Considering Buying a “Studs-Out” Remodel or Doing One of Your Own? Read This First!

What’s a “studs-out” remodel, anyway? A “studs-out” remodel is when your house is stripped down to its bare bones, and pretty much the only things left are the floor plan and the original charm! Everything else is replaced, including electrical, plumbing, roofing, and insulation (and that’s just the start), and then off course, you can also count on a new kitchen, new baths, new finishes, etc.

A studs-out remodel is not the same as a house flip. Flipping is more focused on cosmetic fixes, like changing up finishes. Home flipping has gotten a bad reputation, but not all flips are bad, you just have to know what to look for. However, there is definitely more of a quick profit motive with home flips, and redoing things like electrical and plumbing isn’t going to make financial sense for investors in most cases. If you’re having a hard time telling whether a remodeled home is a quality flip or a money pit waiting for you to jump into, let us know–we have over 17 years of experience helping our clients distinguish between good remodels and bad flips.

Why Choose a Studs-Out Remodel?

Studs-out remodels present a unique opportunity to inhabit a home that feels both timeless and contemporary. In Seattle’s sought-after areas, where new single-family homes are a rarity, these renovations offer a path to modern living without sacrificing location or lot size. With improvements in insulation, windows, and siding, homeowners enjoy lower heating bills, enhanced fire and water damage protection, and updated electrical systems to support today’s lifestyle needs.

If you’re planning to buy a “studs-out” remodel, you’ll need to make sure that the work was done well. The tricky part here is that most of the work hides behind the paint, behind the walls, and between the floorboards. A studs-out remodel completely guts and replaces the internal systems of a home. There are little clues that can set off a trained eye as to whether the inner workings were well done. But, for most, this is a difficult task. You’ll want to review all documentation–and there better be documentation–of the work that was done, before making the decision to purchase.

What if You Want to Do a Studs-Out Remodel of Your Own?

The cost of a “studs-out” remodel can be significant, often necessitating a substantial budget and a long-term commitment to the property to ensure a return on investment. But the result is a home tailored to personal tastes, with the potential for minor cosmetic adjustments to suit evolving preferences. The key is finding the right property, in the right location, and getting it for a price that “pencils”. Then, of course, there’s the matter of finding the right contracting team to do the renovation. The good news is, we can help with that as well! All your needs in one place–it’s like HGTV, but it’s your life!

Ready to Transform Your Home?

At Happy at Home Contracting LLC, we specialize in making your studs-out remodel vision a reality. Our design-build team values honesty, integrity, and quality above all, ensuring your project is handled with the utmost professionalism and care. From securing the necessary documentation to guarantee the quality of work, to making design choices that reflect your unique style, we’re here to guide you through every step of the renovation process. Our expertise in Seattle’s real estate and renovation landscape ensures your remodel meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and design.

If you’re considering a studs-out remodel in Seattle, Happy at Home Contracting LLC is your ideal partner. Explore our services at Happy at Home Contracting LLC and contact us today to start a conversation about your real estate renovation and remodel needs.

Studs-Out Remodel Before

Studs-Out Remodel During

Studs-Out Remodel After

Ready to transform your home? Contact us at Happy at Home today to start a conversation about your real estate renovation and remodel needs.