Cost to Remodel a House in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Remodeling Your Home? Let’s Break Down the Average Costs!

Home remodeling offers a unique opportunity to enhance both the value and comfort of your home. Whether you’re considering a full-home renovation or focusing on individual rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, remodeling can transform your living space and improve functionality. In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of remodeling your house, whether you’re planning a whole-home remodel or room-specific renovation, to help you plan your project effectively.

What Is a Home Remodel?

A home remodel involves altering or upgrading parts of your house to improve its aesthetic appeal, functionality, or value. There are two primary types of remodels:

• Whole-Home Remodel: This type involves extensive renovations across the entire house, from updating the layout to modernizing systems like electrical and plumbing.
• Room-Specific Renovations: These focus on particular spaces, such as the kitchen or bathroom, where you can address outdated designs, improve functionality, or increase home value.

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House?

The cost of remodeling a house can vary widely based on several factors. Nationally, the average range for a full-home remodel falls between $40,000 and $100,000, depending on the size of the home and the scope of the renovation.

Factors Influencing Whole-Home Remodeling Costs

Several key factors impact the overall cost of remodeling a home:

• Size of the Home: Larger homes naturally require more materials and labor.
• Scope of Work: The more extensive the renovations, the higher the costs.
• Quality of Materials: High-end finishes and appliances will significantly increase expenses.

Cost Breakdown: Whole-Home Remodeling

Here’s a look at some common areas of focus during a full-home remodel:

• Interior Upgrades: This includes updating flooring, painting, lighting, and insulation. These upgrades can range from minor cosmetic changes to significant improvements, depending on the materials chosen.
• Structural Changes: If you plan to remove or alter walls, replace windows, or update doors, these structural changes will add to the overall cost.
• Systems Upgrades: A remodel is the perfect time to upgrade essential systems such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC to ensure your home is up to code and more energy efficient.

Find Local Pros

Room-by-Room Remodeling Costs

Each room in your home comes with its own set of cost considerations, largely driven by the specific features, labor, and materials needed. The cost of remodeling a house can vary depending on where your focus is. Here’s a deeper look into what you can expect for each space:

Kitchen Remodel Costs

The cost of a kitchen remodel typically ranges from $15,000 to $154,000, depending on factors like the size of the kitchen, materials used, and scope of the renovation.

Key Factors:

• Cabinetry: Custom cabinets can significantly increase costs, while ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets provide a budget-friendly option.
• Countertops: Material choice plays a big role. High-end options like quartz and granite are more expensive than laminate or butcher block.
• Appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient or high-end brands adds to the cost, especially for large appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.
• Plumbing & Electrical: Relocating or upgrading plumbing and electrical systems can drive up costs, especially if your kitchen layout changes.
• Lighting & Flooring: Under-cabinet lighting, task lighting, and high-quality flooring such as tile or hardwood can further impact your budget.
• Labor Costs: The complexity of installation and design layout often increases labor charges.

Bathroom Remodel Costs

The cost of a bathroom remodel typically ranges from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of the bathroom, materials chosen, and the extent of the renovation.

Key Factors:

• Fixtures: Upgrading showers, bathtubs, toilets, and sinks can quickly escalate costs, especially with luxury brands or custom designs.
• Tiling: The type of tile (ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone) for floors and walls influences price. Custom patterns or larger tiles are more expensive to install.
• Vanities & Storage: Custom vanities, medicine cabinets, and built-in storage options can add to costs, while prefabricated options tend to be cheaper.
• Plumbing & Waterproofing: Hidden costs like new plumbing fixtures or waterproofing systems are often required for long-lasting renovations, especially in older homes.

Living Room Remodel Costs

The cost of a living room remodel usually falls between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on factors such as design updates, materials, and custom features.

Key Factors:

• Flooring: Hardwood flooring is a popular but costly option. Laminate, carpet, or luxury vinyl planks provide more affordable alternatives without sacrificing style.
• Lighting: Recessed lighting, ceiling fixtures, and even smart lighting systems can modernize your living room and add to the cost.
• Custom Features: Built-in shelving, entertainment centers, or fireplace upgrades (such as gas inserts or stone facades) can be a major expense, but they elevate the design and functionality of the room.
• Furniture & Décor: While not always included in traditional remodels, new furnishings or custom décor, like drapery or art pieces, often become part of the overall investment.

Bedroom Remodel Costs

The cost of a bedroom remodel typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of the project, materials used, and any custom upgrades like storage solutions or flooring.

Key Factors:

• Closets & Storage: Expanding closets, adding custom shelving, or installing walk-in closets with built-in organization systems can raise costs considerably.
• Flooring & Windows: Like living rooms, upgrading to hardwood or replacing windows to improve insulation or energy efficiency may increase the budget.
• Lighting & Fixtures: Installing dimmer switches, recessed lighting, or adding ceiling fans can enhance comfort and functionality.
• Paint & Wall Treatments: Unique paint finishes, wallpaper, or wainscoting can add elegance but come with higher labor and material costs.

Basement and Attic Remodel Costs

The cost of remodeling a basement or attic generally ranges from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on the extent of finishing, materials, and additional features like plumbing or electrical work.

Key Factors:

• Finishing the Space: Basements and attics are often unfinished, requiring framing, drywall, insulation, and proper ventilation to make them livable.
• Electrical & Plumbing: Adding new electrical outlets, lighting, or even plumbing (for a wet bar or bathroom) significantly increases the budget.
• Flooring: Moisture-resistant flooring for basements or durable options like hardwood or carpet for attics are essential, depending on the room’s intended use.
• Windows & Egress: Installing egress windows or skylights to meet building codes or bring in natural light can be costly but necessary.
• Multi-Use Potential: Many homeowners convert these spaces into guest rooms, home offices, or entertainment rooms, adding amenities like built-in storage, home theaters, or bars.

Find Local Pros

Factors That Affect Home Remodeling Costs

Several additional elements can influence the overall cost of your remodel:

• Materials Quality: Standard materials will be more affordable than mid-range or high-end options.
• Labor Costs: Depending on your location, labor costs can vary widely, so it’s essential to get multiple quotes.
• Project Scope and Complexity: The more complex the remodel (e.g., adding custom features), the higher the cost.
• Permits and Regulations: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of permits, which vary based on local regulations.

Cost-Saving Tips

The cost of remodeling a house can feel overwhelming, but here are a few tips to help ensure you get the most value for your investment!

• Plan Ahead and Budget: Having a well-defined plan will help you avoid unexpected costs.
• DIY vs. Professional Help: If you have the skills, consider handling some minor aspects yourself. However, for major work like plumbing or electrical, it’s best to hire professionals.
• Reuse and Recycle: Salvaging materials can save money while adding character to your renovation.
• Choose Cost-Effective Upgrades: Focus on changes that add value without breaking the bank, such as updating lighting or repainting walls.

Benefits of Remodeling Your House

• Increased Home Value: A well-executed remodel can significantly increase the resale value of your home.
• Improved Comfort and Functionality: Upgrading spaces to suit your lifestyle improves daily living.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern systems and materials can help lower energy bills, making your home more eco-friendly.

Choosing the Right Company for Your Remodel

When selecting the best home remodeling company, take the time to vet them properly:

• Research and Reviews: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Comparing quotes helps you find the best value.
• Check Licensing and Insurance: Ensure your contractor has the proper credentials and insurance coverage to protect your project.

Whole-Home vs. Room-by-Room Approach

Deciding between remodeling your whole home or tackling one room at a time depends on your needs and budget.

• Whole-Home Remodel: This option can save time and money in the long run but requires a more significant upfront investment and can disrupt your daily life.
• Room-by-Room Approach: This allows you to spread out costs and minimize disruption, but it may take longer to complete the entire home renovation.

Remodeling your home is an exciting and rewarding process. Whether you choose to update your entire house or focus on individual rooms, it’s essential to plan carefully and budget wisely.

Modernize connects homeowners with experienced, local contractors who specialize in home remodeling projects. Whether you’re planning a full-home renovation or a room-specific upgrade, our network includes vetted professionals known for delivering quality work. Explore our comprehensive guide on selecting the right contractor to ensure your home project is completed to the highest standards.

Find Local Pros