House Renovation Costs: A Complete Breakdown for Homeowners and Investors

Not all remodels are created equal. Some homeowners choose to do a full renovation of their property, while others focus on one area at a time. Here’s a breakdown of the average home remodel costs depending on the scope and scale of the project.

Whole-Home Remodel

A full home remodel typically includes everything—kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, flooring, and often, upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems. On average, a whole-home remodel can cost between $100,000 and $200,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house, depending on your finishes and location.

High-end remodels can exceed $250,000, especially if you're replacing systems, adding square footage, or choosing luxury finishes. On the lower end, a budget-conscious remodel that keeps layouts intact and uses more affordable materials may land closer to $75,000.

Partial Remodel

A partial remodel can involve specific areas of the home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or basement. These projects typically range from $10,000 to $50,00, depending on the size and materials. A mid-range kitchen update might cost $30,000, while a modest bathroom remodel could fall under $10,000.

Partial remodels are a good option if you want to make a noticeable improvement without committing to a full overhaul.

Interior vs. Exterior

Interior remodels often include drywall, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical work. These can be labor-intensive and more costly per square foot.

Exterior upgrades like siding replacement, roofing, new windows, and decks also come with costs. A new roof can range from $8,000 to $15,000, while new siding might cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Curb-appeal projects may not require a full remodel, but they still impact your budget.

High-End vs. Budget Renovations

High-end renovations involve premium materials like marble countertops, custom cabinets, or imported fixtures. These projects can double your costs quickly.

Budget renovations focus on function and aesthetics with more cost-effective options—think stock cabinets, laminate counters, or basic tile. These upgrades still provide great results without breaking the bank.

If you’re planning to renovate one room at a time, it helps to know what each space typically costs. Each area of your home comes with its own considerations.

Kitchen Renovation Costs

Kitchen renovation costs can range from $15,000 for a minor update to $60,000 or more for a complete transformation. On average, a mid-range kitchen remodel is around $30,000.

Common expenses include cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting, and flooring. Hidden costs often come from plumbing or electrical changes, as well as structural adjustments. Custom cabinets and high-end finishes can significantly increase the price.

Bathroom Renovation Costs

The cost of a bathroom remodel typically ranges from $8,000 to $20,000. A high-end remodel, which might include a custom shower, luxury tile, or spa-style features, can go above $30,000.

Upgrades often include vanities, tile work, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and ventilation. If your bathroom needs layout changes or upgrades to your plumbing, expect those costs to rise.

Adding a Room to a House

Room additions can be a great way to increase living space and property value. Costs can vary widely depending on what kind of room you're adding. A new bedroom or home office might cost $20,000 to $50,000, while a new master suite with a bathroom could cost $80,000 or more.

Factors that affect costs include foundation work, roofing, insulation, HVAC expansion, electrical wiring, and permits.

Understanding how long a renovation takes is just as important as knowing the cost. If you're wondering how long it takes to renovate a house, the answer depends on the size and scope of the renovation project. Every home is different, and so is every remodel.

Here’s a breakdown of typical renovation timelines by project type to help you plan more effectively.

Whole-Home Remodel

A full-home renovation is the most time-intensive type of remodeling. For a standard 2,000-square-foot house, this process usually takes 6 to 12 months. The timeline can stretch longer if you're changing layouts, moving walls, replacing major systems, or dealing with permitting delays.

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for a standard mid-range project. High-end or custom kitchens may take up to 10 to 12 weeks, especially if you're ordering specialty cabinets, relocating plumbing or gas lines, or dealing with custom countertops that require longer lead times.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are smaller but can be just as complex as kitchens. A basic remodel might take 2 to 3 weeks, while a more involved bathroom renovation with layout changes, tile installation, or specialty features could last 4 to 6 weeks.

Room Additions

Adding a room to your home is almost like building a small house from scratch. These projects usually take 2 to 4 months from start to finish. That includes demolition (if needed), foundation work, framing, roofing, electrical, and finish work.

Planning your budget is more than just pricing materials. A complete budget includes permits, labor, financing, and a buffer for unexpected expenses.

Labor is often 30% to 50% of your total cost. This includes general contractors, electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters. Material prices can also shift depending on quality and availability.

You may need city permits for major remodels or structural changes. Permit fees vary depending on the location and scope of the home improvement project. Always factor them into your plan.

Financing options include home equity loans, personal loans, or renovation-specific financing. Talk to your lender early in the process.

For investors, return on investment (ROI) is key. Kitchen and bathroom remodels tend to offer the best ROI, while additions may offer long-term value depending on market demand.

Finding the right person or team to lead your renovation is one of the most important decisions you'll make. If you’re wondering how to find a building contractor, start by checking credentials, reviews, and past work. Look for contractors who are licensed, insured, and experienced in the type of project you're planning.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A great starting point is this list of questions to ask a contractor before hiring. Topics should include timelines, subcontractors, change orders, warranties, and communication styles.

A reliable contractor will be transparent about pricing, scheduling, and expectations—and will guide you through the process clearly and professionally.

If you're a property investor, remodeling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategy to improve rental income, boost resale value, and attract quality tenants. However, to get the best return on your investment, every decision should be made with ROI in mind.

Start by focusing on value-add upgrades. Kitchens and bathrooms continue to deliver the highest returns, especially when they're updated with clean, modern finishes. Adding functional living space—like an extra bedroom, home office, or finished basement—can also significantly increase property value and rental potential.

When it comes to design, aim for broad appeal. Stick with neutral color palettes, durable materials, and layouts that make sense for everyday living. These choices are more cost-effective in the long run and reduce vacancy time by attracting a wider pool of renters or buyers.

Energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and low-maintenance flooring can cut down on future repair costs and make your property more attractive to tenants who value sustainability and convenience.

Working with a contractor who understands investor goals can make all the difference in maximizing your ROI.

Not all contractors specialize in the same types of projects. There are clear differences between commercial renovation contractors and residential renovation contractors.

Commercial renovation contractors typically work on larger-scale buildings like offices, retail spaces, and multi-unit properties. These projects often involve more complex systems, stricter code requirements, and detailed coordination with architects and engineers. The materials and construction methods used are often designed for high-traffic, heavy-use environments.

If you’re searching for residential renovation contractors near me, these are specialists in working with homes. They’re experienced with layouts, materials, and finishes that fit residential living. They understand how to create comfortable, functional spaces while working within a homeowner’s vision and budget. 

Residential projects also tend to be more personalized, with a focus on aesthetic details and daily livability.

Choosing the right contractor for your project type ensures smoother execution and better results.