What a whole house renovation typically costs
| Scope | What it usually includes | Typical US cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | Paint, flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware throughout | $15–$60 |
| Mid-range renovation | Kitchen and bathrooms updated, new flooring throughout, some electrical and plumbing | $60–$150 |
| Full gut renovation | Back to the studs: new systems, insulation, layout changes, all-new finishes | $150–$300+ |
For a 2,000 sq ft house that works out at roughly $30,000–$120,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $120,000–$300,000 for a mid-range renovation and $300,000 or more for a full gut. More on what a 2,000 sq ft remodel costs.
How to price a whole house with the calculator
Each estimate covers one room, from one to three photos. That keeps every line specific to what’s actually there, instead of a per-square-foot guess for the whole house.
- Start with the kitchen and bathrooms. They usually carry most of the cost, so pricing them first shows whether the budget works.
- Add the rooms you’re changing. Living rooms, bedrooms, basement, dining room, home office.
- Add the totals up and keep 10–20% spare for surprises.
Every room’s preview is free. Full reports, with every cost, before & after images and a PDF to hand to contractors, are $9.99 each.
Where the money goes
- Kitchen and bathrooms: cabinets, fixtures, tiling and plumbing make them the most expensive rooms per square foot.
- Flooring and paint: modest per room, but they add up across a whole house.
- Systems: wiring, plumbing and heating hidden in the walls can’t be seen in a photo. If the house is older, budget for an electrician’s and plumber’s survey separately.
- Outside: the calculator covers interiors only for now. Roofing, siding and landscaping aren’t included.
How the calculator works
- Photograph the first room as it is today. One to three photos. Wide shots from the doorway and the opposite corner work best.
- Say what you have in mind. Pick a light refresh, a full update or high-end, DIY or contractor, and what you'd like to change. Or let us suggest what's worth doing.
- Get your estimate in about a minute. The free preview shows the scope and every task. The full report adds every cost, the value each change adds, before & after images and a printable PDF for a one-time $9.99.
See what a single room’s report looks like: the full sample kitchen report.
Questions
Can it estimate a whole house from one photo?
No, and we think that’s a feature. One photo of a house can’t show the condition of each room. Price each room you plan to change and add them up for a far more realistic budget.
How accurate is the whole house renovation cost calculator?
It gives low–high ranges based on what it can see in your photos and typical prices where you live. Use it to set a budget and to check contractor quotes. It is not a fixed quote: problems hidden behind walls or under floors, like old wiring or water damage, can’t be seen in a photo.
Is it free?
Each room’s preview is free with no sign-up. The full report for a room is a one-time $9.99. No subscription.
Does it work outside the US?
Yes. It prices in your local currency for your country and, if you give it, your town or city, because labour rates vary a lot from place to place.