Cost Estimators · Construction
Home Remodel Cost Per Sq Ft Calculator
Enter your remodel area and scope to instantly estimate your home renovation cost per square foot.
Home remodel costs vary more than almost any other project — a cosmetic refresh costs a fraction of a full gut renovation. The biggest mistake homeowners make is budgeting per sq ft without accounting for scope. Use this calculator alongside your project scope to set a realistic number before hiring a contractor.
Enter an area above to see your estimate
Using national average: $50–$200/sq ft
Estimates are based on national averages and are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material choice.
Example: 1,500 sq ft home remodel
Area
1,500
sq ft
Low Estimate
$75,000
@ $50/sq ft
High Estimate
$300,000
@ $200/sq ft
Based on national average rates of $50–$200/sq ft. Actual costs will vary by location and contractor.
How much does a home remodel cost per square foot?
A cosmetic remodel (paint, fixtures, flooring) costs $15–$40 per sq ft. A mid-range remodel (new kitchen, bathrooms, updated systems) runs $50–$150 per sq ft. A full gut renovation — down to the studs — costs $100–$250 per sq ft. Whole-house remodels of older homes in poor condition can exceed $300/sq ft when structural, electrical, and plumbing work is required. Kitchen and bathroom remodels have the highest cost-per-sq-ft of any room due to the density of trades involved.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft (cosmetic) | $7,500 | $25,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft (mid-range) | $50,000 | $150,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (mid-range) | $75,000 | $225,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (full gut) | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (full gut, luxury) | $250,000 | $700,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at $50–$200/sq ft installed. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and project complexity.
What affects construction cost per square foot?
Remodel scope
Cosmetic-only remodels (paint, flooring, fixtures) cost $15–$40/sq ft. Mid-range remodels updating kitchens, bathrooms, and systems run $50–$150/sq ft. Full gut renovations stripping to the studs cost $100–$250/sq ft. Scope is the single biggest cost variable — be precise with your contractor.
Electrical & plumbing updates
Older homes often need electrical panels upgraded from 100A to 200A ($1,500–$4,000) and plumbing replaced from galvanised or lead pipes. These hidden costs can add $10,000–$40,000 to an otherwise straightforward remodel.
Kitchen & bathroom density
Kitchens and bathrooms cost $150–$500+/sq ft to remodel due to the concentration of cabinetry, plumbing, tile, and appliances. A 100 sq ft kitchen remodel can easily cost $25,000–$75,000 — far above any whole-house average.
Home age & condition
Homes built before 1980 often have asbestos, lead paint, or knob-and-wiring — all of which require remediation before work can proceed. Remediation adds $2,000–$30,000+ depending on extent and material type.
Permits & inspections
Structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC changes require permits in most jurisdictions. Permit costs vary from $500 to $5,000+. Unpermitted work creates problems at resale and is not covered by homeowner's insurance.
Location
Remodel costs in high-cost cities (San Francisco, NYC, Boston) run 50–100% above national averages. Even within a metro, suburban contractor rates can be 20–30% below city rates for the same scope of work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home remodel cost per square foot?
A cosmetic remodel costs $15–$40/sq ft. A mid-range renovation runs $50–$150/sq ft. A full gut renovation costs $100–$250/sq ft. For a 1,500 sq ft home, expect $75,000–$225,000 for a mid-range remodel and $150,000–$375,000 for a full gut renovation.
What adds the most cost to a home remodel?
Kitchens and bathrooms are by far the most expensive rooms per square foot to remodel due to the concentration of trades — plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, tile, and appliances. Moving walls or load-bearing structures also adds significant cost through structural engineering and added labour.
How long does a whole-house remodel take?
A cosmetic remodel of a 1,500 sq ft home takes 4–8 weeks. A mid-range renovation takes 3–6 months. A full gut renovation of an older home can take 6–18 months, especially if structural, electrical, or remediation work is required.
Should I move out during a home remodel?
For cosmetic updates in one area, you can usually stay. For a full gut renovation or any work involving asbestos/lead remediation, moving out is strongly recommended — both for safety and to let trades work faster without working around occupants.
What is the ROI on a home remodel?
Kitchen remodels return 60–80% of cost. Bathroom remodels return 50–70%. Whole-house remodels in strong markets can return 50–60%. The best ROI goes to projects that bring a home to neighbourhood standards — over-improving beyond local comps rarely returns full value.