Home Renovation Cost Estimator

Home renovation costs vary enormously by region, contractor availability, and material choices. That is why this estimator asks for your own cost per square foot instead of guessing one for you. A figure from a local quote, or from a recent job of the same kind in your area, beats any national average.

If you have nothing local yet, the table below gives rough US national averages per square foot, compiled from Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value reports and HomeAdvisor data. They are approximate 2026 planning figures, not contractor quotes, and real bids often land 30-50% away from them.

The calculator turns your rate into a range, from 20% under it to 30% over it. The spread is lopsided on purpose: renovations run over budget far more often than under.
A 150 sq ft mid-grade kitchen at $160 a square foot comes out at $24,000 in the middle, with a range of $19,200 to $31,200.

The three finish tiers roughly correspond to:

• Basic: builder-grade materials, standard fixtures, painted cabinets. Good for rental properties or pre-sale updates that need to look fresh without custom work.
• Mid-Grade: solid surface counters, mid-tier appliances, tile shower surrounds. What most owner-occupants choose when balancing quality and resale value.
• Premium: custom millwork, luxury appliances, stone everywhere. Rarely recoups full cost at resale but significantly improves daily living.

Labor typically accounts for 40-65% of total cost, which is why the same job can vary widely between contractors. Material costs have risen sharply since 2021. Always get three quotes, and add a 15-20% contingency for hidden problems (especially in older homes: water damage, outdated wiring, asbestos in pre-1980 buildings).

Kitchen remodels are the most variable because scope varies so much. A cosmetic refresh costs a fraction of a gut remodel. Bathroom costs per square foot are high because of intensive plumbing and tile work in a small area. Flooring costs depend heavily on material choice.