How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in 2023?
Typical Range:
$19,508 - $88,446
Typical Range:
$19,508 - $88,446
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,917 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated July 11, 2022
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Home renovations and remodels average $52,325, with most projects falling between $19,508 and $88,446. Many factors contribute to the project cost, including the room size and whether you're remodeling a "wet" or "dry" room. We'll also discuss labor costs, home addition add-ons, and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC fees.
Estimating the costs of remodeling a house can feel like an overwhelming task because there can be so many details to add up. To give yourself a good starting point, we've gathered information on various prices from homeowners themselves.
2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging
Demand for siding and other building materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a building project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $52,325 |
Typical Range | $19,508 - $88,446 |
Low End - High End | $3,000 - $190,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,917 HomeAdvisor members.
The most significant variable in your renovation’s price tag is the size of the space. It can range from $10 to $60 per square foot, but that estimate can shoot up to around $150 per square foot if you choose high-end materials and top-of-the-line appliances.
You can split the rooms in your house into two categories: wet and dry rooms. Wet rooms are rooms with water running to them, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or utility rooms. They tend to take up more of your renovation budget than dry rooms.
Dry rooms include bedrooms and living areas and typically need just painting and flooring. One exception is if your space has a fireplace. A new fireplace installation can range between $900 and $3,700. Below, we'll detail some of the most popular renovations by room type and give you a sense of what your budget will buy you.
Room or Space | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Bathroom | $3,000 – $25,000 |
Accessory dwelling unit | $3,000 – $30,000 |
Office or workspace | $5,000+ |
Living space or family room | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Kitchen | $6,000+ |
Utility room | $6,000+ |
Bedroom or primary suite | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Guesthouse | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Bathroom remodeling projects come with a wide range of prices, depending on the type of cabinets, counters, and fixtures you choose. The price tag can increase significantly if you change its footprint, which can require permits, an architect, and moving supply lines or drain lines.
“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%.”
Here’s a breakdown of what different bathroom elements can cost:
Bathroom Feature | Low to Mid Price Range | High Price Range |
---|---|---|
Bathtub | $400 – $4,100 | $6,000 – $8,000 |
Cabinets | $1,200 – $7,000 | $8,000 – $13,000 |
Countertops | $900 – $4,100 | $5,000 – $6,500 |
Flooring | $800 – $3,600 | $5,000 – $7,000 |
Lighting fixtures | $120 – $1,700 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Shower | $450 – $4,800 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
Sink | $190 – $2,300 | $3,500 – $6,500 |
Toilet | $130 – $500 | $550 – $800 |
Total | $4,190 – $28,100 | $36,550 – $55,800 |
Kitchen remodels cost about $5,000 to $65,000 or more. Here are some examples of common kitchen renovation project types.
Small: $5,000–$30,000; upgrading lighting, faucets, paint, and trim; adding budget-friendly backsplashes and counter extensions; knocking down non-load-bearing walls
Mid-range: $30,000–$65,000; upgrading appliances and floors; adding a tile backsplash, cabinets, and moderately priced counters
High-end: $65,000+; adding custom cabinetry, stone, or granite counters; installing high-end Energy Star appliances, overhead lighting, hardwood flooring, and a new sink with a faucet
When remodeling or renovating your kitchen, three major elements impact your cost: cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Below are general costs for each.
Cabinet costs per linear foot:
Stock: $100–$300
Semi-custom: $150–$650
Custom: $500–$1,200
Refinished: $1,400–$3,500 (total)
Stone: $4,000–$7,000
Laminate: $1,200–$2,000
Solid surface: $1,500–$3,000
Concrete: $2,600–$5,300
Vinyl: $800–$2,650
Stone: $900–$2,800
Laminate: $1,500–$4,250
Wood: $2,500–$6,750
If you’re doing a full kitchen renovation, here’s where you’re likely to spend your money.
Bedrooms make budget-friendly renovation projects since the costs average between $1,500 to $5,500. They typically only need paint and flooring, although structural changes such as an add-on might need an architect and permits. These projects can become more complicated and expensive if you plan on converting an attic or basement into a bedroom, with these larger projects costing up to $40,000.
Generally, the cost to remodel a living room is $10 to $60 per square foot. A simple DIY job will likely cost less, while a high-end custom remodel is likely to run you well above $60 per square foot.
Remodeling a living room is a project with a lot of variables. While some people want to add a fresh coat of paint, some attractive new window treatments, and a couple of stylish but practical storage units, others undertake a larger project. Adding new electrical outlets or light fixtures, installing new windows, and laying new flooring can quickly result in a hefty project price. Here are some remodeling tasks and their associated costs to budget for:
Remodeling Project | Average Cost Range (Including Labor) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|---|
Refinishing walls | $1.75 – $60 per square foot | $31 per square foot |
Adding storage | $20 – $15,000 | $7,510 |
Adding or changing lighting | $25 – $2,000 | $1,010 |
Adding window treatments | $50 – $1,000 | $525 |
Adding new furniture | $100 – $5,000 | $2,550 |
Adding electronics | $200 – $5,000 | $2,600 |
Refinishing the ceiling | $250 – $12,000 | $6,125 |
Installing windows | $330 – $3,600 | $1,965 |
Refinishing, replacing, or adding doors | $450 – $4,000 | $2,225 |
Installing new flooring | $500 – $14,750 | $7,625 |
Basement remodels cost $12,300 to $33,300, with some projects going over $40,000. You can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per square foot for this project.
Depending on the condition of the area and house plan, a basement remodel can be a massive job. Installing flooring, building walls, adding electrical or plumbing, and furnishing the room will contribute to the remodel price. One of the most expensive remodeling options would be adding a bathroom to the basement since this would require hiring a plumber, adding plumbing lines, and purchasing the fixtures needed.
The typical cost to finish an attic bedroom is $40,000. You may pay as little as $12,000 or over $70,000. An attic conversion allows you to utilize unused space to its greatest potential. Instead of building new additions horizontally, which can also eat up valuable lawn and garden areas, renovating vertically is an easy way to develop pre-existing square footage into suitable living spaces.
Cost differences are based on the size of the space and whether you're remodeling an attic that's already a living space or if you're completely renovating and finishing a bare-bones attic space. Including a bathroom as part of the bedroom suite will also increase the overall cost.
Garage renovation costs depend on the project’s complexity and range from $3,000 to more than$30,000. Most homeowners spend around $11,000 if they renovate a full two-car garage with new cabinet storage and floor coating.
These updates cost between $5,000 to $15,000 on average. Here are some of the most popular exterior remodels and their average cost:
Home exterior painting price: $1,800–$4,400
Landscape installation cost: $1,400–$5,700
Exterior door price: $1,150
Window installation cost: $6,250
Deck railing price: $450–$8,800
The entrance is more than just your front door. Your walkways, landscaping, lighting, and front porch are all part of that first impression. They can make a huge impact without breaking the bank. For a small entryway, you’ll spend about $1,030 to $1,250, and for a medium one, it’ll be about $2,570 and $3,120. For a large foyer remodel, the price tag is anywhere from $8,880 to $10,780 or more.
When you get estimates from potential contractors, it's important to discuss all the potential extras that could contribute to the project's overall price. Here are some things to consider:
Labor
Permits
Home additions
Changing a floor plan
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Updating appliances
Labor costs for house renovation range widely from $20 to $150 per hour or more. You’ll also need to know the following pro rates:
General contractor fees: 10%–20% of the total project
Architect fees: $125–$250 per hour
Interior designer fees: $50–$200 per hour
Kitchen designer rates: $65–$250 per hour
Painter rates: $20–$50 per hour
Plumber rates: $45–$200 per hour
Electrician rates: $50–$100 per hour
HVAC technician fees: $50–$150 per hour
Landscape designer fees: $50–$150 per hour
For small projects in a bathroom or kitchen, a permit could range between $50 and $300. Meanwhile, building permits cost between $400 to $1,800. You’ll need to check with your local authorities prior to starting a house remodeling project to determine which permits you’ll need. Most authorities will require one to make sure everything is done according to building codes. You’ll often need a permit for:
New constructions
Additions
Major renovations
Structural changes
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
Building a home addition costs $22,500 to $80,100 on average but can range anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000, with homeowners spending an average of $49,600. This depends on the extent of the addition and the finish materials you choose. Different rooms may require different materials or components, making rooms with plumbing more expensive to add compared to a primary bedroom or sunroom.
If your house renovation plans include an addition, changing stairs, or knocking down a load-bearing wall, consult a local structural engineer. Structural engineers cost between $350 to $750 and can ensure your plans are safely and securely completed.
There are many options available when choosing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. HVAC units are between $500 to $7,200 or more. The more popular brands include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Coleman, and Lennox and will cost anywhere from $1,900 to $4,900. Other common tasks and average costs associated with your in-home climate control options are as follows:
Central air installation costs: $3,800–$7,600
Furnace installation costs: $2,800–$6,800
Heat pump installation costs: $4,200–$7,500
Insulation installation costs: $1,400–$6,300
Replacing ducts and vents costs: $500–$2,100
Solar panel installation costs: $18,000–$34,500
Appliances cost anywhere from $200 to $10,000 or more. When it comes to appliances, you have a lot to consider. While the prices 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 Energy Star appliances can ultimately save you money on your energy bills.
Stainless steel remains popular amongst homeowners, and other stainless-finish options include smudge-resistant slate, black, white, and ivory. If you’re looking for a kitchen to pop, consider adding an appliance in a fun color. The following list includes estimated prices based on appliance categories:
Basic/discount: $100–$2,000, depending on the number of features
High-end store-bought: $300–$5,000
Energy Star: $200–$3,500
Custom built-in: $1,000–$10,000
Hire a local general contractor for certain projects because of how complicated those tasks are and how costly mistakes can be. Hiring a pro for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects is also advisable unless you have expertise in these areas yourself. However, there are some updates most DIY enthusiasts can tackle, including updating flooring with laminate or vinyl or painting, to save some costs.
“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. Rehabs tend to imply extensive repairs and cleanups.
The best way to estimate renovation costs is to talk to a local interior designer, local architect, or remodeling contractor near you. It’s also wise to add 20% extra to your budget to account for unforeseen issues.
It’s generally preferred to invest enough to match your lifestyle requirements while keeping your home’s value close to the values of the surrounding homes. You might get back up to 80% on some remodeling projects. How much you ultimately end up spending will depend on what you want, what’s comparable to your neighborhood values, and what you can afford.
You can typically get a higher-end remodel for $100,000. For example, you can do a full bathroom remodel complete with new features like a bathtub, toilet, and countertops for $55,800. Or, you can opt for a kitchen overall with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood floors, and Energy Star appliances for $65,000. In smaller homes, you might even be able to get a complete gut and renovation.
It’s less costly to remodel versus build a new house. The average cost to do a whole-house renovation is around $47,840, with $160,000 being on the higher end of the price range. On the other hand, the average cost to build a house in the U.S. is $280,290.