Due Diligence & InspectionQuestion 44
How Do I Estimate Rehab Costs for a Houston Property?
Get contractor bids for specific work, use per-square-foot estimates for major items, and add 10%–20% contingency. Houston rehab costs range from $15–$50/sqft depending on scope.
Accurate rehab estimates make or break Houston BRRRR and flip projects. Here are typical Houston ranges.
- Cosmetic refresh: $10,000–$25,000. Paint, flooring, fixtures, landscaping. $15–$20/sqft.
- Medium rehab: $25,000–$60,000. Kitchen/bath updates, some mechanicals, flooring throughout. $25–$35/sqft.
- Heavy rehab: $60,000–$120,000+. Full gut, new systems, foundation work, roof. $40–$60/sqft.
- Always get 3 bids: Houston contractor pricing varies widely. Never rely on a single estimate.
- Contingency: Add 15%–20% to your total budget for unexpected issues — especially on older Houston homes.
Bottom Line
Walk the property with an experienced Houston contractor before making an offer. Overestimate costs and underestimate timelines — this is where most new investors get burned.