Home Renovations Costs: A Complete Guide

You’ve outgrown your space—and you know it. The way your home looks, feels, and functions just doesn’t support your life anymore. So now you’re making the call to invest, update, and create something that actually fits. 

But before anything moves forward, there’s one question you need clarity on—what do home renovation costs really look like? This guide walks you through what shapes the price and how to invest wisely in a home that works for you.

What Is a Home Renovation

A home renovation changes the look, layout, and feel of your home. It means rethinking the space you already have and aligning it with how you actually live.

That could be as simple as refreshing worn finishes or as involved as reworking walls, layouts, or entire rooms. It might mean opening up your main floor for easier movement or finally creating that kitchen that supports your daily routine.

Renovation doesn’t always mean tearing everything down. Often, it means keeping what works, reimagining what doesn’t, and making intentional updates that bring ease, function, and a sense of peace to your home.

Types of Home Renovations (With Costs)

Not all renovations cost the same, and what you choose to update has a direct impact on the feel of your home and your overall investment. Below are some of the most common types of home renovations, along with typical cost ranges.

Kitchen Renovation | $75,000–$250,000+

From layout reconfigurations to custom cabinetry, kitchens are the most design-intensive and labor-heavy spaces. Costs vary widely depending on size, finishes, appliances, and whether structural changes are involved.

Primary Bathroom Renovation | $45,000–$120,000+

Bathroom remodels are smaller but deceptively complex. Plumbing, tilework, lighting, and specialty features—like steam showers or heated floors—can all impact pricing.

Whole-Home Renovation | $250,000–$750,000+

When multiple spaces are updated in a single, coordinated project, the result is a more cohesive and functional home. While the investment is larger, you’ll typically save time and reduce disruption compared to doing it piecemeal.

Room Additions or Expansions | $150,000–$400,000+

Adding square footage—like a family suite, sunroom, or expanded kitchen—means tying into the home’s structure and systems. Costs depend on complexity, finishes, and site conditions.

Basement Finishing or Remodeling | $90,000–$200,000+

Turning a basement into usable living space involves effective moisture control, insulation, egress solutions, and often custom features like home gyms, media rooms, or guest suites.

Cost Factors of Home Renovations

If you’ve been comparing renovation bids—or even just Googling numbers—you’ve probably noticed how wildly prices vary. Renovation costs aren’t a one-size-fits-all because your home, goals, and standards aren’t either. Here are the core factors that shape your project spending.

• Project Scope

Are you making layout changes? Moving plumbing or walls? Remodeling one room or five? The more involved the renovation, the more time, planning, and skilled labor it requires.

• Craftsmanship and Labor

This is where quality really shows. Working with expert tradespeople who prioritize detail and longevity will cost more upfront, but saves frustration, fixes, and fatigue in the long run.

• Material Selection

Fixtures, finishes, flooring, and cabinetry all add up. And the difference between mid-tier and premium materials isn’t just visual–it’s durability, function, and how that space feels day after day.

• Existing Conditions

Older homes, structural quirks, or surprise issues behind the walls can introduce extra steps. A thorough evaluation early on helps set realistic expectations from the start.

• Design and Wellness Features

Built-in storage, better airflow, accessibility upgrades, calming colors—these aren’t just extras. They’re part of how a home supports your everyday life. They also affect cost, depending on how customized your plan becomes.

Additional Cost Factors

Even with a clear scope and solid materials plan, there are still some behind-the-scenes elements that influence the total investment. 

• Permits and Inspections

Many projects require approvals from your city or municipality. These come with fees and can affect scheduling, especially if reviews are delayed.

• Design Fees and Professional Services

Architects, engineers, and designers may be needed depending on your scope. Their work is foundational—it shapes the flow, safety, and functionality of the space.

• Temporary Living or Storage Costs

If your kitchen or bathroom is under construction, you might need to make short-term adjustments. Hotel stays, rentals, or off-site storage can add unexpected costs.

• Product Lead Times and Procurement

Custom items, like cabinetry, tile, or specialty fixtures, may need to be ordered well in advance. Delivery delays impact your project’s rhythm—and occasionally, its price.

• Contingency Fund

Even with great planning, surprises happen—especially in older homes. Setting aside 10–20% helps absorb the unexpected without derailing progress.

Highest Value Renovation Projects

Not every renovation carries the same return on investment. Some spaces pull more weight, not just in resale value, but in how they improve daily life. These rooms do the most to support comfort, ease, and longevity.

Kitchens

It’s the most used—and most valued—room in the home. A well-designed kitchen improves flow, function, and how people gather. Whether you’re hosting or just getting through Monday, it sets the tone.

Primary Bathrooms

Upgrades here go beyond luxury. Features like walk-in showers, smart lighting, and storage that works make mornings smoother and long-term living more accessible.

Multi-Use Living Areas

Think flexible layouts, built-in storage, or rooms that can adapt over time. Spaces that serve multiple purposes are increasingly valuable, especially for families with changing needs.

Wellness Features

Improved airflow, calming color palettes, accessible design, and natural materials don’t just look good. They support health, mood, and quality of life, day after day.

Common Obstacles During Home Renovations—and How To Avoid Them

Renovating your home is exciting, but it can also bring unexpected stress if you’re not prepared. Most challenges don’t come from small things that weren’t clear at the start. Here are a few common mistakes we see and how to avoid them. 

• Unclear Bids: If a proposal feels vague or too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll likely run into change orders, delays, or frustration without a detailed scope and transparent pricing.
• Poor Communication: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when updates are inconsistent or decisions feel rushed. A good process builds in checkpoints, not pressure.
• Chasing Trends Over Needs: We see this often—choosing what’s popular instead of what actually fits your life. It’s your home. Every choice should be grounded in how you live, not just what’s current.
• Trying to Do Too Much at Once: Big ideas are inspiring, but spreading your budget too thin leads to compromise. Prioritizing what matters most creates a better result, even if it means phasing the work out over time.

Wellness Focused Home Renovations—The Ron Scott Design Build Difference

Every project we take on is shaped by how you want to live and feel in your home. We bring a holistic lens to create something that works beautifully—and lives even better.

Decades of Expertise

With over 30 years in custom home remodeling, we’ve seen what works, what lasts, and what clients actually need. Our craftsmanship isn’t just proven—it’s personal.

Personalized Boutique Experience

You won’t be passed off to a revolving team. We stay involved, from the first conversation to the final styling touch. That means consistent communication, thoughtful guidance, and a process where your voice leads the way.

Timeless Craftsmanship

Our team works with premium materials and proven methods—because style means nothing if it doesn’t last. We build homes that feel elevated now and remain that way for years to come.

The Wellness Connection: Remodeling That Feels Good To Live In

Design isn’t just about looks. We consider how light impacts your sleep, how room flow supports calmness, how materials affect your air quality, and how color shapes energy. When your space supports your well-being, you feel it every day.

CLIPP Certified Design for Aging in Place

If you’re planning for the long term, we’re here to make that feel intentional and elegant, not clinical. We incorporate accessible design with subtlety and care—curbless showers, wider walkways, smart lighting, and intuitive storage—all built into a space that still feels refined and cohesive. 

What Sets Us Apart

Our design process is backed by deep credentials: a True Color Expert, a Certified Medical Intuitive, and a founder-led team that listens before they build. We’re not here to push a style—we’re here to help you live well in your home, for years to come.

Home Renovation Costs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a realistic budget for home renovation?

A realistic home renovation budget typically ranges from $150 to $400 per square foot. That number reflects everything from design planning to project management, as well as material and labor costs. For extensive renovations—especially those involving layout changes or custom cabinets—a budget of $250,000 to $500,000+ is common.

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a house?

$100,000 may cover cosmetic updates or a focused project, like a mid-range bathroom or partial kitchen remodel. But for homes requiring structural updates or a full renovation process across multiple rooms, that budget often falls short, especially when working with reputable contractors using high-quality materials.

What is the 30% rule for renovations?

The 30% rule suggests you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your home’s value on renovations. It’s a starting point—not a hard rule. If your home has structural issues or if you’re planning extensive renovations that improve long-term livability, a higher investment may be justified.

What costs the most when renovating a house?

Structural changes, kitchen remodels, and high-end materials typically drive the highest costs. Labor and craftsmanship are also significant investments, especially when working with expert tradespeople who focus on quality and durability.

Bring Your Renovation Goals to Life With Ron Scott Design Build

We’ve spent decades helping homeowners create spaces that truly support how they want to live. We handle the whole process—design, selections, construction, and styling—so you don’t have to manage a dozen moving parts. Let’s talk!

 

Disclaimer: Pricing estimates are subject to change based on market conditions, inflation, and annual cost fluctuations. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please contact us directly.