A full home renovation in 2025 costs between $100,000 and $400,000 for most homes. The final price depends on your home’s size, the materials you choose, and how much work needs doing. Expect to pay roughly $100 to $200 per square foot for a complete overhaul.
Renovating your whole house is expensive. There’s no sugar-coating it. But knowing what you’re getting into helps you plan better and avoid nasty surprises.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s talk real costs. A 2,000 square foot home typically runs $200,000 to $400,000 for a full renovation. A smaller 1,200 square foot house? You’re looking at $120,000 to $240,000.
These aren’t small numbers. But they cover everything, new kitchen, updated bathrooms, fresh flooring, paint, electrical work, plumbing, the works.
Kitchen Renovations Eat Your Budget
The kitchen takes the biggest bite. A full kitchen remodel costs $30,000 to $80,000. That includes new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring.
Want marble countertops and custom cabinets? Add another $20,000 to $30,000. Going with laminate and stock cabinets? You’ll save $15,000 to $25,000.
We always tell people to splurge a bit on the kitchen. It’s where you spend most of your time, and it adds serious value to your home.
Bathroom Updates Add Up Fast
Bathrooms come second in cost. A full bathroom renovation runs $15,000 to $35,000 per bathroom. If you’ve got three bathrooms, do the math – it gets pricey quick.
This covers new tiles, fixtures, vanities, and plumbing work. Want a fancy rain shower or heated floors? Tack on another $5,000 to $10,000.
Flooring Throughout the House
New flooring for your entire home costs $8,000 to $25,000. Hardwood costs more than laminate. Tile costs more than vinyl. Your choice here makes a big difference.
Hardwood runs $8 to $15 per square foot installed. Laminate goes for $3 to $7 per square foot. Quality matters. Cheap flooring looks cheap and wears out fast.
Electrical and Plumbing Work
You can’t see this stuff, but it’s critical. Updating electrical systems costs $8,000 to $15,000. New plumbing runs $5,000 to $12,000.
Older homes need more work here. If your house was built before 1980, budget extra. Old wiring and pipes cause problems down the road if you ignore them.
Painting and Drywall
Fresh paint transforms a space. Painting your entire home costs $5,000 to $12,000. Add drywall repairs? That’s another $2,000 to $5,000.
Professional painters work fast and get clean lines. DIY saves money but takes forever and often looks messy.
What Drives Costs Up?
Several things make renovations more expensive. Structural changes cost big money. Knocking down walls, adding windows, or changing layouts requires engineers and permits.
High-end materials obviously cost more. But they also last longer and look better. Sometimes spending extra upfront saves you money later.
Location matters too. Renovating in Toronto or Vancouver costs 20% to 30% more than smaller cities. Labor is pricier in big cities.
How to Save Money
You don’t have to blow your budget. Here are smart ways to cut costs without cutting corners.
Keep the same layout. Moving plumbing and electrical adds thousands. Work with what you’ve got when possible.
Mix high and low. Splurge on things people see and touch. Save on things hidden behind walls.
Do some work yourself. Painting, demolition, and basic prep work are DIY-friendly. Leave the technical stuff to pros.
Shop sales and clearance. Floor models, overstock, and discontinued items work just fine and cost 30% to 50% less.
Timeline Matters Too
Full renovations take three to six months. Rushed jobs cost more because contractors charge premium rates for quick turnarounds.
Living elsewhere during renovation adds costs. Budget $2,000 to $5,000 monthly for temporary housing if needed.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Always get three quotes minimum. Prices vary wildly between contractors. A detailed written estimate protects you from surprise charges.
Ask for references and check their work. Cheap contractors often do cheap work. You’ll pay more fixing their mistakes.
Final Thoughts
A full home renovation is a major investment. But it gives you the house you want without the hassle of moving. Plan carefully, budget extra for surprises, and hire good contractors.
Most people spend 10% to 15% more than their initial budget. Things come up once walls are open. Keep $15,000 to $30,000 as a cushion for unexpected issues.
Done right, a full renovation adds serious value to your home and makes daily life better. That’s worth the cost and headache for most homeowners.