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Remodeling a closet can be a great way to get organized while getting rid of clutter. But creating an inviting, functional space involves more than just buying a few new sweater boxes.

When planning a closet model, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind, including what you intend on storing there, how much space you have, and your budget. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Use this guide to help you get started.

Clear Out the Closet

If you can, start a remodeling project with a blank slate. In this case, that means clearing out whatever is in your closet now. You’ll appreciate the extra breathing room when it comes time to measure the space (more on that in a minute). Plus, you’ll have a chance to see exactly what will be stored in the closet after the remodel, which will help you determine what clothing rods, drawers, storage bins, and containers might be needed.

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

Size Up Your Space

Accurately measure the size of the closet and, if desired, see what potential extra space exists. The following tools can help you get the job done:

•   Measuring tool: This can be a 25-foot flat tape measure or, if preferred and needed, an electronic measuring tool. The latter can measure longer walls.

•   Acrylic square finders (two): With these, verify whether closet corners are actually square.

•   Angle finders for closets with slanted ceilings: This allows the angle of the roofline to be properly measured.

•   Paper: Record all numbers; graph paper can be especially helpful when sketching out measurements and closet remodel ideas.

New to measuring? Here are some tips to help you get the right figures the first time.

•   When doing a hard measurement, round down by the nearest quarter of an inch.

•   When doing soft measurements, round down to the nearest whole number.

•   Measure walls in three places and use the smallest of these measurements: near the top, in the middle, near the bottom.

•   Measure from top to bottom.

•   Check inside corners.

•   Check the angle of pitch for any sloped ceilings.

•   Note and measure any obstacles, which can include light fixtures and switches, trim, and vents.

Consider Closet Features You’d Like

Not sure what to include in your closet remodel? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Bright Lighting

From LED lights that shine on specific areas of the closet (like the furthest corners) to illuminated rods and shelves to lights that focus on cabinets, lights are popular closet features.

A Dressing Room

Because not every house has bedrooms with enough square footage for dressing room space, some homeowners are choosing to transform an extra bedroom — or even an underused dining or living room — into a walk-in closet/dressing room.

These rooms typically have some kind of seating and mirrors, and even pieces of art. They can range from reasonably simple rooms containing a makeup table and comfy seat to luxurious spaces.

Walls That Wow

People who have a more straightforward paint color or wallpaper pattern in their rooms are sometimes willing to experiment with bolder hues or eye-catching patterns on the walls in their closets.

Stylish Extras

If your budget and lifestyle allow, here are some features that are in demand today and may be worth considering. Some are DIY, while others may require the help of a contractor.

•   Ventilation systems to remove smells and dehumidifiers to remove moisture

•   Entire walls devoted to shoes or handbags

•   Crown molding

•   A sliding ladder

•   Built-in drawers, called cellarets, to keep socks, ties, and more well organized

•   Laundry cabinet storage with a removable liner to carry the load to the washer

•   Jewelry organizer with multiple compartments, some with locks

Closet Remodel No-Nos

The best remodel is one that allows you to make the most of your closet. As you’re making your plans, be mindful to avoid the following:

Dead Space

People often waste space above the top shelf in their closets. It’s true that you can fold and store clothes on that shelf or use the space for storing boxes. But keep in mind that the higher an item is, the more difficult it is to access. It may be best used for out-of-season items vs. clothes you want to wear regularly.

Wasted Space Behind Swing-in Doors

If possible, try to avoid closet doors that swing in, because shelves can’t be built there and clothes hung there will continually be banged into. But if this is your setup, fear not. The space can still be salvaged by the addition of a hook board where scarves, ties, and other thin objects can be placed.

Shallow Shelving

When shelves are too shallow, clothes hang over top of them and the closet can look sloppy or fall from their designated spot. Lots of closet systems have 12-inch shelves; make sure this is deep enough for your needs or choose other shelving with more depth.

What Will a Closet Remodel Cost?

On average, a closet renovation costs around $2,300 to $6,700, with an average of $4,100, according to the home improvement website Angi. Other sources, like Thumbtack, put the price closer to an average of $771, so there’s obviously a range of costs possible.

A good rule of thumb is that the cost per linear foot is $125. Add-ons will affect the cost. Here are some amounts that someone might expect to spend:

•   Professional organization services: $40 to $60 an hour

•   New lights and outlets: $55 to $65 an hour

•   New door: $180

•   Paint job: $200

Designing a custom closet costs between $1,500 and $2,500 on average, according to HomeAdvisor.com. The materials used, organization elements included, permits, and whether a wardrobe is added affect the pricing. Of course, if you’re looking to sell a home, a custom closet design may be of more value to a buyer than an off-the-shelf closet organizing product.

Another factor is whether the closet is a reach-in or walk-in type. Reach-in closets are typically smaller, but when organized well can be functional. Remodeling these closets, which are often found in smaller bedrooms and hallways, may cost less than redoing a walk-in closet.

How to Afford a Closet Remodel

When it comes to paying for a closet remodel, homeowners have several options. Examples include using your personal savings, using a credit card and then paying the balance in full to avoid high interest charges, or taking out an unsecured personal loan.

When used for home renovation projects, these are typically called home improvement loans. They provide a lump sum of cash, which is then paid back (typically over a couple or several years) with interest in installments. The rates are usually considerably lower than those of credit cards.

Recommended: A Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

The Takeaway

A closet remodel can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on how extensive it is, how luxurious the materials you choose are, and how much customized work is done. Plan exactly what you want — first deciding whether to expand the space or enhance what you have — and then carve out a budget for that vision. A home improvement loan, a kind of personal loan, can help you finance this type of project.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How much does a closet remodel cost?

A closet remodel typically costs a few thousand dollars, but for smaller spaces or less extensive renovations (primarily cosmetic), you may be able to get the job done for less than $1,000.

What is the rule of 3 for cleaning closets?

The rule of three says that if you can’t imagine wearing an item three different ways or to three different occasions, you should probably find it a new home, either giving it to a friend or relative, donating it, or selling it.

Is it worth it to remodel a closet?

Whether a closet remodel is worth it is a personal decision. Some people feel it’s definitely an improvement, making it easier and more enjoyable to get dressed and store their clothes. Others think it isn’t worthwhile to spend money on a small space, especially if it’s working fairly well as-is.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-079

Painting the exterior or interior of your house can be the quickest way to dramatically alter its appearance. A new coat (or two) of paint can freshen and update the look of your home, protect your siding from the elements, and increase the resale value of your house. The question is, how much does a paint job cost?

Whether you’re looking to paint one room or the entire exterior of your home, the cost will depend on the materials used, whether you hire professional help or do it yourself, and the size and texture of the surface area to be painted. Here’s a look at the numbers you can expect.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint an Interior?

First, focus on the paint job you’ll spend the most of your time looking at: the interior. The cost of painting an interior space varies greatly due to the type of paint materials you choose, what condition the previous surface is in, if you’re planning on doing the doors and trim in addition to walls, if you hire a professional painter, and how many rooms you’d like to paint.

Cost to Paint per Square Footage

It generally costs around $2 to $6 per square foot to paint an interior space, including materials and labor. So, using $3.50 per square foot as an average, it would run $3,500 to paint the interior of a 1,000 square foot home and $10,500 to paint a 3,000 square foot home.

If you do the job yourself, you’ll need to determine what materials you’ll need to come up with a price (more on that below). When looking at material costs, consider that a gallon of paint normally covers around 400 square feet and know that sometimes labels overestimate how much surface area a gallon can cover. If you’re painting a textured wall, you’ll likely require more paint because the texture increases surface area, and if you’re painting a raw material like fresh drywall or bare wood, the absorption into the substrate can quickly increase the amount of paint you’ll need.

When hiring help to paint your home, how quickly you want the job done also may affect the overall cost. An experienced painter might be able to cover a wall faster and therefore cost less, whereas a more methodical painter may need more time. Generally, you can expect a painter to be able to cover about 100 to 120 square feet in an hour.

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Cost to Paint by Paint Type

Prices vary widely based on what type of paint you choose and how much material you need, but you can base estimates off the fact that most paint is priced in the range of $15 to $50 a gallon for a value to mid-tier brand, and you’ll probably need between one to two gallons of paint per room.

Primer, which is a necessary first step for most projects, might cost around $20 to $30 a gallon can, but if you’re on a budget or time crunch, you can purchase paint colors that combine primer to save time. If using primer, which is especially necessary when painting a lighter color atop a darker one, you’ll typically use at least two quarts of primer to cover one average-sized wall.

The actual price of paint will depend on brand and quality. Here’s a breakdown of how much you may pay for a gallon of paint based on brand.

Professional Painter Costs

On average, professional painters cost $20 to $50 per hour per painter. The overall cost to paint your house can increase based on the prep work needed before painting and any equipment rentals such as scaffolding or a lift that may be required.

Non-Paint Costs

When painting your home, you’ll encounter a variety of costs for the tools required to paint. Some of these supplies like brushes and drop cloths can be used again, so in the long run, purchasing your own tools may save you money. If paying for labor, you may be able to deduct the costs of supplies if you provide your own, though professional painters typically work with their own reusable supplies.

Necessary painting supplies may include:

•   Painter’s tape To protect areas like ceilings and trims from getting paint on them.

•   Dropcloth To cover floors and furniture that could be damaged.

•   Ladder To paint a high wall or harder-to-reach areas.

•   Paint tray or bucket You’ll add a small amount of paint to this tray or bucket to use while painting to efficiently use a roller and to preserve the unused portion of the original gallon of paint.

•   Paint rollers and brushes A roller covers larger areas more evenly while a small brush can be used for touch-ups and corner cut-in.

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior?

The national average cost of painting a home exterior is around $3,177. However, your actual cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, type of siding, and prep work involved. While the price tag can be hefty, painting the exterior of your home could increase your home’s value, potentially improve the structural integrity of the building, and give you the chance to make any needed exterior repairs at the same time.

Two of the biggest factors that determine how much it costs to paint your home exterior are square footage and how many stories your home has (hint: the more stories, the higher the price). Additionally, the type of window framing (wood, metal, or vinyl) can increase the amount of time required to complete the work and affect the price.

While costs vary based on factors like location and type of paint, this chart from Angi, the home improvement site, should give you an idea of what it may cost to paint your house. Please note that these estimates include labor costs as the painting of the exterior is a job better suited for a professional.

Exterior painting can get complicated due to the variety of materials you can find on the outside of a home. Different materials require different paints and tools in order to prepare them for the outdoor elements.

To budget for how much it might cost to paint the exterior of your house, you have to look at each type of material you’ll have to paint. The following estimates look at the costs of painting a few materials, including the tools, paint, and labor possibly required to complete the paint job.

Concrete Siding

Cost estimate: $500 (approximately 250 sq. ft.) to $3,000 (approximately 1,000 sq. ft.)

Why: Because concrete walls have to be prepared before painting, you may be required to remove previous finishes to ensure the paint won’t peel or chip off, which can increase labor costs. In order to prime the concrete, you may need special sealants, paints, and primers to help the final coat of paint endure against the elements.

Aluminum Siding

Cost estimate: $400 to $3,500 for 1,000 square feet

Why: Aluminum siding generally doesn’t require a lot of prep work. However, if there is existing pain that is chipping, you may need to have the siding stripped and primed before painting.

Stucco Siding

Cost estimate: $1,400 to $6,000 for 1,000 square feet

Why: Stucco often requires significant prep work before it can be painted, such as caulking and filling gaps. And because the surface is so textured, stucco typically requires around 50% more paint than smooth exterior siding. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the siding instead of repainting it.

Vinyl Siding

Cost estimate: $600 to $3,500 for 1,000 square feet

Why: Vinyl siding needs to be cleaned and repaired, if necessary, before beginning to paint, and a careful evaluation of the benefits is often the best approach. In some cases it may be more cost-effective to replace the vinyl, though the cost will run higher than repainting.

Wood Siding

Cost estimate: $700 to $3,000 for 1,000 square feet (not including trim)

Why: Similar to painting wood furniture or floors, wood siding that is damaged due to element exposure can be painted or stained. This process may help defend wood siding against sun, humidity, pollen, mold, and other environmental elements like insects. The cost might increase if the wood has holes or other issues, but the painting process should help protect your home’s exterior from needing more repairs later on.

Recommended: 3 Smart Exterior Home Remodel Ideas

Tips on How to Pay for the Cost of Painting Your House

If you run the numbers and the cost of your home painting project is more than you can comfortably cover in cash, you may want to consider some type of financing.

One option is to take out a home equity loan or line of credit. These loans are based on the equity you have built up in your home and use your home as collateral for the loan.

Another option is a home improvement loan. This is essentially an unsecured personal loan that is used for home repairs or upgrades. You receive a lump sum up front which you can use to pay for an interior or exterior paint project; you then repay the loan over a set term, often five to seven years, with regular monthly payments. Interest rates are typically fixed.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The cost to paint a house is dependent upon the size and texture of the surface area, the kind of paint used, and whether you hire a professional or tackle the painting yourself. Typically, an interior paint job will cost $2,000 to $18,000 and an exterior job will average $3,177 but could go considerably higher. If you don’t have the available cash to pay for the costs of painting, you may want to wait until you’ve saved up enough funds to cover the project. If you want or need to get the project done sooner, you might consider some type of financing, such as a home equity loan or a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house?

As of mid-2025, painting the interior of a house can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars or more. Factors include size of the home, complexity of the job, quality of the paint, where you live (and the cost of living), and whether you DIY any elements.

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?

On average, in mid-2025, it costs an average of $3,177 to paint the exterior of a house, but it could cost considerably more depending on such factors as the size, location, siding materials, and how many stories a house has.

Is it cheaper to paint a house yourself?

Yes, it is typically cheaper to paint a house yourself, but it’s wise to make sure you have the skills required to do the job so you stay safe and are happy with the results.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-077

Home appliances typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and doing so can be expensive. Due to the cost and inconvenience, you definitely want to get the entire life out of them before you replace them.

At a certain point, however, it can make more financial sense to get a new appliance vs. paying to have it repaired. Where do you draw the line? Read on to learn how long your major home appliances should last, plus signs that it may be time to replace them.

Before Replacing Anything

Before you replace any appliance you believe is beyond repair, you’ll want to make certain the appliance is no longer under warranty. Calling the manufacturer before shelling out cash for something new when the old one might still be under warranty is a good place to start.

Beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, there may be other options for appliance replacement. Some homeowners may have a home warranty, which acts as a sort of supplemental insurance on appliances in the home that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t typically cover.

It’s important to understand the details of the home warranty to make sure all the rules are followed to have the repair or replacement covered. Another option may be to have a small amount of money saved to cover any potential repairs or replacement that will certainly come up sooner or later.

Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?

Replacing Common Home Appliances

Here are details on replacing some of the most common home appliances.

Dishwasher

Typical lifespan: The average lifespan of a dishwasher should be about nine years. However, that doesn’t mean everyone will get a decade of bliss with their appliance. About 23% of all newly purchased dishwashers are likely to develop problems or break within the first five years, according to Consumer Reports data.

Cost to replace: The average cost, with installation, of a new dishwasher is $1,300, according to Angi, the home improvement site.

Signs of wear and tear: Typical signs a dishwasher is in need of a little care include leaking, door-latching problems, dishes coming out spotty, or the machine making unusual noises, among other things.

How to make it last longer: Reading the instruction manual and heeding the advice on cleaning the appliance and replacing the appropriate filters is the recommended best practice to get the most years of use out of the unit.

Refrigerator

Typical lifespan: The average lifespan of a refrigerator is about nine to 15 years. However, like dishwashers, fridges also tend to come with some issues at the five-year mark.

Cost to replace: The average cost to purchase a refrigerator is $1,000 to $3,000, not including installation cost (which can average around $210).

Signs of wear and tear: Signs of typical wear and tear include a fridge that is hot to the touch in the back, visible condensation (inside or outside of the unit), excessive frost in the freezer, and unusual noises.

How to make it last longer: Refrigerators should be cleaned regularly to keep them in tip-top shape. This means going deep by keeping door gaskets and condenser coils clean. Since a refrigerator needs space around it to operate efficiently, keeping the top of the unit clear of clutter is important. If the fridge has an ice maker or water filter, cleaning them regularly will keep them in good working order.

Recommended: The Ultimate House Maintenance Checklist

Range

Typical lifespan: The typical lifespan of a kitchen stove and oven — sometimes simply referred to as a range — are dependent on whether it is electric or gas. Electric ranges typically last 13-15 years, while gas ranges should last 15-17 years.

Cost to replace: The price of a new oven and stove combo can range from $600 to $1,300, without installation (which can run $100 to $300).

Signs of wear and tear: Usual signs of wear and tear on a range can include visible cracks in the top, lack of heat on either the cooktop or in the oven, and control panel issues.

How to make it last longer: Making a range last longer through regular cleanings is a consumer’s best bet (are you seeing a theme yet?). Beyond the exterior, also make sure to clean the fans, filters, and oven interior.

Recommended: What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

Washing Machine

Typical lifespan: The average lifespan of a washing machine is five to 15 years, though some brands claim their machines have an even longer lifespan than that. Still, about 30% of all newly purchased washers are likely to develop problems or completely break within the first five years.

Cost to replace: The cost to replace a washing machine can run between $700 and $1,300. Like the other appliances listed, the cost to install a new washer will likely cost extra.

Signs of wear and tear: Typical signs a washing machine is on its way out include leaks on the floor, unusual sounds, and water no longer filling the internal drum.

How to make it last longer: Beyond the normal cleanings, it’s also important to ensure a washing machine stays balanced, meaning make sure it stays level. After years of loads, it might toss and turn a bit, so leveling it every now and then can pay off. And, of course, regular maintenance like checking hoses and connections, checking for clogs, and ensuring filters are clear are recommended maintenance tasks.

Recommended: How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs, So You Can Move on ASAP

Dryer

Typical lifespan: A dryer typically lasts 13 years.

Cost to replace: A new dryer can cost between $800 and $1,200, depending on the energy source (without installation). Like everything else on this list, dryer prices can vary greatly depending on size and features.

Signs of wear and tear: Some signs it may be time to look into either fixing an existing dryer or buying a new one include excessive or unusual noises while in use, clothing coming out damp or not drying at all, or any burning smells coming from the machine.

How to make it last longer: Some helpful tips on making a dryer last longer include dividing laundry by fabric weight, keeping a dryer clean and free of debris, regularly cleaning the lint trap, and reducing heat whenever possible. Not every load needs to be dried on high heat — the fabric type should determine the setting used. Air drying is better for some fabrics and will give both the dryer and the electric bill a break.

Garbage Disposal

Typical lifespan: The average garbage disposal should last about 12 years with normal use. If a household uses their disposal more often than average, their disposal may not last quite as long.

Cost to replace: The cost to replace a garbage disposal, on average, is $550, including labor. as of mid-2025, according to Angi.

Signs of wear and tear: Signs of wear and tear on a garbage disposal include excessive noise while in use, abnormal clogging, bad odors, and power failure.

How to make it last longer: To ensure a garbage disposal lives a long and useful life, homeowners are advised to be careful about what they put down the drain. Things like coffee grinds, pasta, or other starchy foods in large quantities shouldn’t go in the garbage disposal as they can clump together causing clogs and other issues with the blade. Using cold water when running a garbage disposal can make it easier for the disposal to break up solids, especially if there is some fat on them, and can reduce the chance of a clog. Non-food items should never be put in a garbage disposal. Reading the owner’s manual that comes with the unit is recommended.

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Affording New Home Appliances

If replacement is your best option but the cost is beyond your budget, you might consider using a home improvement loan to finance the purchase of a new appliance.

A home improvement loan is essentially an unsecured personal loan that is used for home repairs or upgrades. You receive a lump sum up front which you can use to purchase and install a new appliance (or multiple new appliances); you then repay the loan over a set term, often five to seven years, with regular monthly payments. Interest rates are typically fixed.

Recommended: Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

The Takeaway

Home appliances often last 10-15 years or even longer, but many encounter issues well before then. Deciding whether to repair or replace a home appliance can be a tricky decision and potentially an expensive one. If you decide to replace appliances, it can require careful budgeting. A personal loan could help you afford the new appliances you need.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How often should you replace home appliances?

Typically, home appliances last around 10 years, but some may fail before then and others may work well for a longer period of time. When an appliance is not functioning properly and the cost of repair is close to the cost of replacement, you may want to buy a new unit.

What is the 50-50 rule for appliances?

The 50-50 rule says that if an appliance has reached 50% of its lifespan and the cost of repairing its issue is over 50% of the price of a replacement, then it may be time to go shopping for a new unit.

When is the best time to buy a new appliance?

Typically, prices for appliances decrease in late summer and may hit their steepest lows on Black Friday, making those times the best to shop.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-076