Renovating a house costs an average of $52,264
On average, a house renovation costs between $19,488 and $88,393, with an average cost of $52,264, depending on the project’s scope and the quality of the materials you choose.
Home size, room type, and specific tasks can significantly influence total costs.
Renovations can boost comfort, functionality, and property value.
A comprehensive budget should include a 20% contingency for unexpected issues.
Hiring professionals for your house renovation ensures code compliance and a structurally sound, high-quality finish.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A house renovation costs anywhere from $3,000 to $190,000, with most homeowners spending between $19,488 and $88,393 for an average cost of $52,264. Your final price tag depends on the size of the house, the rooms you want to renovate, and the project scope.
Build a realistic budget—then add a 20% cushion—so you can cover surprises and keep the project moving without stress. Hiring professionals to complete your house renovation projects ensures quality results, building code compliance, and an expert finish.
Your renovation cost comes down to several important factors. Here’s a closer look at how your house renovation costs break down.
The bigger the home, the bigger the bill—square footage is one of the strongest cost drivers. Larger homes generally require more materials and labor, driving total expenses. Renovation ranges from $15 to $60 per square foot, but high-end materials, luxury appliances, and customization can push costs to $150 per square foot or more.
Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
1,250 | $18,750–$75,000 |
1,600 | $24,000–$96,000 |
2,000 | $30,000–$120,000 |
2,500 | $37,500–$150,000 |
3,500 | $52,500–$210,000 |
Renovation costs vary depending on the room type, which falls into either wet or dry categories. Wet rooms refer to bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces with plumbing connections. They are typically more costly to renovate than dry rooms, which include living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas that don’t require plumbing.
Room or Space | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Bathroom | $6,600–$28,000 |
Kitchen | $14,550–$40,400 |
Bedroom or primary suite | $1,500–$5,500 |
Basement | $12,000–$34,500 |
Home theater | $10,000–$60,000 |
Attic | $4,600–$16,400 |
Garage | $1,500–$50,000 |
Ranging from $70 to $250 per square foot, bathroom remodeling projects come with a range of prices depending on the cabinets, counters, and fixtures. Costs may increase significantly for changes in layout or size, which can require permits, an architect, and moving supply lines or drain lines.
Kitchen remodels cost $14,550 to $40,400, on average. When remodeling or renovating your kitchen, three major elements impact your cost: cabinets, countertops, and flooring. In a full kitchen renovation, expect cabinetry, appliances, and labor to account for a significant portion of the project costs.
Renovating a bedroom averages between $1,500 and $5,500. They often only need paint and flooring, although structural changes, such as an addition, may require the services of an architect and permits. These projects can become more complicated and expensive if you convert an attic or basement into a bedroom.
Basement remodels cost $12,000 to $34,500 or $30 to $75 per square foot. These costs are largely determined by the scope of the project, whether it involves electrical or plumbing work, and whether structural modifications are needed. For example, adding a bathroom to the basement requires hiring a plumber, adding plumbing lines, and purchasing fixtures.
Hiring a general contractor costs between 40% to 50% of the total renovation project costs. Depending on the room you’re renovating and the project’s scope, some other pros that you may hire include:
Electrician
Plumber
Architect
Structural engineer
HVAC technician
Carpenter
There are some smaller aspects of home renovations that are suitable for DIY projects, but much of the work is best left to professionals. Electrical and plumbing work can be dangerous without the right training and expertise, and you can make costly mistakes if you’re not an expert in carpentry, flooring installation, drywall, or other aspects.
Hiring professionals, like a local remodeling contractor, to carry out your house renovations gives you the peace of mind in a job well done and saves you time and stress of tackling it yourself.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Start by asking a local contractor, architect, or interior designer for a detailed line‑item estimate. These pros can price out labor, materials, permits, and any specialty work, then flag areas where you can save. Once you have that breakdown, add 20% to the total to cover potential surprises, such as hidden water damage or code upgrades. This approach gives you a realistic budget before the first hammer swings.
In most cases, remodeling wins on price. Because you’re reusing the existing structure, you avoid foundation work, framing an entire shell, and many permit fees. Unless the home has severe structural problems, updating what you already own is the more budget‑friendly route than building an entirely new house from scratch.
Home renovation timelines hinge on scope. Cosmetic updates—such as new paint, fixtures, or flooring—can be completed in a few days or weeks. A multi-room gut renovation that involves moving walls or utilities can stretch to six months, and adding square footage can push the schedule past a year. Good planning and a clear contractor schedule help keep projects on track, so be sure to build extra time into the calendar for permit reviews and unforeseen repairs.
Before your home renovation work begins, contact your insurance agent to confirm that your current policy covers the project. Standard homeowners insurance usually protects against fire or storm damage during construction, but bigger upgrades—adding square footage, high‑end finishes, or new systems—can raise your home’s value beyond existing limits. If coverage falls short, ask about a renovation rider or a policy increase so you’re fully protected from day one to final walkthrough.