How Much Does It Cost to Remodel or Renovate a House?

Home Remodel Costs

There are many factors and multiple variations that contribute to the bottom line, including:

• Size of each room.

• Underlying problems.

• Cost of materials.

• Extent of the remodel.

Estimating costs on how to remodel a house is a daunting task. Appliances, cabinetry, and any structural repairs top the list of expenses with labor following closely behind. To give you a good starting point, we’ve gathered information on some of the most popular remodeling projects.

Cost to Renovate a House Per Square Foot

Renovating a house costs $10 to $60 per square foot on average, but you might spend up to $150 per square foot. It mainly comes down to two factors: the room(s) and your location. When debating what projects to tackle first, keep in mind the following:

• Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most.

• Bedrooms, living rooms, and basements fall on the lower end.

• Urban areas with higher costs of living might end up costing double what you’d pay in a more rural place.

Cost to Remodel a House

Home remodels cost anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000 or more depending on what you do. Keep in mind that many of your renovations not only add to your ability to enjoy your home, but they also often add resale value and equity. You can expect anywhere from 40% to 80% return on most remodel projects.

To give you a foundation of what to expect, look at some of the average costs for some of the most popular renovations.

Entire Home Remodeling Prices

For the average 2,500-square-foot home, a whole home renovation costs anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000. While that’s a massive range, it’s because many factors can affect the price, including:

• Your location.

• Quality of materials.

• Size of your home.

To break that range down a little further:

• Low end: $15,000–$45,000. Includes inexpensive updates like trim, paint, landscaping, flooring, and counters.

• Mid-range: $46,000–$70,000. On top of the low-end options, you’ll probably add a full kitchen or bath remodel and possibly higher-end flooring.

• High end: $71,000–$200,000. Includes everything found in the low- and mid-range projects, plus custom or high-end cabinetry and appliances. You’ll possibly make some structural alterations with updates to the layout. Your contractor might fix or add electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and make foundation repairs.

Kitchen

Kitchen remodels cost an average of $150 per square foot. The average cost of kitchen remodels comes in at $25,200, with homeowners spending anywhere from $4,000 for small kitchen remodels to $60,000 or more for high-end projects.

Kitchen Budget Breakdown*

*The National Kitchen and Bath Association

Kitchen Renovation Costs

When remodeling or renovating your kitchen, there are three major projects that impact your price: cabinets, countertops and flooring. Below are standard prices depending on the quality of materials you purchase.

• Cabinet costs per linear foot

  • Stock: $100-$300

  • Semi-custom: $150-$650

  • Custom: $500-$1,200

  • Refinished: $1,400-$3,500 (total)

• Countertop costs

  • Stone: $4,000-$7,000

  • Laminate: $1,200-$2,000

  • Solid surface: $1,500-$3,000

  • Concrete: $2,600-$5,300

• Flooring prices

  • Vinyl: $800-$2,650

  • Stone: $900-$2,800

  • Laminate: $1,500-$4,250

  • Wood: $2,500-$6,750

Common Kitchen Renovation Projects

There’s a wide range of options for every kitchen remodel budget. Below is a list of some popular projects based on the scale of the remodeling job.

• Small: $5,000–$30,000. Upgrading lighting, faucets, paint, and trim, adding budget-friendly backsplashes and counter extensions, and knocking down non-load-bearing walls.

• Mid Range: $30,000–$65,000. Upgrading appliances and floors, and adding a tile backsplash, cabinets, and moderately priced counters.

• High End: $65,000+. Adding custom cabinetry, stone or granite counters, high-end EnergyStar appliances, overhead lighting, hardwood flooring, and a new sink with faucet.

Bathroom

Remodeling a bathroom averages $125 per square foot. In total, bathroom remodeling costs $2,500 to $25,000 or more. New cabinets alone can take up 30% of the price.

“To save money, we always advise our clients to try to keep the bathroom footprint, meaning keep the fixtures in the same place,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board Member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “If you don’t have to move the supply lines or drain lines, you can literally reduce your budget by 50%.”

Like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling projects come with a wide range of prices depending on the caliber of the cabinets, counters, and fixtures you choose. The following list provides an estimation of what each component runs, depending on whether you choose basic, mid-range, or high-end options.

Living Room & Bedroom Remodeling Costs

Living rooms and bedrooms make budget-friendly reno projects at $1,500 to $5,500, usually needing only paint and flooring updates. Living rooms, including dens and family rooms, tend to have more space, so might creep closer to $5,000.

• Living room remodeling costs $1,500-$5,500.

• Bedrooms remodeling costs $1,500-$3,500.

You can think of your home’s rooms in two ways: wet and dry. Wet rooms include anything with water running to them like kitchens, bathrooms, saunas, and some utility closets. These tend to fall on the high end of a reno budget. Dry rooms like bedrooms and living rooms typically only need paint and flooring, with one notable exception: the fireplace.

• Fireplace installation costs $900-$3,700. However, fireplace remodeling isn’t part of every home renovation and doesn’t need to break the budget.

• New flooring costs $1,500-$4,500 on average.

• Room painting prices range from $200-$900.

Basement

Basement remodels cost $11,000 to $30,000 with an average of $20,000. Some projects can get over $40,000.

Remodeling the basement can be a very big job, depending on the condition of the area and the remodeling house plan. Factors such as installing floors, building walls, adding electrical or plumbing lines, and furnishing the room all contribute to the overall price.

One of the priciest remodel options involves adding a bathroom in the basement, which requires hiring a plumber, installing plumbing, and buying the necessary fixtures.

Roof

Roof replacement costs $5,500 to $120,0500, with an average of $8,000. Although roofs tend to last 20 to 30 years, you might want to update it with the rest of the house. The final price depends on factors such as the roof size, roof pitch, the type of application, and the materials.

House Exterior

Remodeling your home's exterior runs $5,000 to $15,000 on average. Exterior painting costs $1,800 to $4,000. Most remodels also include redoing siding and some landscaping. Landscaping costs an additional $1,400 to $5,500.

Multiple Room Renovations

You’ll spend an average of $20 per square foot to remodel multiple rooms, but ultimately it comes down to which rooms you choose.

With appliances, cabinets, and counters, it’s common for kitchens to exceed $100 a square foot. On the other hand, bedrooms, which only need paint and flooring, might only run $10 per square foot.

Whether you are remodeling one room, tackling multiple rooms, or taking on a whole house remodel, you must plan carefully and create a realistic budget. What you ultimately pay will vary depending on which rooms you update.

Home Additions & Adding Square Footage

Building a home addition costs $21,000 to $70,000 on average but can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $125,000, with homeowners spending an average of $46,000. Again, this depends on the extent of the addition and the finish materials you choose.

Removing interior walls and adding square footage are two popular renovations that can make a big difference in how you use your space. Like any project, you can expect to encounter a range of complexity and corresponding prices.

• Removing walls costs $300–$10,000. It ranges depending on whether it’s load-bearing. Load-bearing walls help support the home, which means removing them requires careful planning with the guidance of a structural engineer and falls on the high end of the range. Removing a non-load-bearing wall usually falls under $1,000.

• Rewiring a home costs $4,000–$20,000. You’ll pay on the lower end with new additions because you can run electrical wire before the walls are closed up.

• Installing plumbing costs $400–$1,900. If you have older pipes, you might want to upgrade them when you put in new walls.

Cost Factors to Updating Your Home

When you get estimates from potential contractors, it’s important to discuss all the potential extras that could contribute to the overall price of the project.

Permits

Building permits cost $400 to $1,800. Before you begin any remodeling home projects, check with your local authorities to determine the permits you’ll need. Most state and local authorities require permits to make sure all the work is done according to building codes. To save time and money, get all the necessary permits before beginning work.

Permits are frequently required for:

• New Construction

• Additions

• Major Renovations

• Structural Changes

• Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Work

Construction or Labor Rates

Labor rates for various trades range from $20 to $150 per hour or more. If you’re acting as your own general contractor, overseeing and coordinating the project, you’ll need to know these subcontractor rates:

Plumbing

The average cost of hiring a plumber is $300. Plumbers may charge by the job or by the hour. Average hourly costs range from $70 to $120, although calling a plumber for an emergency or after-hours project typically costs more.

Electrical

The average cost of hiring an electrician is $350. Like plumbers, many electricians charge by the hour. Typical costs range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the amount of experience the electrician has and the intricacy of the work.

Changing the Floorplan of a House

Structural engineers cost $300 to $700. If you’re planning an addition, changing the stairs, or knocking down load-bearing walls, you’d be well advised to consult with a structural engineer to make sure your plans can be completed safely.

HVAC

HVAC costs range from $500 to $7,200 or more. You have many different options when it comes to choosing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Popular brands include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Coleman, and Lennox, all of which retail for $1,900 to $4,900.

Other common tasks and average costs associated with your in-home climate control options are as follows:

• Installing a new AC unit costs: $3,800–$7,500.

• Installing a furnace costs: $2,600–$6,200.

• Installing a heat pump costs: $4,000–$7,200.

• Installing insulation costs: $1,400–$3,700.

• Installing ducts and vents costs: $500–$1,900.

• Installing solar panels costs: $16,500–$31,000

Appliances

Appliances cost anywhere from $200 to $10,000 or more. When it comes to appliances, you have a lot to consider. While the costs can easily skyrocket, limiting your options to bare-bone basics can be counterproductive.

For example, if you love to cook, splurging on a six-burner stove will enhance your enjoyment and the functionality of your kitchen. Likewise, opting for pricier EnergyStar appliances can ultimately save you money on your energy bills.

Stainless steel remains a trend-driven finish that’s popular with many homeowners. Other stainless appliance finish options include smudge-resistant slate, black, white, and ivory. Some homeowners opt for colorful appliances to add a fun pop to the kitchen.

The following list includes estimated costs based on appliance categories:

• Basic/discount: $100–$2,000 depending on the number of features

• High-end store-bought appliances: $300–$5,000

• EnergyStar appliances: $200–$3,500

• Custom built-in appliances: $1,000–$10,000

Home Renovation Cost Estimates

In addition to the quality of your materials and general vision for your renovation, below are more factors to consider that may impact price.

House Size

The larger your home, the more you can expect to pay for remodeling multiple rooms. For example, remodeling a whole house that’s smaller than 1,000 square feet costs an average of $19,000, while a 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot home costs an average of $75,000 to $100,000.

The number of rooms is not always an indicator of total home size. For example, a 1,000-square-foot house with three bedrooms can cost far less than a 4,000-square-foot open concept with only two bedrooms.

Remodeling Costs by Location

The following are average home remodel costs across the U.S.

Type of Home

While you might spend anywhere between $10 to $150 per square foot for your renovation, the type of home you own (especially if your home has historical preservation needs) could impact price.

*See next section on renovation considerations.

Average Cost to Gut & Remodel a House

It’ll cost $100,000 to $200,000 to gut and remodel a house. This includes demolition work, structural improvements to the foundation and walls, new roof, new electrical and plumbing, and new finishes and appliances.

Gut Renovation Costs per Square Foot

It’ll cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot for a gut and renovation. But you’re basically getting a new house, minus the studs and foundation.

Cost to Gut a House

Gutting or demolishing a home’s interior costs $1,200 to $4,700 with a high end of about $10,000. Total price includes tear out and removal of debris and permits or dumping fees.

Cost to Rehab a Home

Rehabbing a house costs anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000 on average. Total gut and replace might run as much as $200,000. Often used interchangeably with remodeling or renovating, rehabbing is a process that usually involves repairs or cleanup.

Home Renovations Tips on a Budget

If you’re looking to remodel on a budget, consider that appliances, cabinetry, flooring, and countertops are your big-ticket items. Reuse appliances and refinish surfaces whenever possible. Consider a few of these options to keep your costs down.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a house rehab, remodel and renovation?

Rehab, renovate and remodel are often used interchangeably. However, renovations refer to restoring a room to what it once was, whereas remodeling means building something new. Rrehabs tend to imply extensive repairs and cleanup.

How do I estimate renovation costs?

The best way to estimate renovation costs is to talk to an interior designer, architect or general contractor. It’s also wise to attach 20% extra to your budget to account for potential unforeseen issues.

How much should I spend on a home renovation?

How much you spend on your renovation depends on what you want and what’s comparable to your neighborhood values. Since you might get back up to 80% on some remodeling projects, it’s better to invest enough to match your lifestyle requirements while keeping your home’s value close to the values of the surrounding homes.

How much remodeling can be done with $100,000?

You can typically get a higher-end remodel with $100,000. In smaller homes, you might even be able to get a complete gut and renovation.