Home renovation cost estimator

Whether you are stripping walls, adding square footage or simply upgrading your home, your first step is to estimate the budget of your planned renovation.

On average, home renovation costs vary between $18,000 to $70,000, with larger projects costing $150,000 or more. However, the actual overall cost of your house renovation project will vary according to a lot of factors.

Your final cost will depend on several factors, including the number of rooms and the total square feet, the size of these rooms, the current condition of your property, material and local labor charges, your zip code, the scope of your renovation, etc.

For example, a bathroom remodel cost can range from $8,000 to $38,000 for a small bathroom with dimensions around 5 feet x 11 feet. For a large master bathroom with dimensions around 10 feet x 12 feet, your renovation cost can be between $12,000 to $58,000, depending on how much you upgrade, where you live and the cost of materials you choose.

Keep in mind that since older homes typically have outdated plumbing and electrical wiring, it will make the remodel more costly and time-consuming. Also, the cost per square foot increases for bigger houses as average quality is typically very high.

Here are some tips to make the process easy and quick:

• Organize your renovation with thorough research in terms of all the requirements. Collect as much information from your neighbors and friends as possible.

• Set a realistic home remodeling budget. Always include leeway for some surprise costs. Experts believe that you should add 20% extra to the existing price range, but if you stay withing the Kukun recommended costs, you should be ok.

• Consult your calendar. Set an end date and work your way backward.

• Plan your home remodeling during an off-season. Avoiding the spring and summer rushes will be kinder on your wallet.

• Work only with expert contractors who you trust. A professional finish goes a long way in adding to the beauty and value of your home.

• Know which tasks you can safely tackle, and which should be handled by the pros, such as adding or removing a potentially load-bearing wall, or dealing with asbestos or lead paint.

• Keep in mind that your contractor should have expertise in all areas of home remodeling: construction, plumbing, electrical and lighting.

• Always ask for references. Don’t rely solely on client testimonials, instead, talk to actual customers who can give you their firsthand accounts and answer all your questions.

• Always check your local building code for permit requirements as well as building inspections. Generally, structural, electrical, and plumbing changes require permits.

• Make your house remodel as simple as possible. Declutter, pack up and move any items away from the renovation zone during the process.

• Ensure the safety of your kids, elderty family members and pets.

• Plan for power and plumbing outages in advance. Your remodeling might require you to shut the water and/or electricity off.

• Choose quality materials for the project even if they come at a higher price. There will be less repair work in the future.

• Get a written contract from your contractor with a warranty or guarantee, details of the complete schedule, deadlines for milestones and the payment process.

• Maintain a timeline in order to manage a seamless job.

Most renovations, whether large-scale or small, add value to a property. Even if you do partial updates, such as replacing kitchen cabinets or painting the kitchen walls, instead of undertaking an entire kitchen remodel, it can increase your home’s value significantly.

When it comes to remodeling projects, you should aim at getting at least 65% return on your investment (ROI), and work with the Costimator to get 100% or more back on your investment. A good way to begin your home remodeling journey is to consult an experienced local realtor, as they have a pulse on your neighborhood, what buyers really want, and they also know good designers. Then come back to Kukun’s Costimator, as we take into account that returns on investment vary depending on the local real estate market, and the specific neighborhood.

Whether you’re giving a makeover to an investment property or your own dream home, it’s a smart move to invest in remodels that have the highest ROI. Home improvement projects that greatly increase the curb appeal and functionality of the house, are generally the most value-enhancing.

Bathroom and kitchen remodeling give one of the highest return on investment -- From 70% to 125% of what you spend. According to the National Builders Association, a half bathroom addition can boost the value of an average house by 10.5% while a full bathroom addition can boost the house value by 20%.

In terms of exterior remodeling, siding replacement and home roof replacement bring in the highest ROI. Replacing old siding can get you up to 85% ROI while a new roof can add as much as 109% ROI.

Replacing windows and doors, yard landscaping, and deck installation are a close second with 70% to 105% ROI.

In terms of interior remodeling, a fresh coat of paint on the walls is one of the most effective ways to boost the value and appeal of your property. That can be done without spending too much.

Other remodeling projects to consider are finishing the basement, attic conversion, and building a garage. Interestingly, updating the internal systems of your house, including plumbing system, heating and cooling, and sewage system can significantly improve your home value.

Kukun's home renovation cost estimator is a useful confidential address-based estimator tool to help you calculate your remodeling costs and the ROI of home improvement projects instantly. The calculations are based on your zip code as well as relevant parameters that affect the total house renovation cost.

Simply enter your specifications and the result will give you a realistic estimate of your total home remodel cost in minutes.

Some of the project costs that can be estimated include:

• Kitchen renovation costs

  The center of your house is the kitchen. The value of your property may be significantly increased by a well-planned kitchen makeover. Once you've decided to renovate your kitchen, you need to know how much money you'll need to put into the project.

  Select among our list what you want to add to your kitchen remodel: Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change several factors to get new results on your estimate, like finish level (to get the most value, quality, or luxury of your kitchen) as well as select a kitchen contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to renovate your kitchen as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Bathroom remodel costs

  It's easy to obtain a quote with Kukun's bathroom renovation cost estimator. Our secure address-based estimator is user-friendly. To obtain your customized total remodel cost in a matter of minutes, simply follow the instructions below!

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new bathroom. After this, you can select what you want to add to your bathroom project: Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change several factors to get new results on your estimate, like finish level (to get the most value, quality, or luxury of your bathroom) as well as select a bathroom contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to renovate your bathroom as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Popcorn ceiling removal costs

  A popcorn ceiling, also known as a cottage cheese ceiling or an acoustic ceiling, is so named because it resembles popcorn in appearance and texture. Because the pattern helped conceal flaws like nail holes, screws, and water damage patches, textured ceilings were quite popular in the 20th century. Popcorn ceilings no longer have any appeal, though.

  Select if the removal process will happen on the whole house or just in a part of it and if that’s the case, how many rooms will be involved. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After getting your result, you’ll be able to select a ceiling contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to remove your popcorn ceiling as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Window replacement costs

  Our anonymous, free window replacement cost estimator based on address provides you with comprehensive input choices before estimating your costs. Even better: You may experiment with many combinations until you find the one that gives you the desired result!

  Select how many windows you are planning to replace according to the following types: Fixed picture windows-Large, Opening windows-Medium, Opening windows-Small, and Sliding glass patio doors. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change several factors to get new results on your estimate, like the square footage of each window. You can also select a window contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to replace your windows as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Air conditioning installation costs

  During the sweltering summer months, air conditioners are a need rather than simply a luxury. Most cooling systems survive between ten and twenty years. Your air conditioner's efficiency declines as it ages, frequently substantially. It frequently also becomes louder and requires more regular maintenance.

  Select if you are planning to install Central air (Only available for homes with forced-air heating) or Wall-mounted units in select rooms. In this case, select further which rooms will be involved and add the average ceiling height of your home. Add your address, footage, and the estimated value of the home. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change and add different values to refine your project, among them, if your home has dual panel windows and the age of your home. After this, you’ll be able to select an HVAC contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to install air conditioning for your home as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI)

• Recessed lighting costs

  Do not become overwhelmed by your recessed lighting installation. Make your light installation run more quickly and smoothly by following these instructions.

  Select which rooms will get new lights. After getting your result, you’ll be able to select a lighting contractor near you for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to install your recessed lights as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Garage remodel cost

  In addition to providing a location to keep your automobile, your garage has many other uses. This space is a crucial component of your home and may serve as a storage space, a workshop, a separate entrance, a possible living area, or even a recreation room.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new garage. After this, you can select what you want to add to your garage project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, and painting. After this, select how many car spaces will your garage have, as well as if you want space for people inside the garage or only car space. Also, add your address, footage, and estimated value, After getting your result, you can select a garage contractor for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost to renovate your garage as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Game Room costs

  Planning your gaming room remodeling far in advance is crucial. Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a game room. After this, you can select what you want to add to your game room project: flooring, lighting, painting, trimming, and cabinets. Add your address, footage, and estimated value, After getting your result, you can select a game room contractor for your project. You’ll see in the results section the cost for your game room, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• In-Law Suite costs

  Do not let the thought of renovating or installing a mother-in-law's room overwhelm you. To help your job move more quickly and smoothly, keep the following points in mind.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new in-law suite. After this, you can select what you want to add to your project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, trimming, and painting. Also, add your address, footage, and estimated value, After getting your result, you can change further information like crown molding and window and door surrounds. You can select a contractor for your project also. You’ll see in the results section the cost of your in-law project, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Foyer-Entryway

  You will enjoy the difference a foyer makes in defining your living area, especially in contemporary design homes, and it is a cheap home improvement project.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new foyer. After this, you can select what you want to add to your project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, and trimming. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change several factors to get new results on your estimate, like finish level (to get the most value, quality, or luxury). You’ll see in the results section the cost of your new foyer, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Dining Room

  Depending on the size of the room and your needs, remodeling the dining room can be a modest or significant undertaking. Functionality and aesthetics should be perfectly balanced in the renovated space.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new dining room. After this, you can select what you want to add to your project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, and trimming. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After getting your result, you’ll be able to change several factors to get new results on your estimate, like finish level (to get the most value, quality, or luxury). After this, you’ll see in the results section the cost of your new dining room, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Family Room

  A family room serves as a multipurpose space where you may host friends, watch TV, engage in game-playing, or organize any activity.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new family room. After this, you can select what you want to add to your project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, and trimming. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After this, you’ll see in the results section the cost of your new family room, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

• Home Theater

  The overall square footage of the room, the extent of the remodeling, your zip code, local labor prices, the quality and cost of the materials, and the finishing touches all affect how much your finished home theater will cost.

  Select if you are planning to remodel, expand or add a new home theater room. Select the width and length of the room, After this, you can select what you want to add to your project: Cabinets, flooring, lighting, and trimming. Add your address, footage, and estimated value. After this, you’ll see in the results section the cost of your new home theater, as well as how it will increase your home value (ROI).

Getting an estimate through Kukun’s home remodel cost estimator is easy. Just follow the steps below to get your personalized total remodel cost in less than a minute! Here are some general steps with their options:

Step 1: Project Selection
Choose the project/projects you want to estimate the cost for. The home renovation calculator will estimate the cost of each project and the return on your renovation investment. You can choose up to eight projects per calculation (You’ll be able to add more at the results page)

Step 2: Remodel information
We’ll ask you questions about the current state of the area you want to renovate, as well as the options you want to add.

Step 3: Additional information
With either your address or your zip code (The address will provide a more accurate result), we can combine the information you have supplied with our data algorithm to cover all the aspects of your remodeling project. We consider different external factors such as neighborhood location and gentrification around your home.

Step 4: Results section
After doing the calculations, we’ll provide you with a full result section where you’ll be able to see all the different aspects of your remodel, as well as the ROI/recoup value of your property along with the renovation cost estimate.

One of the many new cool features of the Costimator, after the calculations are done, you can easily adapt your remodel results if you want to add more luxury to your project, or if you want to focus on adding the most value to your property.

And of course, the Find A Contractor feature will connect you to the best contractors in your area that can help you make your dream project a reality, as well as financing options according to your needs.

Step 5: The detailed report
After you are satisfied with the results of your home remodel estimate, you can download a full report that will dive even further into the details, here you’ll see everything from materials and labor costs to a detailed cost description of each of the steps. You can also save your plan in case you want to revisit it later.

A new, 2,000-square-foot home may be constructed for as little as $185,000 on the low end of the cost spectrum. Most new homes cost between $320,000 and $340,000 on average.

High-end new build houses range in price from $500,000 and above, depending on your budget.

You will get an accurate estimate for all your remodeling projects. You can even run scenarios with your selections to arrive at a figure that best meets your budget.

With this estimate, you can analyze your finance options and apply for a loan by comparing offers from our trusted lending partners.

We offer you options for professional remodeling contractors near you, ranked by the Kukun reliability score. You can conveniently explore each contractor's profile, check out their online reviews, and view all their previous permits and type of work.

Is important that more often than not, a home renovation is cheaper than a home remodel because renovation is related to mostly cosmetic changes.

A typical home renovation involves modernizing the current interior or structural elements of the property without significantly altering its overall design, construction, or operational systems. Restoring an old structure to its original state is the aim of renovation.

Among the tasks of a house renovation we can find: redoing floors, refacing bathroom and kitchen walls, installing fixtures for your bathroom, replacing windows and doors, and refacing cabinets.

On the other hand, a house remodel involves making major projects. Major kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects, building a garage, adding a sunroom, among others.

An old house (more than 70 years old) will typically cost between $90,000 and $260,000 to renovate, or between $100 and $200 per square foot. Prices vary according to the property's historical worth and the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC improvements required to comply with code.

Is always a smart idea to consider ROI when you are renovating your home, doesn’t matter if you are not planning to sell at the moment. If you renovate smart, you’ll get the house of your dreams while also adding value to it.

There are projects that add more value to your home than others, and having this information will allow you to make some important decisions. By rule of thumb, the projects that cost less and do the most impact in the looks of your home will report the highest ROI, no matter where you are in the US.

Check the table below so you can have more information about your project's ROI for this current year.

As you can see, all of these remodels will bring you more than 50% of ROI, interestingly, painting the exterior of your house won’t bring you enough ROI as painting the interior of your home.

Roof or siding projects will give you a higher ROI if you are looking for exterior projects.

Projects like living room, family room and media rooms will report between 12 and 20% ROI.

Makes sense to think that the more you spend the more you’ll get in return for your remodel. But this is not always the case. When planning your remodel, considering your current home value is essential to make the calculations right and get the most ROI.

For example, if your home value is $300,000 you won’t get much in return if you make a full luxurious $55,000 bathroom remodel. But, if your home’s worth more than $2,000,000, spending this amount will give you a good ROI. For big expensive homes, adding a room will give you a good ROI and it’s one of your best opportunities for profit.

Another good tip is to not overlook updating your electrical and plumbing systems. Specially for old houses, these projects can report good earnings.

As a rule of thumb, if you are looking to increase your home value, it’s good to search for renovations that will have an ROI of 60% or more. Remember, that a whole of this will depend on where your home is and its value, so use our tools to get an accurate calculation based on these factors.

The average price per square foot for a room addition is between $120 and $240. Depending on the size and kind of the addition, the materials' quality and finish, the complexity of the architectural design, permits or inspections, and your zip code, the overall cost of a house addition might range from $30,800 to $84,000.

Each of the rooms on your house is associated with an estimated value of the total value of your home. Take a look at the following table to understand better this:

How much you spend on your home renovation project depends on the condition of the house, additions you want, and what’s comparable to your neighborhood values. It’s a good idea to invest enough to match your lifestyle requirements. You also need to keep your home’s value close to the values of the surrounding homes.

So, when it comes to budgeting for a renovation, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement. Keep in mind that an expensive remodel that costs tens of thousands of dollars might not bring a high ROI. Kukun’s home renovation calculator will help you with your budgeting and cost factors.

DO NOT spend more than what the room is worth when compared to the overall house value. For example, a kitchen’s value is 15% of the total house value. So, you shouldn’t spend more than $50,000 on a complete kitchen remodel if your home value is around $350,000. A master bathroom is worth 10% of the total house value. So, don’t spend more than $40,000 on a complete bathroom remodel.

A small bathroom or a powder room is valued at 5% of the total house value. A room addition is valued at the price of the square footage of the total home value, so if you can build for less than the selling price per square foot, you are ahead. A finished attic and finished basement are worth 10% to 15% of the total house value. A new roof is typically worth 4% of the house value and doesn’t warrant a renovation cost of more than $10,000 to 40,000.

It’s quite natural for homeowners, undertaking a whole house renovation, to wonder where to begin their remodeling from. The answer to that depends on the extent of damage, your remodeling budget, the scope of the renovation, your time frame, and whether you're renovating to sell your house or want to live there for years to come.

Here are a few guidelines to help your get started on a remodeling plan:

The first step is to fix all the problem areas of your house after a thorough home inspection. Address serious issues such as a leaky roof, mold and mildew, water damage, broken windows, a non-functional furnace or water heater, or any other structural problem.

Next, improve the look and functionality of your new home. Tackle a bathroom or kitchen renovation at this stage.

If you’re strapped for cash, consider just cosmetic updates such as adding a fresh coat of paint, replacing bathroom or kitchen sinks and hardware, refacing cabinets, adding crown moldings and good lighting.

Consider replacing your existing flooring in the entire home or of rooms that witness a lot of foot traffic.

Make your home more green and energy efficient -- perhaps by using an energy efficient roof like a metal roof, solar panels, new windows, insulation, and energy efficient kitchen appliances.

Install new siding, add new landscaping, build a deck, or add an outdoor patio.

If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, you can install radiant heat flooring, a swimming pool or a Jacuzzi tub.

A whole house renovation can take anywhere from two to eight months. Of course, the exact timeline depends on the scope of work, the availability of supplies, the availability of sub-contrctors, and more. Your general contractor will be able to give you a specific timeline.

Looking for a licensed professional? Let Kukun help you hire the best.

How much you spend on remodeling per square foot depends on the level of remodel you want. Needless to say, a low-end reno will cost you a lot less than a mid-range or a luxury renovation.

In the case of regular rooms, such as a home office, bedroom, or living room -- the remodeling cost per square foot is $20 to $35. A bathroom remodel costs between $80 to $220 per square foot. A kitchen remodel is even more expensive at $90 to $250 per square foot.

High-end whole-house remodel costs can go as high as $200 to $300 per square foot. The cost of fully gutting and remodeling a house ranges between $100 and $200 per square foot as it involves demolition work, structural and foundation work, as well as construction permits and dump fees. For a 2,000 square feet home, a gut remodel will cost a minimum of $100,000.

Completely remodeling a 3-bedroom house can cost you $25,000 to $150,000 -- depending on what needs to be done. It’s possible to renovate parts of your house for less than $50,000. The total cost will depend on the room's location, the type of room it is, and the cost of materials and labor. A DIY project instead of hiring professionals can decrease the costs even more. This is where a remodel cost estimator helps you create a feasible budget according to these factors.

The cost of a whole house renovation, for a 2,000 to 2,500 square feet house, starts at around $50,000 to $100,000, depending on where you live. This amount can give you all the major improvements. If you go a step up at $125,000, you may be able to include a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, higher end flooring, new windows, siding, roof, and a new deck.

A word of advice though, while considering quantity vs quality, always choose quality materials as they will last you longer.

Here’s a look at the average remodeling cost estimates based on house sizes: