How much do home renovations cost?

Home projects can increase the value of your home

There are lots of great reasons to renovate your home. If you are planning to live in your home for a while, renovating can make your house more practical and comfortable. If you plan to sell in the future, the right renovations can help your home sell faster.

Even better, renovations can increase your home’s value, equity, or sale price.

The possibilities for home improvements are endless, but some projects provide better value for your money. That’s because most home renovations do not pay a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment. Instead, they return a portion of the cost. For example, a $10,000 basement renovation might increase your home’s value by only $5,000.

Whether you are thinking of moving soon or want to stay in your house for a while, we have advice that can help you make the best choices for you!

What factors contribute to the cost of home renovations?

• The size of the room. Generally, a small room is more affordable to renovate than a big room, but it can vary, depending on the complexity of the project. Small bathrooms could be more expensive than a large bedroom, for example.
• Cost of materials. Appliances, cabinets, flooring, tile, and other materials can be costly, and, with recent supply chain challenges, you may have to spend more to get the things you want.
• The extent of the remodel. Are you just doing an update or gutting the whole area? Is it a week-long project or will it take several months? The longer the project duration, the more you will likely spend, especially on time and labor.
• The age of your home. When you break open the walls of older homes, you may find issues, like outdated wiring and plumbing or inefficient insulation. These can add surprise costs to your project!

Generally, kitchens and bathrooms cost the most, since they can include plumbing, electricity, cabinetry, appliances, flooring, and tiling. Bedrooms and living rooms are, generally, less expensive. Also, keep in mind that where you live will affect how much you will spend. Contractors and supplies could cost more in urban areas than in rural locations.

How much do popular home renovations cost?

Here are some national averages for the costs of popular renovations, plus their recoup value from the Remodeling Magazine 2021 Cost vs. Value Report . When you see "72 percent cost recouped," this means for each dollar you spend, the magazine estimates you will increase the value of your home by seventy-two cents.

1. Kitchen
2. Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $26,214, 72 percent cost recouped
3. Midrange major kitchen remodel: $75,571, 57 percent cost recouped
4. Bathroom
5. Midrange bath remodel: $24,424, 60 percent cost recouped
6. Midrange bathroom addition: $56,946, 53 percent recouped
7. Roof
8. Asphalt shingles replacement: $28,256, 60 percent recouped
9. Metal roof replacement: $46,031, 56 percent recouped
10. Doors and windows
11. Garage door replacement: $3,907, 93.8 percent recouped
12. Vinyl window replacement: $19,385, 68.6 percent recouped
13. Wood window replacement: $23,219, 67.4 percent recouped
14. Steel entry door replacement: $2,082, 65 percent recouped

Be aware that these are ranges and do not reflect hidden costs. It’s a good idea to add an extra 20 percent to your budget, just in case. Here are some examples of how project costs can creep up on you.

• Changing your mind. If you decide on an idea and change your mind, the contractor may have to redo work or pivot to incorporate the change. Try to keep to your initial decisions, or be aware that you may spend more if you change your plan after work has already started.
• Structural issues. You never know what you’ll find during a remodel until you open the walls or floors. There could be rot, pests, electrical issues, or water damage. Especially in an older home, be prepared for these surprise costs.
• Getting up to code. Inspectors can be part of renovation planning, so look for issues you might need to address. Your house may have been built before standards were put in place or by someone unfamiliar with local codes. Find out what inspections your renovation may need and what standards you might be required to meet.

Home renovations can help you enjoy your home more

According to The National Association of REALTORS®, 74 percent of homeowners have a greater desire to be in their home and 65 percent have increased their enjoyment after a remodeling project. While you want to get a good value, enjoying your home is priceless.

Consider how long you will live in your home when determining which projects to tackle. If you plan to stay in your home for some time, your priority may be comfort and better living, rather than increasing value for an upcoming sale.

Here are some top projects that appeal, not only to buyers, but also have a high resale value and consumer satisfaction rating, according to the latest 2019 Remodeling Impact Survey.

• Complete kitchen renovation. After completing the project, 93 percent of consumers have a greater desire to remain in their homes.
• Kitchen upgrade. After completing the project, 85 percent of consumers have a greater desire to remain in their homes. This improvement often helps close a sale, too.
• HVAC replacement. There was an 85 percent value recovered from the project.

Whatever home improvement projects you tackle, proper planning, budgeting, and realistic goals will help you set expectations to ensure that the investment, time, and value are well worth it.

Bank on your home: You can pay for home renovations with your home equity

At Freedom Mortgage, we can help you pay for home renovations with a cash out refinance. These refinances allow you to tap into the value of your home’s equity and get cash for important investments, like upgrading your home!

Last reviewed and updated February 2024 by Freedom Mortgage.