The Big Picture: National Averages

The cost of a whole house renovation can range from as little as $25,000 for a cosmetic, multi-room refresh to over $200,000 for a complete gut renovation of a mid-sized home. Most projects fall somewhere in the $50,000 to $150,000 range. This wide variance is driven by three key factors: the cost of labor in your area, the scope of the work, and the quality of the materials you select (e.g., builder-grade vs. luxury finishes).

Cost Breakdown by Project

To understand where the money goes, it's best to look at the renovation room by room. While every project is different, here is how a typical mid-range whole-house renovation budget might be allocated:

• Kitchen: 20-25% of total budget
• Bathrooms: 15-20% of total budget
• Exterior (Roof, Siding, Windows): 15-20% of total budget
• Interior Finishes (Flooring, Paint, Trim): 10-15% of total budget
• Major Systems (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing): 10-15% of total budget

Kitchen Remodel: $25,000 - $75,000+

The kitchen is almost always the most expensive part of a renovation due to the high density of services (plumbing, electrical) and high-value items (cabinets, countertops, appliances). A minor refresh might be under $20,000, but a full-scale remodel involving new layouts, custom cabinets, stone countertops, and high-end appliances will push the cost much higher. For a complete look at where these costs come from, see our detailed kitchen remodel cost guide.

Master Bathroom Remodel: $15,000 - $40,000+

Like kitchens, bathroom costs are driven by tile choices, plumbing fixtures, and whether you're changing the layout. A luxury master bath with a large, tiled walk-in shower, a modern freestanding tub, and a double vanity can easily exceed $40,000. Learn more in our article on budget-friendly bathroom renovation ideas.

Other Rooms & Spaces:

• Guest Bathroom: $5,000 - $20,000
• Living Room / Bedroom ($2k - $10k): This typically covers fundamentals like new flooring (LVP or carpet), fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and new baseboards. For more ideas, see our guide to flooring costs and durability. It does not include major structural changes.
• Finished Basement ($25k - $75k): A great way to add living space. This cost includes framing, drywall, insulation, flooring, lighting, and an egress window if needed. A basement bathroom or wet bar will increase the cost. Our basement finishing guide has more.
• Roof Replacement ($8k - $20k+): An essential, non-negotiable cost if needed. The price depends on the roof's size, pitch, and material (asphalt shingle vs. metal). See our guide to roof replacement for warning signs.
• Window Replacement ($500 - $1,500 per window): Replacing old, drafty windows can improve energy efficiency. The cost varies by window size, material (vinyl vs. wood), and type.

Don't Forget the "Hidden" Costs

What you see in a quote isn't always the final price. It's critical to set aside a contingency fund of 15-20% of your total budget to cover unexpected issues. This is one of the most important tips in our guide to realistic budget creation. These can include:

• Permits: Necessary for any structural, electrical, or plumbing changes. Cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Design/Architectural Fees: If you're changing layouts or adding on, you'll need professional plans (3-10% of project cost).
• Structural Surprises: Opening up walls can reveal rot, outdated wiring, or pest damage that must be fixed.
• Temporary Housing: If the renovation is extensive, you may need to budget for staying elsewhere for a period.