The cost to renovate a house can vary drastically based on myriad factors, with the average whole-house remodel cost ranging anywhere from $19,000-$88,000. Of course, that’s a whole-house renovation. The cost of a house remodel, say in just the kitchen or an outdated bathroom, can run much lower.
Before you start on a project, it’s critical to assess how much it will cost to remodel or renovate so you can make decisions that are financially realistic. While it might seem like a pain upfront, creating a budget beforehand can help you avoid headaches and hard choices down the line.
Key Points
• Renovating a house can cost between $19,000 and $88,000 on average.
• The cost of renovations varies significantly based on factors including project scope, house size, material quality, and geographical location.
• Kitchen and bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive, with average costs ranging from $6,600 to over $41,500 depending on the room and the extent of the upgrades.
• Financing options for home renovations include paying out of pocket, borrowing from family, using a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or applying for a personal loan.
• Homeowners should prepare for unexpected costs and delays by budgeting an additional 10%-20% beyond initial estimates for their renovation projects.
What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a House?
The national average cost to remodel a whole home generally falls between $19,000 and $88,000. That being said, the cost to remodel a house can vary quite a bit depending on the scope of the project, the size of the house, and the quality of the materials used. On the low end, someone could spend just a few thousand dollars, while on the high side, a home remodel’s cost could reach over $200,000.
National vs Regional Remodeling Cost Averages
One key factor to consider when planning a remodeling project is your home’s location. Consider whole home renovation costs: A home remodel in a lower-priced market might fall near the low end of the $19,000-$88,000 average cost range, while higher prices for materials and labor in markets such as New York City or San Francisco could push prices up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for an electrician in the highest-cost areas (Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alaska) tops $90,000, whereas wages in less expensive states in the South, such as Arkansas and North Carolina, don’t often top $57,000.
Cost to Renovate a House per Square Foot
Because the size of the house can play a big role in the ultimate cost to remodel a house, it can be helpful to know the average cost to remodel per square foot. On average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $15 and $60 per square foot.
For certain rooms, however, the price per square foot is typically higher. For instance, the cost for a kitchen or bathroom renovation may be more like $75-$250 per square foot. This is because of the materials needed and also the labor involved due to the plumbing and electrical work required.
Factors of a Home Remodel Cost
As mentioned, there are several factors to take into account when budgeting for a home remodel. Some of the major factors to consider that will influence the ultimate cost of a house renovation include whether the remodels are high-end, midrange, or low-end, the type of home, and the number and size of rooms to be renovated.
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1. High-End Versus Low-End Renovation
The variation in price for a home renovation project stems mostly from the scale of the projects. According to HomeGuide.com, a homeowner generally can expect to complete the following home remodels within each budget range:
• Low-end home remodel: A low-end renovation would include small changes such as new paint, updated hardware, and fresh landscaping. It might also include inexpensive finishes, such as new counters and flooring.
◦ Budget: $15,000-$40,000
• Midrange home remodel: In addition to the low-budget projects, a midrange home renovation includes full-room remodels, such as a bathroom and kitchen, as well as higher-quality flooring than the low-end renovation.
◦ Budget: $40,000-$75,000
• High-end home remodel: A high-end home remodel would include the low-end and midrange projects as well as high-quality finishes, including custom cabinetry and new appliances. It might also include improvements to the foundation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical.
◦ Budget: $75,000-$200,000
As a homeowner, you can expect to customize your home remodel budget once you identify what rooms you want to upgrade and to what extent. Only 3% of homeowners finish home remodels under budget, so it’s smart to pad estimates by 10%-20% in the event of unexpected renovation costs.
2. Type and Age of Home
Older homes will typically need more attention during the home renovation process, especially as new issues arise when existing problems are addressed. Once walls and floors are opened up, for example, a homeowner might realize the wiring and plumbing are outdated and should be brought up to code.
While a house won’t necessarily be unsellable if everything isn’t up to code, there could be issues with sellers’ financing. That’s because lenders generally will not close on a house where health and safety issues are identified as problems.
If your home is deemed old enough to be considered “historic,” which is generally 50 years or older, according to the National Park Service, you’ll want to check on any existing guidelines that your city’s codes office may have, or if there’s a historic overlay that enforces the need for an architectural review. Designated historic properties in states such as California, where owners of qualified historic buildings can receive property tax relief for maintaining their homes, could boost a home’s value.
Depending on the condition of the house and any past upgrades, its age can have an impact on the cost of a home remodel, but so, too, can the type of home, regardless of age. According to Angi.com, historic homes generally cost the most to renovate — anywhere from $100-$400 per square foot — while modern homes tend to have a lower cost per square foot, between $15 and $60.
3. Size and Layout
The square footage of a home has a sizable impact on renovation costs, with a small-footprint home of 1,250 square feet averaging about $18,750-$75,000 and a home of 3,500 square feet averaging $52,500-$210,000.
4. Permits and Local Building Codes
The permitting process can be costly, HomeGuide.com reports. Small jobs might require a single permit that is priced as low as $50, but for large projects, a permit might cost at least $500, and some projects require multiple permits. And that is just the cost of the permit itself. Some projects require an expeditor who is a pro at securing permits to help move permits through the building department process. In an expensive market such as New York City, for example, this can add several thousand dollars to costs.
5. Labor and Material
As noted above, labor costs are a big part of any renovation project and can vary greatly by region. As a general rule, you can expect labor to be about two-thirds of your budget, although the exact proportion differs according to the type of project. Materials are another significant line on the budget, with a kitchen or bathroom typically having higher materials costs. A kitchen, for example, might need cabinets, appliances, countertops, and flooring.
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Typical Renovation Costs by Room
When it comes to home renovation expenses, generally not every room is created equal. Rooms with cabinets and appliances (think bathrooms and kitchens) tend to be the priciest and are often where a home remodel budget can go awry.
Kitchen Remodel
The typical range for the cost of remodeling a kitchen comes in between $14,589 and $41,550, with $26,943 being the average, according to Angi.com. But kitchens also can have the most variation when it comes to cost, depending on cabinetry, finishes, appliances, and other add-ons.
Here’s what a homeowner might expect to pay for a home remodel of a kitchen:
• Low-end kitchen remodel: This would include new lighting, faucets, a coat of paint, refreshed trim, and a new but budget-friendly sink backsplash. A low-end kitchen remodel also might include knocking down walls or a counter extension project.
◦ Budget: $10,000-$20,000
• Midrange kitchen remodel: A remodel of this level could encompass new appliances, floors, and a tiled backsplash to the sink and countertop. It also might include new cabinets and midrange slabs for the countertop.
◦ Budget: $20,000-$65,000
• High-end kitchen remodel: With this range of remodel, there could be custom cabinets, high-end countertops, such as rare stone or granite, and deluxe appliances added. When the budget for a kitchen is expanded, the projects start to take on custom finishes. Other projects might include new lighting, hardwood flooring, and new faucet fixtures.
◦ Budget: $65,000-$130,000+
Because a kitchen can be extremely customizable and include so many levels of finishes, your home remodel budget could fluctuate greatly due to the cost and availability of materials, the labor involved, and where you live.
Bathroom Remodel
Bathrooms take on a similar budgeting structure to kitchen remodels. The typical range for the cost of a bathroom remodel is between $6,648 and $17,646, with $12,146 being average. However, that budget includes a range of projects, customizations, and features.
For example, new cabinets in a bathroom can account for up to 30% of the budget. Other big-ticket items affect pricing based on whether you choose low-end or high-end finishes.
On the low-end, a new bathtub might cost around $200, but if you are looking for a high-end tub, you could pay upward of $14,000. Similarly, a sink can run anywhere from $60-$5,000, while a toilet might cost between $350 and $1,025.
Bedroom Remodel
Budgeting for a bedroom remodel can be a little more cut-and-dried, since it generally doesn’t include as many costly fixtures as you might find in the bathroom or kitchen. You might spend as little as $3,500, although $20,000 is the average cost.
This typically includes installing new carpet, windows, and doors, as well as refreshing the molding or trim. A bedroom remodel might also include new heating and insulation and updated wiring and lighting.
Remodeling a primary suite could cost a bit more since it typically includes a bathroom and bedroom renovation in one. If you want to add or expand a closet in the primary suite, you can estimate adding around $2,100 to the budget.
Living Room Remodel
Similar to a bedroom remodel, a living room remodel can be more economical, costing between $2,500 and $15,000, with an average spend of around $8,000. Like the bedroom, living rooms tend to lack the “wet” features (plumbing and appliances) that can drive up the cost of bathroom and kitchen renovations.
If you plan to add a fireplace feature to a living room, expect to spend a bit more. A fireplace could add up to $2,500 per room.
Exterior Remodel
Updating roofing and refreshing the exterior of a home is a common part of a home remodel. The national average cost to replace a roof runs $4-$11 per square foot, but that price will vary depending on materials.
Adding new siding to a home typically costs anywhere from around $5,500-$17,700, with the cost again fluctuating based on the material used. Painting the exterior of a home will cost between $1,800 and $4,500.
Basement or Attic Remodel
A basement remodel can be surprisingly costly, especially if it involves digging up the floor to increase the room height. On average, it will run you $22,800, with costs trending higher if you are starting with a raw, unfinished space. An attic remodel is similarly costly, averaging $20,000. It could creep much higher if you want to bring plumbing lines up to the floor.
Garage Remodel
A garage remodel could be slightly less costly than an attic or basement, averaging around $18,000. Adding plumbing or needing to increase insulation could push prices upward.
Other Home Remodeling Considerations
A home remodel isn’t just financial spreadsheets. There are other things you may want to consider, such as whether you are planning to sell the house or make it your forever home, before taking a sledgehammer to a room.
Home Remodel Timeline
A renovation project could take anywhere from a few days to a few months, so you may want to plan your home remodel timeline accordingly. It might be tempting to duck out of town when big projects are underway, but staying around means that you can monitor projects and provide answers to your contractors if any unexpected issues arise.
Additionally, home renovations can be stressful and might be best scheduled around other big life events. For example, you might think twice about a full home remodel that coincides with a wedding, the holidays, or a baby on the way. Unexpected events could arise, but there often is no need to pile on projects with other major life events going on.
Who Is the Home Remodel For?
Before diving deep into plans, you may want to consider who your home remodel ultimately is for. Is it for you to enjoy decades from now, or is it to make the house more marketable for a future sale? The renovation could take a different shape depending on your answer to this critical question.
If the remodel is just for you as the homeowner, you might choose fixtures based on personal taste or decide to splurge on high-end bathroom features that you’ll enjoy for years to come. On the other hand, if you plan to sell within a few years, you may consider tackling projects that have the greatest return on investment (ROI), which could mean prioritizing projects such as a kitchen update or bathroom remodel.
Not sure about a project’s resale value? SoFi’s home project value estimator can be a useful tool to help determine the approximate resale value of a home improvement project.
Home Remodel Delays and Unforeseen Expenses
When deciding to take on a major home remodel, it’s helpful to expect the unexpected. Unforeseen delays, such as a shortage of materials, can extend your home remodel timeline, or material cost increases due to tariffs could drive a project over budget. As a general rule of thumb, estimate at least 10% in added budget for emergencies or unexpected costs.
Using a General Contractor vs Subcontractors
As you weigh the costs of your project, one consideration will be whether you plan to manage the project yourself or use a general contractor, who would hire subcontractors for different aspects of the work. Having a general contractor to manage project costs, deal with permits, and ensure subcontractors are licensed and insured can be a timesaver and provide reassurance, although it may add to costs.
Financing a Home Remodel
Coming up with the money to finance a home remodel can be daunting enough to make some homeowners abandon the whole process entirely. However, there are multiple financing avenues you can explore.
Out-of-Pocket Home Remodel Expenses
Homeowners who take on small renovations and have liquid savings might decide to pay for everything out of pocket. The upside of this approach is not having to deal with debt or interest rates.
However, paying cash for a large project can be challenging for some homeowners. It might even lead to cutting corners on important elements in an effort to keep costs down. Plus, unexpected emergency costs could drive you into debt.
Borrowing Money From Friends or Family
Another alternative to financing your home remodel is borrowing money from family members or friends. While this may save you from having to deal with loan applications and approvals — and potentially provide more flexible terms — it can come with its own share of issues, such as risking the personal relationship if you’re unable to pay back the lender.
Additionally, loans from family members may be considered gifts by the IRS and, thus, may be taxable. Consider discussing this method of financing a home remodel with a tax professional before proceeding if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
HELOC
A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, allows homeowners to pull a certain amount of equity from their home to finance things such as renovations. Qualifying for a HELOC depends on several factors, including the outstanding mortgage amount on the home, the home’s market value, and the homeowner’s financial profile.
HELOCs typically come with an initially low interest rate, and a homeowner generally has the option to only pay interest on the amount they’ve actually withdrawn. For many homeowners, the ability to borrow in increments makes a HELOC preferable to a home equity loan because funds can be withdrawn as needed over the course of a renovation project. It’s important to remember, though, that your home is acting as collateral, meaning that if you fail to make payments, your home could be on the line.
Personal Loan
If you don’t have the cash on hand or enough equity in your home for a HELOC, then a personal loan is another consideration. The most common type of personal loan is an unsecured loan, meaning the loan isn’t attached to your home equity. For home projects, a home improvement loan is often a good fit.
Personal loans might be a good option for people who recently bought their homes, need capital quickly for unexpected reasons, or need a loan for their home improvement project. There are a number of potential uses for personal loans.
Figuring out your remodel costs ahead of time is important if you want to take out a personal loan, though. One of the steps to get a personal loan approved is determining how much you’ll need to borrow.
Cash-Out Refinance
Another way to finance a large remodeling project is to do a cash-out refinance. This involves getting a completely new home loan with a new interest rate and term. The amount you borrow will cover whatever you owe on your original mortgage, so you can pay that one off. It will also provide a lump sum of extra cash that you can use to fund your remodel.
Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator
The Takeaway
The cost to remodel a house will depend on the number of rooms you decide to renovate, the degree to which each room is remodeled, the materials you use, and the area in which you live. Opting to DIY some projects could help bring down the budget, but it can be smart to bring in a professional for more specialized projects, such as electrical work and plumbing.
Before you get started, consider mapping out a plan that prioritizes which projects you tackle first and how you intend to finance your home remodel. One option you might consider is a home improvement loan. Another smart choice is a home equity line of credit.
SoFi now offers flexible HELOC options to turn your home equity into cash. Access up to 85% of your home equity, or $350,000, to finance home improvements or consolidate debt. Competitive interest rates and repayment terms up to 20 years could result in lower monthly payments versus other loans. And the online application process is quick and convenient.
Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit from SoFi.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a house rehab, remodel, and renovation?
A house rehab, or rehabilitation, involves keeping and repairing old or historical elements of a home to make it in better condition, which could include introducing new materials. With a remodel, you’re changing the structure of a room, whereas a renovation is reviving the existing room to make it more attractive or personalized.
How do I estimate renovation costs?
The best way to estimate your renovation costs is to talk to a local contractor. You might contact a few to get some different estimates to work with. From there, you might consider adding at least 10% to that figure to account for unforeseen expenses and other surprises.
How much should I spend on a home renovation?
It’s really up to you how much to spend on a home renovation. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind the value of surrounding homes as you add value to your own. You might contextualize remodeling costs in the context of the overall value of your home.
How much remodeling can be done with $100,000?
It’s possible to renovate an entire house with a budget of $100,000, considering the national average cost to remodel a whole home generally falls between $19,000 and $88,000. However, the amount of remodeling you can do also depends on factors such as the quality of materials used, the square footage of the house, and the home’s location. The cost of remodeling can vary widely based on these factors and others.
What is the most expensive part of a home renovation?
Labor, especially skilled trades such as plumbers or electricians, typically constitutes the bulk of the cost of any home renovation project. As a rule of thumb, you can expect labor to require two-thirds of your budget and materials one-third.
What are some ways to save on home renovation costs?
You can save money on home renovations by creating and sticking to your budget, managing the project, and doing some part of the labor yourself. Other ways to save include reusing materials and choosing more affordable finishes, fixtures, and appliances. Minimizing the moving of plumbing or electrical lines can also help save costs.
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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
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