Calculating the cost: A closer look at the price of renovation projects

By Miguel Jacinto, Renoworks. 

Learn how Renoworks’ quote tools can help accurately calculate the cost of renovation projects, on any scale. 

Editor’s note: Share this article with homeowners looking to renovate their properties. 

Home renovations can be a major investment, in both time and money. A decision you don’t want to make lightly, it is crucial to consider all aspects of a desired renovation project’s result, and what that will look like cost and material wise. From minor upgrades to bathrooms or hallways to full kitchen renovations and larger scale dreams – renovations are tricky to navigate.  

Which is why our team at Renoworks has created this thorough guide to renovation costs and how to utilize the Renoworks renovation quote tool to give you a realistic estimate based on your actual design and product choices — so you’re not left guessing. 

Why budgeting for a remodel is so complicated and so important 

Renovating your home isn’t just about picking out pretty tiles and dreaming up new layouts. It’s also about managing your renovation costs — and that starts with understanding what really drives those numbers up or down. 

For starters, here’s what impacts the average cost of a home renovation: 

• Square footage: A larger project area means more materials, more labor and higher expenses. 
• Room type: Kitchens and bathrooms often cost the most per square foot because of the plumbing, fixtures and specialized work involved. 
• Material quality: Going with custom cabinets, designer lighting or stone countertops adds up fast. 
• Fixtures: Think sinks, bathtubs, faucets and lighting — these small choices can make a big dent in your budget. 
• Contractor pricing: Your contractor’s experience level, timeline and crew availability all affect final pricing. 
• Permits and inspections: These are often overlooked, but they’re necessary for structural changes, electrical updates and plumbing. 

The process of renovating requires planning, trust in your contractor and a solid understanding of the renovation process from design to demolition and rebuild. If you’re new to remodeling, it can be intimidating — but the more informed you are, the better your decisions will be. 

Renovation costs by room and project type 

Let’s break things down by project type. This is where you’ll start to see how dramatically costs can vary — and why it’s smart to get tailored quotes based on your actual home. 

Kitchen remodel costs 

Kitchens are one of the most popular remodeling projects because of how much value they add to a home. But they’re also among the most expensive. 

• Minor kitchen remodels with refaced cabinets and basic fixtures: $23,000–$35,000 
• Midrange kitchen remodels with new cabinetry and appliances: $35,000–$65,000 
• High-end kitchen remodels with layout changes, high-end fixtures and premium finishes: $75,000–$100,000+ 

Kitchen remodels typically include plumbing, electrical, flooring, tile, cabinetry and lighting upgrades. Explore more kitchen design inspiration here. The average cost of kitchen remodels depends heavily on whether you’re renovating a small space or designing a full gourmet kitchen from scratch. 

Bathroom remodel costs 

The average cost to remodel a bathroom is about $8,000–$15,000 for a standard space. But if you’re adding custom tile work, a walk-in shower or upscale fixtures, the price climbs fast. 

• Small bathroom: $7,000–$12,000 
• Standard full bath: $12,000–$25,000 
• Primary bath with custom features: $25,000–$40,000 

Bathroom remodels are also shaped by layout, plumbing reroutes, fixture choices and square footage. Always ask your contractor for a line-item quote so you can better understand how your average cost breaks down. 

Exterior renovation costs 

Exterior remodeling is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal — and it tends to deliver a strong return on investment. See top curb appeal upgrades and exterior ideas. 

• Siding installation (vinyl, fiber cement): $8,000–$20,000 
• Roof replacement: $10,000–$25,000 
• Window replacement: $500–$1,500 per window 
• Landscaping or hardscaping: $3,000–$15,000 depending on scope 

An exterior home renovation can also include new garage doors, porch updates and improvements to walkways and driveways. 

Basement and attic renovations 

Finishing these underused areas adds living space without extending your home’s footprint. But keep in mind, the cost per square foot can vary widely depending on complexity. 

• Finished basement: $30–$75 per square foot 
• Converted attic: $40–$85 per square foot 

Whether you’re adding a bathroom, home office or extra bedroom, these home remodel projects often require insulation, HVAC installation and electrical work. 

Whole home renovation costs 

If you’re planning to overhaul an entire home, you’re looking at serious investment — but also serious transformation. These projects often involve structural work, updated electrical and plumbing, layout changes and major cosmetic upgrades. 

• Cosmetic remodel: $50,000–$90,000 
• Full gut renovation: $150,000–$300,000 
• Complete teardown and rebuild: $250–$400+ per square foot 

Whole home renovations are often completed in phases and require heavy coordination between contractors, designers and inspectors. These large-scale remodels typically include everything from kitchens and bathrooms to basements, roofs, flooring and windows. 

What impacts the cost of renovating? 

Your renovation price isn’t just tied to the size of the project. Many factors shape the average cost of a remodel, including: 

• Type of materials used 
• Labor rates in your area 
• Age and condition of your house 
• Complexity of the layout or design changes 
• Permit costs and inspections 
• Availability of skilled contractors 

Understanding how these factors affect your final quote is key to staying on budget. 

How to choose the right contractor for your home remodel 

Finding a trustworthy contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a home remodel. The right professional can bring your vision to life, stay on budget and finish on time — while the wrong one can cause delays, unexpected costs and stress. 

Start by asking friends or neighbors for referrals, and make sure to check online reviews and licensing information. Interview at least three contractors and ask for detailed estimates that break down labor, materials and contingencies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about timelines, insurance and whether they’ll be on-site or subcontracting work. 

Remember: a good contractor doesn’t just quote you a price — they educate you about what’s realistic based on your home, square footage and renovation goals. 

Planning a whole house renovation: What to expect 

Whole house remodels are transformative — but they’re also a big commitment. If you’re updating every room in your house, or gutting and rebuilding large areas, be prepared for a longer timeline, bigger budget and more decisions. 

Expect to start with a home inspection and layout consultation. Then you’ll work with your contractor to phase the work by room or system (kitchen, electrical, HVAC, etc.). It’s important to get a quote based on square footage and project scope — and to build in time for approvals, inspections and ordering materials. 

While some families move out during major renovations, others choose to live through them. In either case, planning ahead and understanding the full scope makes all the difference. 

How remodeling projects affect homeowners emotionally and financially 

A remodel isn’t just a financial investment — it’s an emotional one. Living through construction can be noisy, dusty and stressful. Decisions stack up fast, especially with big-ticket items like flooring, cabinetry and fixtures. And budget creep can add anxiety if you’re not prepared. 

To stay sane, build in buffer time and budget. Make decisions early and stick to them. Lean on your contractor for guidance and remember why you started the remodel in the first place: to create a home that better supports your life. 

Home renovation is one of the most personal projects you’ll ever take on. Give yourself space to be human during it. 

Top mistakes to avoid when renovating your home 

Even experienced homeowners fall into these common traps: 

• Underestimating average costs or square footage needs 
• Not having a clear scope or budget from the start 
• Hiring a contractor without checking credentials or references 
• Skipping permits to save time or money 
• Making late-stage changes that delay the timeline and increase costs 

Avoid these pitfalls by doing your homework and leaning on expert advice throughout the remodel. 

Is now the right time to remodel? How market trends influence renovation costs 

Timing can impact both your budget and your peace of mind. During times of high demand — like spring and summer — contractors may charge more or have longer waitlists. Material prices can fluctuate due to supply chain issues, and interest rates may affect whether you use financing. 

That said, there’s no perfect time to start a home renovation. If you have a clear vision, a good contractor and a strong quote, the right time might be now. 

Watch trends but plan based on your life — not just the market. 

Regional differences in remodeling costs 

Where you live plays a major role in how much your renovation will cost. A kitchen remodel in a major metro like San Francisco or Toronto will cost significantly more than one in a smaller town. Local labor rates, permit fees, materials availability and even weather can influence project pricing. 

• Urban areas: Expect higher labor rates and permit costs 
• Rural or suburban areas: Lower contractor fees but limited material availability 
• Climate-specific upgrades: Some regions may require more robust insulation, window performance or HVAC systems, which adds to cost 

It’s always smart to get estimates from local professionals who understand regional building codes and seasonal construction timelines. 

Long-term ROI of home renovations 

While upfront cost matters, it’s important to think long-term. Remodeling can boost your home’s resale value and make it more comfortable and efficient.  

Projects with the strongest return on investment include:  

• Kitchen remodels (60–80% ROI) 
• Bathroom renovations (50–70% ROI) 
• Curb appeal upgrades like siding and roofing (70–90% ROI) 

Energy-efficient upgrades like new windows, doors, insulation and HVAC systems not only increase home value but also reduce monthly costs — adding to their overall return over time. 

If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, prioritize improvements that enhance daily life: layout changes, additional bathrooms, smart home tech and storage upgrades. 

Cost breakdown by line item 

Want to understand where your money is going? Here’s a rough breakdown of how your total renovation budget may be allocated: 

• Labor: 30–50% 
• Materials: 25–40% 
• Fixtures and finishes: 10–20% 
• Permit and inspection fees: 5–10% 
• Contingency fund: 10–20% 

Reviewing line items in your contractor’s estimate helps ensure transparency and lets you spot opportunities to save. Don’t be afraid to ask for alternate material suggestions or more affordable fixture options. 

How to renovate smarter, not just cheaper 

Here’s how homeowners make the most of their budget: 

• Focus on rooms with strong ROI — like kitchens, bathrooms and curb appeal upgrades 
• Stick with midrange materials for good value and durability 
• Avoid moving plumbing and load-bearing walls if possible 
• Compare contractor bids side-by-side 
• Lock in material selections before you build to avoid costly changes 

Working with a contractor you trust is crucial. Ask for referrals, check reviews and confirm licensing. Be sure to discuss every detail of the remodel, including square footage changes, fixture installations and the scope of each renovation phase. 

Sample renovation budgets and what they actually cover 

Here’s how real-life renovation budgets shake out: 

• $10,000 or less: Paint, light fixtures, trim work and basic flooring upgrades 
• $10,000–$25,000: Bathroom remodel or partial kitchen upgrade 
• $25,000–$50,000: Midrange kitchen or bathroom remodel, new siding or window updates 
• $50,000–$100,000: Structural changes, major appliance upgrades and premium materials 
• $100,000+: Whole home renovation, layout redesign and luxury finishes 

Don’t forget these hidden costs 

Even a simple home remodel can go over budget when these surprise costs pop up: 

• Mold or water damage hidden behind walls 
• Upgrades to old electrical or plumbing to meet code 
• Flooring level changes from room to room 
• Custom fixture or cabinetry delays 
• Material backorders 

It’s a good rule of thumb to set aside 10–20% of your total renovation cost as a contingency. 

Why a tailored renovation quote matters 

Most homeowners rely on general online estimates, which rarely reflect the actual costs in their market or for their specific home. That’s where a custom renovation quote makes a difference. 

Renoworks gives you an edge by combining real material choices with regional contractor pricing and design intent. 

You’ll get: 

• A quote based on real square footage and design inputs 
• Actual fixtures and materials pulled from top-tier brands 
• A list of qualified contractors who can execute your vision 

The more detailed the quote, the fewer surprises — and the more confident you’ll be when hiring pros. 

Final thoughts: Make every dollar count 

Home renovation is never one-size-fits-all. From kitchen remodels to basement overhauls, every project comes with its own budget, timeline and challenges. The best remodels begin with solid research, realistic expectations and detailed quotes. 

Take the time to learn about your home renovation options. Find design inspiration across every room and style. Know your square footage. Understand the average costs for each room. And above all, work with a contractor who respects your goals and your budget. 

Once you have a clear plan, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence — and transform your house into the home you’ve always wanted. 

Original article and image source: Renoworks