What a whole-first-floor remodel actually costs — open concepts, flooring, millwork, layout changes, and what drives the price at every scope level.
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By the Numbers
First floor transformation costs in Summit County typically range from $50,000 to $150,000. The scope — whether you’re updating surfaces or restructuring the entire floorplan — is the biggest variable.
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| Scope | Typical Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic First Floor Update | $50,000–$75,000 | New flooring throughout, fresh paint, updated trim and millwork, lighting changes. Existing layout stays. |
| Layout Redesign & Full Finish | $75,000–$110,000 | One or more walls removed, open concept created, new hardwood, updated kitchen pass-throughs, full millwork package. |
| Full First Floor Transformation | $110,000–$150,000 | Structural changes, complete open-concept redesign, custom millwork throughout, new flooring, custom lighting plan, entry and staircase updates. |
Opening up a first floor almost always means removing at least one load-bearing wall. This requires structural engineering, steel or LVL beam installation, and permit coordination — typically $8,000 to $20,000 per wall.
Refinishing existing hardwood is the most economical option. New hardwood installation throughout a full first floor runs $15,000 to $35,000 depending on species and pattern complexity.
New baseboards, casing, built-ins, and crown molding throughout a full first floor can add $15,000 to $30,000. This is often where the “finished” look actually comes from.
If the first floor transformation connects to the kitchen, cabinetry, countertops, or appliances may need updating for visual consistency. We scope this upfront so there are no mid-project surprises.
“A well-done first floor transformation changes how your whole family lives in the house — not just how it looks. The open flow, the light, the way rooms connect — it’s one of the best investments a homeowner can make in a home they plan to stay in.”— Adam Kilgore, AK Renovations
If any walls are being removed or structural changes are made, yes — permits are required. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our scope.
In most cases yes, though certain phases (demo, flooring) make living spaces temporarily unusable. We plan the sequence to minimize disruption and give you advance notice on challenging days.
Most projects run 6 to 10 weeks of in-home construction. Layout-heavy projects with structural changes are on the longer end.
An update addresses surfaces — flooring, paint, trim. A transformation addresses structure and flow — walls, openings, ceiling lines, and how rooms connect. We can quote both and help you decide what’s right for your home.
Yes. We coordinate all flooring trades — whether refinishing, replacing, or installing new hardwood — as part of the overall project.
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