2021 Home Renovation Costs | Avg Cost To Remodel House

Average Cost To Remodel & Renovate A House

The average cost to remodel a house is $19,800 to $73,200, depending on the extent, home’s size, and quality of materials and appliances. Whole house renovation costs $15 to $60 per square foot on average, while only remodeling a kitchen or bathroom runs $100 to $250 per square foot.

Cost To Remodel A House

Area	Average Cost
Whole House (Low-end)	$15,000 – $40,000
Whole House (Mid-range)	$40,000 – $75,000
Whole House (High-end)	$75,000 – $200,000
Full Gut To Studs & Remodel	$100,000 – $200,000
House Exterior	$6,000 – $20,000
Roofing	$5,000 – $11,000
Kitchen	$10,000 – $50,000
Bathroom	$5,000 – $25,000
Bedroom / Living Room	$1,500 – $10,000
Basement / Attic	$20,000 – $75,000

Any structural changes made to the layout or unforseen damages can add signifcantly to your overall cost.

Remodeling a house always costs more than you think. Whether you’re a real estate broker, investor, or homeowner, this guide provides an accurate starting point to create a realistic home renovation budget.

Get free estimates from home remodeling contractors near you, or view our guide below.

Average Home Renovation Cost

National Average Cost	$44,850
Minimum Cost	$5,000
Maximum Cost	$200,000
Average Range	$19,785 to $73,198

Table of Contents

1. Average Cost To Remodel & Renovate A House
2. Home Renovation Cost Estimator
3. Cost To Remodel A House
4. Average Cost To Gut & Remodel A House
5. Cost Factors To Completely Renovate A House
6. Cost To Remodel Other Buildings
7. Home Renovation Budget
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. DIY Costs To Remodel A House Yourself
10. Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
11. Home Remodeling Contractors Near Me

Home Renovation Cost Estimator

When estimating home renovation costs, the main factors are the square footage, age, location, and current condition of the property, which rooms are being remodeled, the depth and if any structural changes are made, and the quality of materials and appliances.

Home Renovation Cost Estimator

Type	Average Cost	Renovations
Low-end	$15,000 – $40,000	Cosmetic work like painting, landscaping, trim, molding, and flooring, stock cabinetry, inexpensive appliances and countertops.
Mid-range	$40,000 – $75,000	Low-end options + above-average materials and appliances, full bathroom and kitchen remodel, new light fixtures, exterior siding, hardwood flooring.
High-end	$75,000 – $200,000	Mid-range options + high-end materials and appliances, custom cabinetry with built-ins, custom closets, structural and foundation repair, layout changes, HVAC and roof replacement, basement or attic conversion to living space, professional interior design.

Average Remodel Cost Per Square Foot

The average remodel costs $15 to $60 per square foot, depending on which rooms need renovating. Kitchen and bathroom renovation costs $100 to $250 per square foot based on the size and quality of materials. A complete gut renovation costs $60 to $150 per square foot.

Remodel Cost Per Square Foot

Type	Cost Per Square Foot
Whole House Remodel	$15 – $60
Full House Gut To Studs & Remodel	$60 – $150
Kitchen and Bathrooms	$100 – $250

Dry rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms typically fall on the lower-end of the range. Costs increase significantly for urban areas with higher costs of living and historic homes more than 100 years old.

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Whole House Renovation Cost

The average cost to renovate a whole 1,200 sq. ft. house is $18,000 to $72,000, while remodeling a 2,000 sq. ft. home ranges between $28,000 and $115,000. Prices depend on the extent of the remodel, quality of materials, and if structural changes are made to the layout.

Whole House Renovation Cost By Size

Square Feet	Typical Range	Average Cost
1,000	$15,000 – $60,000	$20,000
1,200	$18,000 – $72,000	$24,000
1,500	$20,000 – $85,000	$30,000
1,800	$25,000 – $100,000	$45,000
2,000	$28,000 – $115,000	$50,000
2,500	$35,000 – $135,000	$62,000
3,000	$40,000 – $160,000	$75,000
3,500	$45,000 – $180,000	$87,000
4,000	$50,000 – $210,000	$100,000

House Refurbishment Cost By Bedrooms

The average cost to fully renovate a 3-bedroom house is $25,000 to $100,000, and between $40,000 to $180,000 to remodel a 4-bedroom home. These renovation costs range from standard upgrades up to a complete gut and remodel.

Cost To Renovate A House By Bedrooms

Type	Cost Range
2 Bedroom House	$15,000 – $75,000
3 Bedroom House	$20,000 – $100,000
4 Bedroom House	$40,000 – $180,000

Full House Renovation Costs By Home Type

Homeowners typically spend between $20 to $200 per square foot on a full house remodel. The prices below are rough ranges based on the type of property. However, the largest factors are the scope of the renovation, location, and quality of materials used.

Renovation Cost Calculator By Home Type

Home Type	Cost Per Square Foot
Condo	$40 – $125
Apartment	$25 – $60
Row House	$25 – $75
Bungalow	$35 – $80
Farmhouse	$20 – $100
Townhouse	$25 – $150
Victorian	$50 – $200
Historical	$100 – $400

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Cost To Remodel A House

The average home remodel costs $30,000 to $120,000 for an entire house, depending on the square footage, quality of materials, and what areas are renovated. Most remodeling projects add resale value and provide a 50% to 85% return on investment.

Plus, about 75 percent of the people who underwent a home renovation had a greater desire to be home and an increased sense of enjoyment.

Home Remodeling Costs Calculator By Room

Room	Average Cost
Exterior	$6,000 – $20,000
Living Room	$2,500 – $10,000
Bedroom	$1,500 – $5,000
Kitchen	$10,000 – $50,000
Bathroom	$5,000 – $25,000
Roof	$4,700 – $10,500
Basement	$20,000 – $50,000
Attic	$25,000 – $75,000
Whole House*	$30,000 – $120,000

*Whole house prices excluding optional attic and basement renovations.

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Exterior Home Remodel Cost

The average exterior home remodel costs $6,000 to $20,000, which includes redoing the exterior painting, landscaping, siding, and fencing. Giving the house exterior a facelift has a return on investment of 80% and improves the curb appeal for home buyers.

Cost To Redo Exterior of House

Area	Average Cost
Landscaping Costs	$500 – $4,000
Exterior Painting Costs	$1,800 – $3,200
Siding Costs	$2,800 – $15,800
Screened In Porch Costs	$600 – $3,500
Paver Patio Costs	$1,900 – $6,800
New Deck Costs	$2,500 – $10,000
Fence Installation Costs	$1,500 – $3,400
Concrete Slab Costs	$700 – $3,500
Sprinkler System Costs	$1,900 – $3,800
Retaining Wall Costs	$2,500 – $6,700
New Garage Door Costs	$800 – $1,400
Exterior Door Installation Costs	$500 – $1,900

Cost To Remodel Interior Living Room

The average cost to remodel a living room is $4,000 to $10,000, which includes new flooring, painting, crown molding, plantation shutters, and installing a fireplace. A basic living room renovation costs $2,500 to $5,000 for design work, painting, and flooring.

Bedroom Remodel Cost

A basic bedroom remodel costs $1,500 to $5,000 and includes new flooring, trim and moldings, ceiling fan, and painting. A complete bedroom renovation costs $4,000 to $12,000 which includes new furnishings, fixtures, windows, drywall, painting, flooring, lighting, and finishing.

Bedroom Remodel Cost Calculator

Renovation	Average Cost
Paint A Room	$350 – $1,400
Flooring / Carpet	$300 – $2,000
Trim & Moldings	$500 – $1,500
Ceiling Fan	$150 – $350
Install Drywall	$600 – $1,200
Custom Closet	$2,000 – $6,000
Interior Design / Furnishings	$2,000 – $6,000

Prices range from $15 to $40 per square foot on average, depending on the size of the room, extent of the remodel, and the quality of materials. Renovating a bedroom provides a 40 to 80 percent return on investment.

Kitchen Renovation Cost

The average kitchen remodel costs $100 to $250 per square foot, depending on the size and quality of materials. A small kitchen renovation costs $5,000 to $20,000 while mid to high-end remodels range from $30,000 to $80,000 and up.

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Type	Average Cost	Renovations
Minor	$5,000 – $20,000	Mainly cosmetic; updating countertops, light fixtures, flooring, backsplash, refacing cabinets, and painting.
Mid-Range	$29,000 – $64,000	Upgrading appliances, cabinets, kitchen island, countertops, flooring, light fixtures, tile backsplash, and painting.
High-End	$60,000 – $125,000	Redesigned floor plan, custom cabinetry and tilework, new appliances and fixtures, upgraded plumbing and electrical work, granite countertops, hardwood flooring.

The kitchen is the most-used room in a house and most sought after from home buyers. Redoing a kitchen raises the property’s value and provides a return on investment of 54 to 80 percent.

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The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends spending 10 to 25 percent of your home’s value on remodeling a kitchen. Here’s their estimated kitchen renovation budget.

Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdown

Item	Budget	Average Cost
Cabinetry	35%	$5,250 – $17,500
Design & Labor	20%	$3,000 – $10,000
Appliances	12%	$1,800 – $6,000
Countertops	11%	$1,650 – $5,500
Lighting & Electrical	9%	$1,350 – $4,500
Flooring	7%	$1,050 – $3,500
Walls & Ceilings	3%	$450 – $1,500
Plumbing	3%	$450 – $1,500
Total	100%	$15,000 – $50,000

• New kitchen cabinets cost $160 to $380 per linear foot on average or up to $1,000 per linear foot for custom cabintry.
• New kitchen countertops cost $1,500 to $5,500 on average, depending on the material. Granite countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot and are the most popular.
• The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $30 to $60 per linear foot or between $900 to $3,800 on average.

Cost To Update a Bathroom

A standard bathroom remodel costs $2,500 to $15,000 and renovating a master bath runs $10,000 to $30,000. Bathroom renovation costs $120 to $275 per square foot, depending on the quality of materials. Updating a bathroom typically includes new flooring, lighting, fixtures, wall tiling, cabinetry, and painting.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

Item	Average Cost
Bathtub	$800 – $6,000
Cabinets	$600 – $3,900
Countertops	$450 – $1,500
Flooring	$800 – $3,500
Hardware, Mirrors, Fan, etc.	$300 – $2,500
Lighting Fixtures	$150 – $1,500
Painting	$150 – $500
Shower	$800 – $8,000
Sink	$200 – $1,500
Toilet	$120 – $800
Total	$4,370 – $29,700

The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends spending 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value on remodeling a bathroom.

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Basement Remodel

The average cost to finish a basement is $20,000 to $50,000 or between $25 and $50 per square foot. Basement remodel costs depend on if it’s an open floor plan or a layout with rooms, and if a kitchen or bathroom is installed. The average return on investment is 70 percent.

Basement Remodel Costs

Square Feet	Average Cost
500	$18,000 – $23,500
1,000	$32,000 – $38,000
1,500	$48,000 – $57,000

Attic Renovation Cost

The average cost to finish an attic is $25,000 to $75,000 to convert it into living space. Renovating an already-finished attic costs $10,000 to $30,000. Converting an attic into a bedroom or office raises the home’s value, is often cheaper than building an addition, and has an ROI of 70%+.

Attic Renovation Cost

Material	Average Cost
Cost To Finish An Attic	$25,000 – $75,000
Renovate Finished Attic	$10,000 – $30,000
Attic Insulation Costs	$800 – $2,800

An attic conversion includes structural work to reinforce the attic floor’s beams, plus refinishing the walls, floors, and ceiling. Adding plumbing, electrical, and stairs increase the overall costs.

Updating attic insulation costs $800 to $2,800 and helps reduce your energy bills by up to 11 percent, while increasing your home’s value.

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Roof Remodeling Cost

Roof replacement costs $4,700 to $10,500 on average, depending on the roof size, pitch, and type of material. Removing the old roof alone costs $1,500 to $3,000. An asphalt shingle roof should be replaced every 20 years. Consider upgrading to a metal roof that lasts 40 to 70 years.

Roof Remodeling Cost

Material	Average Cost
Asphalt Shingles	$3,600 – $10,800
Wood Shake	$8,000 – $24,000
Metal	$8,000 – $24,000
Copper	$22,000 – $50,000
Clay Tile	$15,000 – $45,000
Slate	$15,000 – $45,000
Solar	$22,000 – $65,000

Adding solar energy to your new roof saves $600 to $2,000 per year on electricity. Solar panel installation costs $11,000 to $30,000 after tax credits, and typically has a return on investment in 7 to 12 years.

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Average Cost To Gut & Remodel A House

The average cost to gut and remodel a house is $100,000 to $200,000, depending on the square footage and age. Gut renovation costs $60 to $150 per square foot and includes demolition, structural improvements, new electrical and plumbing, new roof and HVAC, appliances, and finishings.

Cost of Gutting A House and Remodeling

Renovation	Average Cost
Gut a House to the Studs	$2,500 – $7,000
Complete Gut and Remodel	$100,000 – $200,000

Cost To Gut A House

The average cost to gut a house to the studs is $2,500 to $7,000 or more, which includes permits, labor, and material disposal. If the home has asbestos inside, it costs $1,200 to $2,800 extra for safe gutting and removal.

Cost To Rehab A House

The average cost to rehab a house is $20,000 to $75,000 or $20 to $50 per square foot. A full gut rehab costs $100,000 to $200,000 to remodel a house completely. Generally, the cost per square feet gets cheaper as the house size increases.

Rehabbing is a term used interchangeably with remodeling and renovating. The extent of the remodel, location, and choice of materials affect the total cost.

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Cost Factors To Completely Renovate A House

When completely renovating a house, other cost factors such as updating electrical and plumbing lines, designing a new floor plan, building an addition, updating the HVAC system, and removing a wall need to be accounted for.

Entire House Renovation Cost Breakdown

Renovation	Average Cost
Home Addition	$22,500 – $74,000
Change Floor Plan	$750 – $3,000
Electrical Work	$2,000 – $9,000
Replumb or Repipe House	$2,500 – $6,000
HVAC Replacement	$4,800 – $12,400
Interior Painting	$1,200 – $4,000
Exterior Painting	$1,800 – $3,200
Wall Removal	$500 – $10,000
Update Appliances	$2,500 $10,000
Permits	$200 – $3,000
Architect, Designer, Contractor Labor	10% – 30%

How To Estimate Remodeling Construction Costs

Cosmetic changes and minor repairs are generally low-cost projects. Knocking down walls, building new home additions, making foundation repairs, and replacing the roof are the most expensive projects.

Calculate each project or room one at a time using the data above to estimate remodeling costs accurately. Keep in mind:

• Dry rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms typically cost $10 to $25 per square foot to remodel.
• Wet rooms like kitchens and bathrooms cost $100 to $250 per square foot to renovate.
• Add 10% to 15% more to the total cost for the contractor labor rates.

Other factors that influence the cost of remodeling are:

• The location and square footage of the property
• The property’s age, current condition, and its accessibility
• The quality of materials and fixtures used
• The total changes made, and hidden costs for unknown damages

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Is It Cheaper to Remodel or Build A New House?

Remodeling a whole-house is 20 to 50 percent cheaper than tearing down and building a new home. However, if the house has foundation damage, or old HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, new construction can be cheaper. Building a new house costs $155,000 to $400,000, and remodeling a home is $100,000 to $200,000.

Remodel vs. Rebuild Costs

Renovation	Cost Per Square Foot	Average Cost
Cost To Tear Down A House	$5 – $20	$8,000 – $25,000
Cost To Build A New House	$100 – $300	$155,000 – $400,000
Cost To Gut and Remodel	$60 – $200	$100,000 – $200,000

Home Additions & Adding a Room

Adding a room or building a home addition costs $85 to $200 per square foot on average. Most homeowners spend between $20,000 and $75,000 adding square footage, depending on the room size, materials, location, and if you’re building up or out.

• Removing a wall costs $500 to $2,000 for non-load-bearing and between $4,000 to $10,000 for a load-bearing wall. Removing a load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer, and a steel beam needs to be installed in its place to support the home.
• The average cost to add a bathroom is $18,000 to $47,000 depending on the size and quality of fixtures. Converting an existing space into a bathroom costs $2,500 to $12,500.

Contractor Remodeling Labor Rates

Remodeling labor rates range from $20 to $200+ per hour, depending on the service and their expertise. A general contractor will hire and manage subcontractors and coordinate the project for 10% to 15% of the total cost.

Contractor Pricing Guide

Contractor	Average Labor Rates
General Contractor Costs	10% – 15%
Residential Laborer Fees	$30 – $50 per hour
Architect Fees	5% – 20% $50 – $200 per hour
Interior Designer Cost	$50 – $200 per hour
Kitchen Designer Fees	$100 – $200 per hour
Painters Charge	$20 – $50 per hour
Plumbers Hourly Rates	$45 – $150 per hour
Electrician Hourly Rates	$40 – $100 per hour
HVAC Labor Rates	$100 – $150 per hour
Landscaper Costs	$50 – $100 per hour
Carpenter Costs	$35 – $100 per hour

Cost To Change Floor Plan of House

The cost to change the floor plan of a house is $750 to $3,000 and up. Architects charge $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot to draft design plans and provide blueprints. Structural engineers cost $500 to $1,000 and are required when knocking down load-bearing walls or planning an addition.

Plumbing Renovation Cost

The average cost to replumb a house is $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the size of the home. Replacing a bathtub, sink, or toilet costs $450 and $1,800 per fixture. For smaller projects, plumbers hourly rates are $45 to $150 per hour, with most repairs between $250 to $800.

Electrical Work

Electrician hourly rates are $40 to $100 per hour on average, plus a $75 call-out charge. The cost to rewire a house completely is $3,500 to $8,000, depending on the home’s size and accessibility. Installing a new electrical panel runs $1,200 to $2,500.

Upgrading HVAC

HVAC replacement costs $4,800 to $9,400 on average, which includes installing a new AC unit and gas furnace. Installing new ductwork adds $2,000 to $3,000 to the total cost and should always be replaced at the same time as a new HVAC system.

HVAC Remodel Costs

Item	Average Cost
New Furnace Installation Costs	$2,100 – $5,900
New AC Unit Costs	$3,300 – $5,900
Heat Pump Installation Costs	$5,000 – $8,000
Ductwork Replacement Costs	$2,000 – $3,000
Boiler / Radiator Installation Costs	$1,500 – $3,500
Solar Panel Installation Costs	$11,000 – $35,000
Attic Insulation Costs	$800 – $2,800

HVAC specialists recommend upgrading heating and central air conditioning units every 10 years to save money on utility bills.

Updating Appliances

Updating appliances cost $2,500 to $10,000 for a whole house or between $200 to $2,000 each on average. The kitchen and it’s appliances can make or break the sale of a house. Installing new and modern appliances improves your home’s value.

Cost To Update Appliances

Type	Price Range	Includes
Basic / Standard	$200 – $1,000	Appliance such as a microwave, garbage disposal, or stove.
Energy Star Rated	$300 – $3,000	like a dishwasher, freezer, fridge, and even lights. Some states offer tax rebates and incentives.
High-end / Custom	$1,000 – $5,000+	High-quality appliances with features like Bluetooth connectivity and special sensors.

Complete Home Remodeling Costs By Location

Actual remodeling costs vary by up to 40 percent more than the national average prices depending on the construction market in your city.

Complete Home Renovation Costs By Location

City, State	Average Cost Per Square Foot
Seattle, WA	$20 – $95
Boston, MA	$25 – $115
Bay Area, CA	$25 – $115
Long Island, NY	$25 – $150
New York, NY	$25 – $150
Chicago, IL	$20 – $100
Los Angeles, CA	$20 – $95
Denver, CO	$20 – $80
Houston, TX	$25 – $115
Atlanta, GA	$20 – $100
Phoenix, AZ	$18 – $90
Philadelphia, PA	$18 – $85
Jacksonville, FL	$15 – $60
Nashville, TN	$18 – $70

*Prices vary drastically depending on the scope of the project.

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Permits

Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 on average for major remodeling projects, while some local authorities charge 1 percent of the total cost of the construction. Permits and inspections are required by most states to ensure the work is done according to building codes. Licensed contractors typically handle the permit-application process for you.

Permits are typically required for:

• Additions
• Renovations & Remodeling
• Structural Changes & Demolition
• Mechanical, Plumbing, & Electrical Work
• New Construction

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Cost To Remodel Other Buildings

Building refurbishment costs $25 per square foot to remodel multiple rooms in a house or apartment, and between $100 and $250 per square foot for completely gutting a building and making structural changes.

Apartment Renovation Cost

Apartment renovation costs $25 to $60 per square foot on average. The average cost to completely renovate a 1-bedroom apartment is $18,000 to $45,000, depending on the location and whether it’s major structural changes or minor alterations.

Apartment Renovation Cost

Size	Average Cost
Studio Apartment	$10,000 – $30,000
1 Bedroom Apartment	$18,000 – $45,000
2 Bedroom Apartment	$25,000 – $60,000

Apartment remodel costs in large cities like New York are $200+ per square foot for total gut-renovations. Renovating an apartment requires approval your local housing division.

Mobile Home Remodel Cost

The average cost to completely remodel a mobile home is $10,000 to $30,000. Manufactured home remodeling costs depend on if it’s a single wide or double wide and the depth of the project. Most individual projects cost $2,000 to $5,000 each, such as kitchen remodeling or roof replacement.

Mobile Home Remodel Cost

Project	Average Cost
Replacing Windows	$2,500 – $5,000
Roof Replacement	$2,100 – $4,700
Kitchen Remodel	$3,000 – $5,000
Bathroom Remodel	$2,000 – $8,000
Replacing HVAC	$1,800 – $2,500
Painting	$1,200 – $2,400
Rewiring Electrical	$1,600 – $3,800
Plumbing	$2,000 – $4,000

Cost of Renovating a 100-Year-Old House

The average cost of renovating a 100-year-old home is $100,000 to $250,000 or between $100 and $200 per square foot. Prices depend on it’s historical value and the electrical, plumbing and HVAC updates needed to meet code requirements. Heritage landmark buildings cost up to $400 per square foot to remodel.

Old House Renovation Price List

Renovation	Average Cost
Replace Windows	$4,500 – $20,000
Electrical Work	$3,500 – $8,000
Electrical Panel Replacement	$800 – $2,000
Replace Plumbing	$2,000 – $15,000
New Foundation Costs	$20,000 – $40,000
Install Central Air Conditioning	$660 – $4,600
Foundation Repair Costs	$2,318 – $6,750
Insulate Walls	$874 – $2,926
Install Furnace	$2,150 – $5,900
Install HVAC (includes AC, Furnace)	$4,820 – $9,350

Old homes often have hidden problems, such as lead paint, asbestos, rotting wood, or outdated plaster, which are more labor-intensive than a general remodel. Contractors often end up gutting all the walls, repairing the foundation and structural damages, and replacing the subflooring.

Always preserve the original hardwood flooring and other antique woodwork that’s in good condition. Most of the time, the city council insists that you only perform renovations that maintain the original structure and style of the building. Always contact your local historic preservation office for permission and specific remodeling requirements.

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Home Renovation Budget

When calculating your home renovation budget, organize individual projects by room, and build a specific budget around each. Most homeowners focus on remodeling big-ticket items such as the kitchen and bathrooms, plus other less-expensive cosmetic work.

How Much Should I Spend On House Renovations?

Expect to spend $100 to $250 per square foot on house renovations depending on the project. Experts advise setting a budget of 5 to 15 percent of your home’s total value for remodeling a kitchen or basement and 1 to 7 percent when remodeling bathrooms, bedrooms, or living rooms.

To maximize resale value, avoid spending more than 20 percent of your home’s worth on the total renovation costs.

Home Renovation Budget

Area	% of Overall House Value
Kitchen	5% – 10%
Master Bathroom	5% – 7%
Guest Bathroom / Powder Room	1% – 4%
Master Bedroom	1% – 3%
Guest Bedroom	1% – 2%
Attic Renovation Repairs and Insulation Only	0.5% – 1%
Attic Conversion Into Finished Room	10% – 15%
Basement Conversion Into Finished Room	10% – 15%
Living Room	1% – 3%
Dining Room	1% – 3%
Patio / Deck	1% – 5%

For example, if your home is worth $300,000, you should spend between $15,000 and $30,000 remodeling the kitchen.

How Much Remodeling Can Be Done With $100,000?

Investing $100,000 gets a high-end remodel that includes a full kitchen and bathroom remodel, new roofing and new windows, new countertops and cabinets, HVAC replacement, whole-house painting, and more. In smaller homes, a complete gut down to the studs with full renovation is possible.

30K vs. 50K vs. 100k Renovation Budget

30K	50K	100K
Minor Kitchen Remodel Small Bathroom Remodel Interior Painting Install Hardwood Flooring New Fence New Roof Minor Landscaping Exterior Painting New Siding	Small Bathroom Remodel Mid-range Kitchen Remodel Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Install Crown Molding Install Hardwood Flooring HVAC Replacement New Plumbing Interior Painting Exterior Painting New Siding New Landscaping New Roof New Kitchen Cabinets	Full Kitchen Remodel Full Bathroom Remodel New Roof New Plumbing Replace All Windows HVAC Replacement All New Flooring New Countertops New Kitchen Cabinets New Landscaping Interior Painting Exterior Painting Basement Refinishing New Fence Install Crown Molding

Cosmetic Renovation Costs

Cosmetic renovations are the cheapest way to remodel a house on a budget. Refinishing surfaces and reusing appliances helps keep costs down. Here are cheap remodeling tips to give you that feeling of a newly remodeled home.

Cosmetic Renovation Costs

Remodel	Average Cost
Painting Kitchen Cabinets Costs	$900 – $3,800
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Costs	$1,000 – $2,100
Cabinet Refinishing Costs	$800 – $2,900
Cabinet Refacing Costs	$4,200 – $8,100
Laminate Flooring Costs	$1,400 – $3,400
Granite Countertops Costs	$2,200 – $4,300

Cheap Remodeling Tips

• Repaint walls or install wallpaper
• Install new electrical fixtures and switch plate covers
• Install new doorknobs, handles, blinds, showerheads, and faucets
• Install new blinds or curtains
• Refinish old wooden doors
• Upgrade the lighting system
• Install crown molding
• Paint the kitchen cabinets

Remodeling An Old House On A Budget

When remodeling an old home on a budget, plan with these tips:

• Remodel each room or project one at a time
• Purchase the building materials and haul it to the job site yourself
• Put in some DIY work such as replacing the doors, painting the wall and cabinets, resurfacing the old flooring, or demolition work.
• Schedule your renovation when contractors are looking for more business, such as the middle of winter.

Remodeling Return on Investment

Most remodeling projects have a 50% to 85% return on investment. The top remodeling projects that return more than 85% of your investment are siding replacement, garage door replacement, a new bathroom addition, and replacing windows and roofing.

Remodeling Return on Investment

Remodel	Return on Investment
Garage Door Replacement	98% – 99%
Siding Replacement	77% – 97%
Roof Replacement	70% – 90%
Window Replacement	70% – 90%
New Bathroom Addition	55% – 87%
New Deck Addition	75% – 83%
Finished Attic Bedroom	70% – 80%
Kitchen Remodel	54% – 80%
Living Room or Bedroom	40% – 80%
Basement Finishing	54% – 70%
Whole House Remodel	56% – 67%
Bathroom Remodel	57% – 64%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Difference Between A House Renovation and Remodel?

Renovations are less-expensive repairs, restorations, and cosmetic finishes like painting that typically don’t require permits. Remodeling changes the structure or volume of a space with gutting, installing new elements, new additions, or removing walls to make an entirely new area.

How Long Does It Take To Renovate A House?

Completely renovating a 3-bedroom house takes 2 to 8 months on average, depending on the size and amount of structural changes. Allow 1-month extra for planning, unexpected issues, permits, and custom orders. Minor remodels and cosmetic upgrades take 1 week to 2 months.

Time It Take To Renovate A House

Remodel	Time To Complete
Full Home Renovation	2 – 8 months
Minor Bathroom Remodel	1 – 3 weeks
Full Bathroom Remodel	2 – 12 weeks
Minor Kitchen Renovation	1 – 2 weeks
Full Kitchen Remodel	2 – 6 months
Roof Remodeling	2 – 7 days
Exterior Home Remodel	1 – 2 weeks
Basement Remodel	2 – 8 weeks
Room Addition	4 – 8 weeks
Attic Renovation	8 – 10 weeks

Can You Get A Home Loan That Includes Renovation Costs?

Home loans such as the FHA 203(k), 203(b), and Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans let you borrow money to purchase a home and fix it up. Renovation loans combine the cost of home improvements to the purchase price under one mortgage. Repairs can begin immediately after closing.

In addition to those combined mortgage-payment plans, other options for funding your home renovation include home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, and personal loans.

How Much Does A Home Remodel Designer or Architect Cost?

A home remodel designer costs $450 to $1,500 per room, 10% of the total budget, or up to 25% in management fees to supervise contractors during remodeling. Licensed architects charge 10% to 20% of the remodeling budget or $80 to $200 per hour to plan and create professional blueprints.

Are Home Remodeling Costs Tax Deductible?

Home remodeling costs for homes that are used as personal residences are not tax-deductible. However, home improvement expenses help reduce the amount of taxes you owe when you sell the house for a profit. Remodeling costs are tax-deductible for a home office or if modified for disabilities.

Some states offer tax rebates by making your home more energy-efficient or by installing solar panels.

How Much Do Home Improvements or Repairs Cost?

National average home improvement costs are $100 to $250 per square foot, depending on the project. Minor house repairs cost $150 to $600 for electrical or plumbing work, while major improvements run between $25,000 and $75,000, such as a home addition.

Still have questions? Ask a remodeling pro. View Pros

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DIY Costs To Remodel A House Yourself

The average DIY costs to remodel a house yourself is $2,500 to $12,000 for a kitchen or bathroom. However, most states require you to work with a licensed contractor for home renovations. Contractors pull the proper permits and follow building-code standards.

Here are some DIY home renovation projects that you can do yourself:

• Painting or applying wallpaper
• Hanging a medicine cabinet
• Changing electrical fixtures (make sure the power is off)
• Installing a kitchen backsplash
• Replacing a showerhead or faucet
• Replacing an appliance

Remodeling a home yourself takes expertise, and the result may not improve your home’s value. While you can do small renovation projects yourself, hiring a professional is the easiest and safest choice for large projects, HVAC, and electrical work.

When hiring a contractor, you can lower their labor costs by helping out with demolition and finishing work. Also, it’s more affordable to plan and budget each project one at a time.

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Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor

Before hiring a contractor, plan accordingly, ask questions, get multiple renovation quotes, and learn the process of working with designers and remodelers.

Who Remodels Homes?

Hire general contractors over unlicensed handymen for large home remodeling projects. After creating design plans with an architect or interior designer, a general contractor gets the permits, arranges subcontractors, buys the building materials, and handle inspections.

Hiring a specialized contractor is recommended for specific projects like installing fixtures, roofing, or kitchen cabinets. Minor updates may require an interior designer to plan, while large projects likely require an architect or a structural engineer to plan and create architectural drawings.

Getting House Renovation Quotes

Before hiring a contractor and signing a contract, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Pick specialized contractors over general ones if it’s a specific project.
• Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Never pay in full or in cash, and come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

Questions To Ask A Remodeling Contractor

1. Can I see a portfolio of your past remodeling jobs?
2. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
3. How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
4. Who’s the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
5. What hours do you and your crew work?
6. What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
7. What does your warranty policy include?
8. What’s your payment schedule like?

Home Remodeling Process

1. Make a list of all the updates desired.
2. Plan the layout with an interior designer or architect.
3. Research all the materials and fixtures you want and have a good idea of any custom elements.
4. Research contractors and get at least three in-person estimates.
5. Agree on budget and timeframe, and sign the contract.
6. Plan the design, get permits, and order the materials.
7. Contractors start the tear out by gutting everything and fixing any unexpected problems such as leaks or mold.
8. Rerouting plumbing or electrical updates if fixtures are changing locations.
9. Installing windows, cabinets, flooring, tiling, fixtures, lighting, and painting.
10. A final walkthrough to ensure everything has been completed to your satisfaction.

 

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