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 add signifcantly to the overall cost.
Whether you're a real estate broker, investor, or homeowner, this guide provides an accurate starting point to create a realistic home renovation budget. Use our whole house renovation cost calculator when planning your remodel.
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
[hide] [show]
- Average cost to remodel & renovate a house
- Home renovation cost estimator
- Per square foot
- Whole house
- By bedrooms
- By home type
- Cost to remodel a house
- House exterior
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Basement
- Attic
- Roof
- Average cost to gut & remodel a house
- Cost factors to completely renovate a house
- Remodel vs. rebuild
- Additions & adding a room
- Labor rates
- Change floor plan
- Plumbing, electrical, HVAC
- Updating appliances
- By location
- Cost To Remodel Other Buildings
- Apartment
- Mobile home
- Old house
- Home renovation budget
- Frequently asked questions
- DIY costs to remodel a house yourself
- Hiring a home remodeling contractor
- Home Remodeling Contractors Near Me
Home renovation cost estimator
When estimating home renovation costs, the main factors are the square footage, age, location, property's condition, which rooms are being remodeled, structural changes, 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 |
| Tear down house and rebuild | $104 – $165 |
| Remodel 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.
Get free estimates from home remodelers near you. View Pros
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 |
If the home is beyond repair, the average cost to tear down and rebuild a house is $125,000 to $450,000 or $104 to $165 per square foot.
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, depending 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 |
Return to Top
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.
Get free quotes for your renovation project. View Pros
Exterior home remodel cost
Exterior home remodeling costs $6,000 to $20,000, which includes redoing the exterior painting, landscaping, siding, and fencing. Exterior house remodeling has a return on investment of 80% and improves the curb appeal.
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.
Living room remodel cost | Remodel | Average cost |
| Interior painting costs | $600 – $2,000 |
| Flooring installation costs | $1,600 – $4,600 |
| Fireplace installation costs | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Crown molding costs | $400 – $1,100 |
| Plantation shutters cost | $150 – $500 per window |
| Carpet installation costs | $250 – $800 |
| Interior designer costs | $500 – $1,500 |
| Window replacement costs | $400 – $800 per window |
Bedroom remodel cost
Bedroom remodeling costs $15 to $40 per square foot. A basic bedroom remodel costs $1,500 to $5,000 for flooring, trim and moldings, ceiling fan, and painting. A complete bedroom renovation costs $4,000 to $12,000 for 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 |
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. |
Redoing a kitchen raises the property's value and provides a return on investment of 54 to 80 percent.
Compare free quotes from kitchen remodelers near you. View Pros
The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends spending and budgeting 10 to 25 percent of your home's value on remodeling a kitchen:
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. Granite countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot.
- The cost to paint kitchen cabinets is $30 to $60 per linear foot or $900 to $3,800.
Cost to update a bathroom
A standard bathroom remodel costs $2,500 to $15,000. Renovating a master bath costs $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 |
Remodeling a small bathroom costs $2,500 to $10,000, depending on if it's a full, half-bath, or powder room.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends spending 5 to 10 percent of your home's value on remodeling a bathroom.
Hire a bathroom remodeling pro near you. View Pros
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.
Get free estimates from basement finishing contractors. View Pros
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 |
Get free quotes from roofing contractors near you. View Pros
Return to Top
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.
Return to Top
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
Calculate each project or room one at a time using the data above to estimate remodeling costs accurately. Keep in mind:
- Dry rooms 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.
Get free estimates from home renovation experts. View Pros
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 $20,000 and $75,000 on average. Adding square footage costs $85 to $200 per square foot, depending on the room size, materials, location, and if you're building up or out.
- Removing a wall costs $500 to $10,000, depending on if it's a load-bearing wall.
- The average cost to add a bathroom is $18,000 to $47,000. Converting an existing space into a bathroom costs $2,500 to $12,500.
Contractor remodeling labor rates
Remodeling labor rates are $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%
$100 – $250 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 costs $1,400 to $5,600 more 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 | $1,400 – $5,600 |
| Boiler / radiator installation costs | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Solar panel installation costs | $11,000 – $35,000 |
| Attic insulation costs | $800 – $2,800 |
Updating home appliances
Updating appliances cost $2,500 to $10,000 for a whole house or between $200 to $2,000 each on average.
Cost to update appliances | Type | Price range | Includes |
| Basic / standard | $200 – $1,000 | Appliances such as a microwave, garbage disposal, or stove. |
| Energy Star rated | $300 – $3,000 | Appliances 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 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.
See local renovation prices from pros near you. View Pros
Home remodeling permits
Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 for major remodeling projects, while some municipalities charge 1% of the total cost of the construction. Licensed contractors will handle the permit process.
Permits are typically required for:
- Additions
- Renovations & Remodeling
- Structural Changes & Demolition
- Mechanical, Plumbing, & Electrical Work
- New Construction
Return to Top
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 or up to $200 in large cities like New York. Renovating a 1-bedroom apartment costs $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 |
Mobile home remodel cost
Completely remodeling a mobile home costs $10,000 to $30,000, depending on if it's a single wide or double wide. 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. Contractors often end up gutting all the walls, repairing the foundation and structural damages, and replacing the subflooring.
Return to Top
Home renovation budget
When calculating your home renovation budget, organize projects by room, and build a specific budget around each.
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% |
How much remodeling can be done with $100,000?
Investing $100,000 gets a high-end kitchen and bathroom remodel, new roofing, windows, 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.
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 |
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% |
Return to Top
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.
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 takes 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 |
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 $100 to $250 per hour to plan and create professional blueprints.
How much do home improvements or repairs cost?
National average home improvement costs are $100 to $250 per square foot. Minor house repairs cost $150 to $600 for electrical or plumbing work, while major improvements cost $25,000 and $75,000, such as a home addition.
Still have questions? Ask a remodeling pro. View Pros
Return to Top
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.
Common DIY home renovation projects:
- 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
While you can do small renovation projects yourself, hiring a professional is the easiest and safest choice for large projects, HVAC, and electrical work.
Return to Top
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.
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 remodeling contractors
- Can I see a portfolio of your past remodeling jobs?
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
- How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
- Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
- What hours do you and your crew work?
- What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
- What does your warranty policy include?
- What's your payment schedule like?
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted home remodeling contractors:
Get free estimates
- Paxton, Albert S. "2019 National Repair and Remodeling Estimator." (2019). PDF file.
- Tyler, Mark C. "2019 National Electric Estimator." (2019). PDF file.
- Hicks, Ray F. "2019 National Home Improvement Estimator." (2019). PDF file.
- Pray, Richard. "2019 National Construction Estimator." (2019). PDF file.
- Gleason, Dennis D. "2019 National Painting Cost Estimator." 2019. PDF file.
- Actual Project Costs Reported By 3,130 HomeGuide Members. (2020).
- How Long Is That Remodel Going to Take? (2018).
houselogic.com/remodel/house-remodeling-how-long-does-it-take/ - Home Renovation Tax Credit. (2020).
hrblock.com/tax-center/filing/credits/home-renovation-tax-credit/ - Home Remodeling Budget Calculator. (2020).
starmarkcabinetry.com/budgeting-your-project - What's the Difference: Renovation vs. Remodel? (2019).
bobvila.com/articles/renovation-vs-remodel/ - Kris Haskins. This is what a $200,000 renovation looks like. (2017).
youtube.com/watch?v=dOxahzzdsUw - Real Remodeling Costs. (2020).
houzz.com/remodeling-costs - Gorgeous $45,000 Manufactured Home Renovation. (2019).
mobilehomeliving.org/50000-manufactured-home-renovation/ - Home Renovation Costs: My $58,000 and Where I Spent It. (2016).
financialbestlife.com/how-much-does-a-home-renovation-cost/ - How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House? Bathroom, Kitchen, and Beyond. (2020).
realtor.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-renovate-a-house/ - 2020 Cost VS Value Report. (2020).
remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2020/ - Hiring a Contractor. (2014).
consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor - Remodeling Cost for Small Apartment With Pics. (2018).
biggerpockets.com/553558-remodeling-cost-for-small-apartment-with-pics-example - How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Painter? (2020).
homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-hire-a-painter - How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Electrician? (2020).
homeguide.com/costs/electrician-cost-per-hour - How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Bathroom? (2020).
homeguide.com/costs/bathroom-remodel-cost - How Much Does A Plumber Cost? (2020).
homeguide.com/costs/plumber-cost - How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/kitchen-remodel-cost - How Much Does It Cost To Build A Home Addition? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/home-addition-cost - How Much Does It Cost To Finish A Basement? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-finish-a-basement - Cost to rebuild from the studs? New construction? (2018).
biggerpockets.com/forums/50/topics/549072-cost-to-rebuild-from-the-studs-new-construction - Tear Down & Rebuild Costs. (2015).
biggerpockets.com/forums/44/topics/180268-tear-down-and-rebuild-costs - Home Improvement & Repair Cost Estimator. (2020).
homeguide.com/costs - Remodeling Impact. (2019). PDF File.
nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2019-remodeling-impact-10-03-2019.pdf - How Much Does Landscaping Cost? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/landscaping-costs - How Much Does It Cost To Replace Windows? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/window-replacement-cost - How Much Does A New Roof Replacement Cost? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/roof-replacement-cost - How Much Does House Siding Cost to Install or Replace? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/siding-cost - How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost? (2019).
homeguide.com/costs/flooring-installation-cost
