How Much is It to Renovate a House? (Average Cost in USD)

What is the average cost to remodel a house?

Americans usually spend an average of $15,000 on a single house remodeling project.

The cost to remodel a house is usually determined by the scope of the project. However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) suggests spending a certain % of the total value of the home for specific areas.

Suggested Expenditure

House remodel cost

The average cost to remodel a house is estimated at $15,000 to $200,000 depending on the features and scope of the project.

This cost can change drastically depending on location, materials used, any mechanical or structural repairs, underlying issues, and square footage.

The cost is also determined by the category of renovation: –

High-end: These are major upgrades with high-end materials and products.

Mid-range: These are upgrades for second homes with mid-range materials and products.

Low-end range: These are minor upgrades for starter homes, most of which are self-funded or DIYs that use low-end materials and products.

Kitchen remodel cost

A kitchen is one of the spaces that determine the sale value of a home. It is therefore a natural priority for homeowners seeking to upgrade their houses.

It costs anything between $23,000 and $135,000 to upgrade a kitchen. However, by avoiding making upgrades to countertops, cabinets, and appliances, homeowners can spend anything below $4,000 on kitchen remodels.

Bathroom remodel cost

Like the kitchen, a bathroom influences a buyer’s offer on a house.

It is therefore common to see homeowners spending anything between $20,000 and $38,000 to upgrade their bathrooms.

However, it is possible to undertake some renovation with a budget of $4,000 if you decide not to upgrade the floors, counters, cabinets, and lights.

Interior upgrade cost

It costs between $1,200 and $4,700 to renovate the interiors of a home – with high-end upgrades going for about $10,000.

The cost typically includes the removal of debris, dumping charges, and tear-out.

Most interior renovation projects involve removing interior walls, a task that costs $300 – $1,000 depending on whether the target wall is load-bearing or not.

However, it is worth noting that the removal of a load-bearing wall is a technical task that requires the attention and guidance of a professional builder. 

Exterior upgrade cost

This upgrade typically focuses on the structural stability or curb appeal of your house. On average, roof, siding, and window replacements cost about $68,000.

In case you want to add a patio or deck area, be ready to spend another $17,000.

Gut renovation cost

The cost of gut renovation ranges from $60 – $150 per square foot and includes installation of a new roof, plumbing, appliances, HVAC, and structural upgrades.

How to lower house remodel cost

1. Sweat equity

This entails undertaking some project tasks yourself instead of paying someone to do the job. For example, you can save some money by opting to demolish the cabinets and clean up the mess instead of hiring someone for the task.

2. Don’t move the toilet/kitchen sink

Moving these appliances can be a costly affair as the action results in an escalation of plumbing costs. The cost of moving a toilet more than 3 feet, for example, ranges from $500 – $1,000 – which can be avoided.

However, if your new layout requires you to move the toilet or kitchen sink, be sure to upgrade the pipes at the same time as this will save you money in the long run.

3. Work off-peak

Instead of scheduling your project in the height of summer when contractors tend to be very busy, plan your house remodel during the slow season – in January.

Many contractors offer 4.5%-5.5% discounts on projects during the low season, and it is possible to save over $1,250 on a major bathroom remodel in January.

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