments (about 90 sqft).
- Over $100,000 for converting an existing attached, unfinished garage into a JADU with all new plumbing for a kitchenette and a new bathroom in a slab foundation.
- $40,000 to gut the kitchen and do a complete roof replacement.
- $70,000 for kitchen remodeling.
Adding everything up, we're looking at close to $600k. Some estimates seem reasonable, like the kitchen roof replacement, but others seem way off—like the $150k for an unfinished garage compared to the JADU conversion costing over $100k. I'm getting more estimates, but I'd appreciate any insights on these prices!
3 Answers
I think you should definitely get multiple quotes. Monterey can be pricier than other areas, and the unique logistics of the site may influence prices. Just be cautious of anyone hinting they know your home's value; that's a bit unprofessional. That $150k for the garage does seem high unless they’re including premium materials or special features.
From my perspective, these prices seem about right for the Monterey Bay area. Given that it's a high-cost region and many families have a good income there, it's not surprising to see those price tags. However, it's always smart to get a few more estimates to compare. Trust your instincts too—if something feels off, it’s worth investigating further.
It really depends on the site's conditions as well. If your land is flat with easy access, then that $150k for the garage sounds excessive. Make sure you dig into the details of that quote—what exactly is included? You might find some savings by considering pre-fab options for the garage, which can be cheaper.