How much do home renovations cost?
How much do home renovations cost?
$20,000 – $50,000 budget home renovation cost
$50,000 – $150,000 average whole home remodel cost
Average house renovation cost
A house renovation costs $20,000 to $50,000 for minor repairs and surface-level updates with basic finishes. A midrange home renovation costs $50,000 to $150,000 for more extensive layout changes and standard-quality finishes. A major house reconstruction with luxury finishes and custom features costs $100,000 to $300,000.
| Type | Average cost | Renovations |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost renovation | $20,000 – $50,000 | Cosmetic updates like new paint, floor, fixtures, and minor repairs using budget-friendly finishes. |
| Midrange remodel | $50,000 – $150,000 | More extensive renovations like kitchen or bathroom updates, additions, or reconfiguring spaces using midrange finishes. |
| High-end remodel | $100,000 – $300,000 | Comprehensive whole-home reconstruction with luxury finishes and custom features. |
Home renovation costs by type
Home renovation costs vary depending on the square footage and space you renovate. Remodeling a single space costs less than renovating the entire home. A whole house remodel costs $15 to $60 per square foot for simple updates, while a full gut and remodel costs $70 to $150 per square foot, depending on the finishes.
| Renovations | Average cost per square foot |
Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Whole house | $15 – $60 | $20,000 – $120,000* |
| Full gut and remodel | $70 – $150 | $100,000 – $300,000* |
| Kitchen | $150 – $250 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Bathroom | $120 – $275 | $2,500 – $30,000 |
| Bedroom / living room | $100 – $200 | $10,000 – $45,000 |
| Basement | $30 – $50 | $15,000 – $75,000 |
| Attic | $50 – $150 | $20,000 – $80,000+ |
| Exterior renovations | Varies by project | $500 – $35,000+ |
*For a 1,500 to 2,000 SF house
Whole house renovation
The cost to renovate a whole house ranges from $15 to $60 per square foot, depending on the home’s condition, location, and extent of the renovations. Basic cosmetic updates like painting, flooring, and swapping out light fixtures fall on the lower end. Major structural changes that include plumbing and electrical work drive the costs up.
A complete renovation that guts the house down to the studs costs $70 to $150 per square foot, which includes demolition, structural improvements, new electrical and plumbing, a new roof and HVAC, and finishes. Costs increase for older homes with asbestos and other hazards.
Kitchen remodel
A kitchen remodel costs $150 to $250 per square foot, depending on the project scope. A minor kitchen remodel that includes refacing cabinets, replacing countertops, and installing new flooring and appliances costs $10,000 to $30,000. A complete renovation with new cabinetry and all new surfaces costs $40,000 or more. Some common kitchen remodel expenses include:
Cabinet refacing costs $5,000 to $13,000, depending on the size and material.
New countertops cost $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the type.
New appliances cost $2,100 to $5,400 for a complete kitchen appliance package.
New flooring costs $400 to $3,000 for a 100- to 200-square-foot kitchen.
New kitchen cabinets cost $4,500 to $15,000.
Bathroom remodel
A bathroom remodel costs $120 to $275 per square foot, depending on the improvements you make. A small bathroom renovation costs $2,500 to $10,000, while a primary bathroom renovation costs $10,000 to $30,000 and typically includes more luxury features.
A basic bathroom remodel involves installing an updated sink and faucets, a new vanity, new flooring, and minor plumbing work. A full bathroom remodel involves creating a new plumbing layout, all new fixtures, new cabinetry, and new tile. Some common bathroom remodel expenses include:
A new bathroom vanity costs $400 to $4,000 installed.
Replacing a bathroom sink and faucet combo costs $400 to $1,000 for the parts and installation.
Installing plumbing pipes costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
A new bathtub costs $800 to $4,600 installed, depending on the type.
A walk-in shower costs $1,000 to $8,000 installed for a prefab shower or $3,500 to $15,000 for a custom-tiled walk-in shower.
Bathroom tile installation costs $400 to $8,000, depending on the bathroom size and tile selection.
Basements & attic conversions
A basement conversion costs $30 to $50 per square foot or $15,000 to $75,000 to finish the space into a functional living area. Renovating the space costs less for an open-plan concept and more when adding multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
An attic conversion costs $5,000 to $20,000 to finish an attic for storage or $20,000 to $80,000+ to create an additional living space. A simple office or playroom needs flooring, electrical, drywall, and lighting. Converting to a primary suite with a bedroom and bath can require extensive structural changes, plumbing, HVAC, and high-end finishes.
Exterior renovation projects
Exterior home renovations can significantly impact a property's value. Basic updates like a new front door, paint, or updated landscaping cost $500 to $16,000. More extensive projects like replacing the roof, building a porch, or adding a home extension cost $5,000 to $35,000 or more for each project.
The following table details the most popular exterior remodeling projects.
| Renovation | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Front door replacement cost | $500 – $1,900+ |
| Garage door replacement cost | $800 – $1,800 |
| Outdoor landscape lighting cost | $800 – $6,000 |
| Exterior home painting cost | $1,900 – $6,900 |
| Landscaping upgrade costs | $3,000 – $16,000 |
| Window replacement cost | $4,500 – $22,500 |
| Roof replacement cost | $5,700 – $16,000 |
| Deck addition costs | $3,600 – $20,000 |
| Front porch addition | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Bump out addition cost | $5,000 – $35,000 |
| Siding replacement cost | $10,000 – $32,500 |
House renovation labor cost
About half of the total costs for professional home remodeling projects go toward labor expenses. The exact contractors needed will depend on the specific nature of the project. A general contractor typically charges a 10% to 20% markup of the construction cost to oversee the project and manage the subcontractors.
The following table lists the average hourly labor costs for subcontractors, but these rates vary widely depending on where you live and the contractor’s education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
| Contractor | Average hourly labor rate |
|---|---|
| General contractor cost | $50 – $150 |
| Architect cost | $100 – $250 |
| Carpenter cost | $30 – $100 |
| Electrician cost | $50 – $130, plus a service call fee |
| Flooring installer cost | $15 – $35 |
| HVAC installer cost | $75 – $150 |
| Painter cost | $20 – $70 |
| Plumber cost | $75 – $150 |
| Roofer cost | $30 – $100 |
Home improvement cost factors
The key factors that influence the cost of a home renovation include:
Project scope: Simple cosmetic updates cost less than major structural changes. Also, small exterior projects cost less than remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and home additions. Full home gut remodels are the most expensive.
Materials & finishes: The quality and type of materials used impact home renovation costs. Standard finishes cost less than high-end luxury materials and custom features.
Labor costs: Labor costs vary significantly by geographic region, with higher costs in urban areas. Experienced contractors charge more than less experienced firms.
Home age & condition: Older home renovations tend to cost more due to unforeseen issues like outdated wiring, plumbing, or asbestos removal. Homes in poor condition require more repairs, which increases costs.
Timeline: Longer, more complex projects like kitchen remodels prevent you from cooking at home or may require temporary housing, which increases costs.
How to save money on a home renovation
Follow these tips to complete your renovation without going over budget:
Create and stick to a budget: Develop a detailed budget that accounts for all expected costs, including materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses. Leave a 10% to 15% buffer in your budget for unplanned costs.
Pay with cash: Avoid financing the renovation with loans or credit cards, which will add interest charges. Pay for the project in cash if possible.
Repurpose and upcycle materials: Look for ways to reuse or repurpose existing materials like cabinets, fixtures, and furniture instead of buying all new.
Do some DIY work: Tackle tasks you feel confident doing yourself, such as painting, minor repairs, and installing fixtures, to significantly reduce labor costs.
Choose affordable materials: Opt for more budget-friendly alternatives that still meet your aesthetic needs, like laminate flooring instead of hardwood or quartz instead of marble.
Time your renovation wisely: Schedule work during the off-season, when contractors may offer discounts. Consider doing the project in phases to spread out the costs over time.
Shop sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales, clearance items, and bulk purchasing opportunities to save on materials and appliances.
Reuse existing spaces: Look for ways to repurpose existing rooms or areas of your home instead of building costly additions.
Home renovation FAQs
Are home renovations tax deductible?
Most home renovations are not directly tax-deductible, but there are some exceptions where home improvements can provide tax benefits:
Energy-efficient improvements: You may qualify for an Energy Efficient Home Improvement tax credit of up to 30% of qualified expenses for certain energy-saving renovations, including insulation, windows, doors, roofs, HVAC systems, and solar panels.
Medically necessary improvements: If renovations are necessary for medical reasons, you may be able to deduct the cost as a medical expense. This can include improvements that allow you to age in place or modifications needed for a disability.
Capital improvements: Renovations that substantially add value, prolong the useful life, or adapt the home for new uses can be added to the cost basis of the home. This can reduce the taxable capital gain when selling the home.
Rental property renovations: You can deduct repairs and improvements to rental properties as business expenses.
How can I finance home renovation?
There are several ways to finance a home renovation, depending on your financial situation and the scope of your project. The most financially sound option is to save up money before the project to avoid interest and fees associated with loans.
Other options include a HELOC (home equity line of credit), home equity loan, cash-out refinance, personal loan, government loan, or credit cards.
Which renovations add the most value to a home?
Upgrading your home's exterior with fresh siding, doors, and landscaping can significantly boost its value. Inside, revamping the kitchen and bathrooms, adding energy-saving features, or a project that increases living space all improve marketability and add value.
Check out our in-depth guide on home renovations that add value for a detailed breakdown.
How to find a contractor for home renovations
Follow these steps to find reliable and trustworthy home remodeling contractors near you:
Create a clear and specific plan for the renovation project, including the scope, timeline, and budget.
Interview at least 3 to 5 contractors and get detailed written proposals to compare prices and services.
Verify the contractor is properly licensed and insured to protect you from liability if anything goes wrong.
Ask the contractors for references from previous clients and follow up to get a sense of their work quality and reliability.
Select a contractor who specializes in the type of renovation work you need rather than a general contractor.
Request a written contract that covers the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and other important terms.
Stay in close communication with the contractor throughout the project to address any issues that arise.
Obtain lien releases and receipts as the work progresses to protect yourself from subcontractor claims.
Hold off on the final payment until the entire project is completed to your satisfaction.
Questions to ask a home renovation contractor
Ask these questions to better evaluate the contractor's qualifications, communication style, and approach to managing the renovation project:
Do you have a contractor's license and insurance?
What is your background and experience?
Do you offer a warranty for the services and materials?
How do you resolve disagreements or damage that happens on the job?
What steps will you take to protect my property?
Do you have a portfolio of your past remodeling jobs?
Can you provide references from previous clients?
How many projects are you currently working on?
Who will be the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
What hours do you and your crew typically work?
Do you anticipate any challenges with this project?
How will you communicate with me during the project?
Will you obtain all the required permits?
What payment schedule can we arrange?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.