Key Takeaways
- A full house renovation usually costs $19,470 to $88,356, based on 2026 data from HomeAdvisor.
- Cost per square foot ranges from about $15 to $150.
- Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most per square foot because of plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry work.
- Hidden costs like permits, temporary housing, and mold or asbestos remediation can increase the cost of a project.
- Personal loans and home equity loans are common ways to pay for a renovation without draining savings.
Renovating a house is exciting, but the cost can feel like a mystery until you start getting quotes. The average house renovation cost falls between $19,470 and $88,356 for a full project, though small updates cost far less and large rebuilds run much higher. This guide breaks down the average cost to renovate a house so you know what to expect before you sign a contract.
- How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost?
- What Is the Average Cost of a Home Renovation Per Square Foot?
- How Much Do Common Renovation Projects Cost?
- How Much Does a DIY Home Renovation Cost vs. Hiring a Contractor?
- What Are the Most Hidden Costs in a House Renovation?
- How to Create a Home Renovation Budget and Contingency Fund
- How to Pay for a Home Renovation
- Financing Your Next Home Renovation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation Costs
How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost?
House renovation costs depend heavily on scope. A light cosmetic refresh costs far less than a full gut renovation, and most homeowners fall somewhere in between. According to HomeAdvisor, which is based on a survey of more than 10,000 real customers, a house renovation typically costs $19,470 to $88,356, with most homeowners spending around $52,151.
| Renovation Tier | Average cost | What It Typically Includes |
| Low-end | $15,000 – $40,000 | Painting, landscaping, trim, molding, flooring, stock cabinetry, inexpensive appliances, countertops |
| Mid-range | $40,000 – $75,000 | Low-end options plus above-average materials, full bathroom and kitchen remodel, new light fixtures, exterior siding, hardwood flooring |
| High-end | $75,000 – $200,000 | Mid-range options plus high-end materials, custom cabinetry, custom closets, structural and foundation repair, layout changes, HVAC and roof replacement, basement or attic conversion |
Source: HomeGuide
What Is the Average Cost of a Home Renovation Per Square Foot?
Typical house renovation costs scale with square footage, but larger homes don’t always cost proportionally more, since kitchens and bathrooms (the priciest rooms) stay roughly the same size regardless of overall home size. Here’s what a house renovation looks like at different home sizes, based on HomeAdvisor’s national cost data:
| Home Size | Cost Range |
| 1,250 sq. ft. | $18,750 to $75,000 |
| 1,600 sq. ft. | $24,000 to $96,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $30,000 to $120,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $37,500 to $150,000 |
| 3,500 sq. ft. | $52,500 to $210,000 |
How Much Do Common Renovation Projects Cost?
Some projects cost more than others because of the labor and materials involved. Plumbing, electrical work, and structural changes drive up the price, while cosmetic updates stay more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of national average costs by project:
| Renovation Project | Average Cost | Main Cost Drivers |
| Attic | $4,500 – $16,500 | Insulation, structural reinforcement, plumbing if adding a bathroom |
| Basement | $12,000 – $35,000 | Waterproofing, framing, finishing |
| Bathroom remodel | $6,500 – $28,000 | Plumbing relocation, tile, ventilation, fixtures |
| Bedroom | $1,500 – $5,500 | Flooring, paint, closet upgrades |
| Electrical upgrades | $2,000 – $9,000 | Home size, wall accessibility, panel upgrades |
| Exterior | $6,000 – $20,000 | Siding, windows, painting, landscaping |
| Garage | $1,500 – $50,000 | Square footage, added utilities, type of remodel |
| Kitchen remodel | $14,500 – $40,500 | Cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing and electrical |
| Living room | $5,000 – $10,000 | Flooring, paint, lighting, storage |
| Plumbing upgrade | $350 – $2,000 | Home size, pipe material, wall access |
| Roof | $4,700 – $10,500 | Roof size, pitch, material |
How Much Does a DIY Home Renovation Cost vs. Hiring a Contractor?
Some renovation tasks are safe and affordable to handle yourself. Others require a licensed professional to meet code and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a general breakdown of what falls into each category:
DIY home renovations are generally appropriate for:
- Painting. Interior and exterior paint jobs are one of the most common DIY projects.
- Light demo. Removing non-structural items and old carpeting is manageable for many homeowners.
- Cosmetic touch-ups. Swapping trim, molding, and light fixtures are low-risk updates.
Professional help is recommended for:
- Electrical work. Rewiring or adding circuits requires a licensed electrician, depending on local code.
- Plumbing. Moving pipes or fixtures without a licensed plumber can lead to leaks and failed inspections.
- Structural changes. Removing or altering load-bearing walls needs a structural engineer and permits.
Labor typically makes up 40% to 60% of a home renovation’s total cost, according to HomeAdvisor’s national cost data, so DIYing part of a project can meaningfully cut your bill.
What Are the Most Hidden Costs in a House Renovation?
It’s easy to budget for materials and labor but forget the extra costs that show up once work begins. Planning ahead keeps your budget realistic. Here are a few hidden costs to keep in mind:
- Permits. Major renovations typically require building permits costing $500 to $2,500, depending on your city and project scope.
- Temporary living expenses. Larger projects, like gut renovations, may require temporary housing costing $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Floor plan changes. Minor layout changes run $350 to $500, while major changes involving load-bearing walls can exceed $10,000.
- Mold or asbestos remediation. Mold remediation averages $2,230, and asbestos removal costs $1,200 to $3,100.
- Foundation repairs. Structural issues discovered mid-project typically cost $2,200 to $7,700 to fix.
How to Create a Home Renovation Budget and Contingency Fund
A clear plan before demolition day helps you avoid overspending and running out of money mid-project. Here’s how to create a budget that holds up:
- Determine what you’re renovating. Decide which rooms or systems need work and how extensive the changes will be.
- Estimate the project’s costs. Use per-square-foot and project-specific averages, like the ones above, to build a rough number.
- Plan for additional costs: Add permits, temporary living expenses, and remediation costs to your base estimate.
- Build in a contingency. Set aside 10% to 20% of your budget for surprises, especially in older homes.
- Gather contractor estimates. Request quotes from at least three licensed contractors to compare pricing and scope.
How to Pay for a Home Renovation
You don’t have to pay for a renovation entirely out of pocket. Here are the most common ways people cover the cost:
- Savings. Paying cash avoids interest, but it can drain your emergency fund if the project runs over budget. A side hustle can also help cover part of the cost without borrowing as much.
- Home equity loan or HELOC. These let you borrow against your home’s value, often at a lower rate, but they use your house as collateral.
- Credit cards. Convenient for smaller projects, but interest rates are usually much higher than other options.
- Personal loans. An unsecured personal loan provides a lump sum that you repay through regular payments without using your home as collateral. Terms, rates, and eligibility vary by lender.
If you’re exploring financing, it helps to understand the types of home improvement loans available before you commit to one. Whatever option you choose, making on-time payments protects your credit and keeps your renovation from becoming a long-term burden.
Financing Your Next Home Renovation
Home renovation costs vary widely depending on scope, home size, and location, but having real numbers in front of you makes planning much less stressful. Whether you’re updating one room or taking on a full-house project, start with a clear budget, get multiple contractor quotes, and build in room for the unexpected. If financing is part of your plan, Sun Loan can help you get a personal loan that fits your project and your monthly budget.
Sun Loan’s home improvement loans are built specifically for projects like these and can cover materials, labor, or both. We offer personal loans that can be used toward home improvement projects, with a straightforward application and local branch support. Learn more about getting a home improvement loan through Sun Loan.
Please note that available loan amounts, terms, and eligibility vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation Costs
What are the biggest home renovation costs?
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to renovate because they involve plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry, and countertops. Structural changes, like removing load-bearing walls, also add to the cost.
How much does it cost to renovate vs. rebuild a house?
A full renovation typically costs $19,470 to $88,356, while tearing down and rebuilding a house averages $125,000 to $450,000, according to HomeGuide’s data. Renovating is usually more affordable unless the home has severe structural problems.
What is the average cost for kitchen and bathroom renovations?
A kitchen remodel averages $14,500 to $40,500, while a bathroom remodel averages $6,500 to $28,000, according to HomeAdvisor.
