Illustrative Demo Property · fictional properties · demo imagery · no MLS listing data
Projects proposed from this house's own photos, priced three ways. Tick what you'd actually do — the all-in price updates as you go.
What can I get for…
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Drag to auto-pick the projects that fit — must-dos first, then best return per dollar.
Built 1968: carry a 10–15% contingency on top of any selected scope — houses this age hide conditions no photo shows.
Your timeline
Systems & structure first · ~1 wks
Inspect and plan roof, siding, and major exterior systems
Livable during workSeen in the photos: Photo 14 shows original light blue subway tile, pedestal sink, and vintage 1968-era fixtures. Condition is clean but cosmetically dated and the next logical bath upgrade after the 2018 primary bath work.
Mid-range: Quartz or marble-look countertop, higher-end tile (possibly patterned or textured), upgraded faucet, recessed or pendant lighting, good ventilation. Matches the primary bath quality reasonably well.
Seen in the photos: Photo 15 shows damask wallpaper and wood cabinetry—clearly original 1968 finishes. The space is small (powder room, ~30 sqft) but dated. Cosmetic update is lower priority than the secondary full bath but should follow in phase 2.
Mid-range: Quality semi-custom vanity, genuine quartz countertop, upgraded faucet, framed mirror, designer lighting. Matches the home's refined finishes.
Seen in the photos: Photos 17–18 show a basement with mechanical systems (furnace, water heater, HVAC ductwork) occupying one zone and an unfinished storage area. The accessible ceiling is 7.5–8 ft. The floor is concrete. Framing for walls exists in places, but drywall and finishes are incomplete. This is a major value-add project.
Mid-range: Full drywall, insulation, engineered wood or vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, upgraded outlets and switches, built-in shelving or bar counter, paint and trim. Feels like an upscale recreation room or home office suite. Recovers ~70%.
Seen in the photos: Photo 16 shows what appears to be a third full bath with a shower/tub combo and basic fixtures—likely original or from the 1980s–1990s era. While not as obviously dated as the secondary bath, it reads aged and would benefit from a refresh to match the 2018 primary bath standard.
Mid-range: Tile shower surround or frameless glass enclosure, quartz or marble-look countertop, upgraded fixtures and lighting, heated exhaust fan. Near-primary-bath quality; resale-friendly.
Seen in the photos: Photos 3–10 show hardwood flooring throughout the main floor and upper level. The finish appears intact and well-maintained (no visible gouges, stains, or worn patches in the sample), but the wood shows minor surface wear consistent with a 56-year-old house with a 2018 kitchen renovation. A refresh (light sand and recoat) would restore luster without full replacement.
Mid-range: Screen, light stain (if desired), two coats of premium polyurethane (satin or semi-gloss), edge detail work, any spot repair. Looks freshly finished and professional.
Seen in the photos: Photo 5 shows a stunning 2018 kitchen renovation with a gas range, built-in fridge, and stainless appliances. However, no permits are on file for the claimed 2018 work. Before committing, verify the kitchen was permitted and that appliances are in fact high-end and functioning. If appliances are off-brand or failing, budget for replacement.
Mid-range: Replace with genuine premium brands (Thermador gas range, Miele or Bosch dishwasher, Sub-Zero or Miele fridge). Matches the kitchen's aesthetic and adds durability and resale value.
Seen in the photos: Photos 1–2 show a well-maintained white colonial exterior with black shutters, brick chimneys, circular driveway, stone walls, and mature landscaping. The roof and siding appear sound with no visible damage, leaks, or rot. However, the house is 56 years old (1968), and a pre-purchase inspection should confirm the roof, siding, gutters, and foundation integrity. No major work is visible, but planning is needed.
Mid-range: Inspection plus spot repairs: re-flashing a chimney, replacing a small section of soffit or trim, repainting fascia trim, sealing foundation cracks. Addresses minor age-related wear.
What order to do it in
1. Phase 1 (Systems & Structure, Pre-Closing): Conduct a full home inspection, roof inspection, and gutter/exterior assessment before closing. Verify the 2018 kitchen and primary bath were properly permitted. If major roof, foundation, or siding issues are found, negotiate a credit, escrow, or repair commitment from the seller. 2. Phase 2 (Kitchens, Baths, Core Rooms, Months 1–4): Immediately after closing, schedule the secondary full bathroom renovation (4 weeks). Once complete, start the guest/third full bathroom renovation (4 weeks). In parallel, update the powder room (2 weeks). These are the most visible buyer-satisfaction items and should be completed before move-in or within the first two months of ownership. Permit and coordinate all three baths in sequence to use the same trades (plumber, tile contractor) for efficiency. 3. Phase 3 (Cosmetics & Optional, Months 5–8): Once bathrooms are complete, refresh the hardwood flooring (2 weeks, schedule when weather permits and the house can be vacated). Finish the basement work if budget allows (8 weeks; can overlap with other work but keep dust and construction traffic separate from living areas). Verify kitchen appliances during walk-through; if any need replacement, order and install during this phase. 4. Ongoing: Landscaping, pool planning (if desired), and garage/driveway maintenance are beyond scope but can be phased in as budget allows. The house is move-in ready post-Phase 2; Phases 3 are quality-of-life enhancements. Rationale: Systems and permits are verified first (due diligence). Bathrooms are done next (three secondary baths are the primary cosmetic gap and affect daily living). Hardwood and basement are later (they add value and enjoyment but are not essential). This sequence ensures the buyer has a fully functional, updated home by month 4, with further upgrades as an option.