You can expect to pay anywhere between $18,000 to $76,500 to remodel multiple rooms in your home
Do you want to remodel your home but not sure how much it will cost? Remodeling jobs can vary significantly in terms of square footage and the number of rooms you want to remodel. You’ll find the cost of remodeling multiple rooms runs from $18,000 to $76,500, with a $47,000 average nationwide.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel by Square Foot?
The cost average ranges from $10 to $60 per square foot, but can go up to $150 per square foot. The price ranges depend on what rooms in the house are being renovated and where you live.
For example, kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to bring up to date. Bedrooms, living rooms, and basements are on the lower end. And cities with higher costs of living might end up costing double what you'd pay in a more rural place.
How Much Can I Renovate for My Budget?
A typical 2,500-square-foot home will cost anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000 for a whole-house renovation. Here’s what you could get based on your budget:
Low-End: $15,000–$45,000
By spending on the lower-end on home renovations, you can get minor updates and cosmetic changes that will make it feel like new. Trim, paint, landscaping, new floors, and countertops are all possible in this price range.
“Paint is the magic renovation secret,” says Bob Tschudi, an Expert Review Member and Raleigh, N.C.-based general contractor. “A freshly painted room, including ceilings and trim, makes it look like new.”
Mid-Range: $46,000–$70,000
The mid-range of a whole-house renovation includes everything you see on the lower-end, like trim, paint, floors, and countertops. Plus, you can afford a full kitchen or bath remodel and high-end flooring like hardwood or marble.
High-End: $71,000–$200,000
This high-end budget includes everything new: trim, paint, landscaping, high-end flooring, a full kitchen, and a bathroom remodel. Plus, you can get high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, structural updates (like a new layout), new electrical and foundation changes.
“If the homeowner is flexible, there are ways to get a high-end look at a lower budget,” says Bob Tschudi. “For example, a bathroom remodel with a new tub and shower, vanity, fixtures and lights using the same locations costs significantly less than a remodel that requires plumbing, HVAC or electrical location changes.”
What Factors Influence the Cost to Renovate Multiple Rooms?
There are many cost factors that you should think about when planning to renovate multiple rooms, including:
The Cost of a General Contractor
Remodeling a home takes professional expertise. Building codes, plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical wiring, and structural changes all require know-how.
Of course, cosmetic upgrades like paint and trim could be a DIY project that you could tackle. But if you need a new wall or to move a wall, or a gut, then seeking a professional is less-risky. Otherwise, you could end up with a home that's not structurally sound, which may lead to more problems down the road, such as diminished resale value and personal or property damage.
Sourcing General Contractor Rates
You may even save money by doing multiple renovations at the same time. You'll be working with the same crew, and you can consolidate services (like flooring). Connect to three contractors to collect a few quotes on your project. And make sure the contractor you hire presents a bid and a remodeling contract with everything necessary for the entirety of the job.
General Contractor Rates by Location
The overall labor cost varies from state to state due to the local cost of living, the number of rooms to remodel, the types of rooms, and the extent of services. Here's what you can expect to pay when hiring a contractor, by state:
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $15,000–$66,000 |
| California | $50,000–$120,000 |
| Colorado | $14,000–$61,000 |
| Maine | $10,000–$28,000 |
| Nebraska | $16,000–$46,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000–$42,000 |
| South Carolina | $27,000–$54,000 |
| Wisconsin | $22,000–$81,000 |
Number of Rooms
The number of rooms you're renovating will have a significant impact on your overall cost. The size and layout of the room(s) will also affect your price. The more square footage that needs work, the longer it takes to complete, and you need larger quantities of materials.
Types of Rooms
The cost of remodeling various rooms in your home varies based on the work you need. For example, your bedroom might only require new flooring, painting services, and lighting installation. You might need a small or basic room like a basement, laundry room or garage remodel, which don’t take much to change. Meanwhile, a kitchen may call for plumbing, cabinetry, and countertops.
The most challenging rooms to update are:
Kitchen Remodel: $12,500–$35,000+
Bathroom Remodel: $6,000–$15,000+
Basement Remodel: $11,000–$29,000+
Extent of Services
The extent of your renovation plays a large part in the prices. If you are renovating an older house, it will be more pricey to gut the rooms and install new electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems.
The cost of your project will depend on the location, condition of your property, and square footage of each room.
Construction or Labor Rates
Note that the labor rate for various trades varies from $20 to $150 per hour or more. When planning your home remodel, make sure you know these subcontractor rates:
General contractors: Cost 10–20% of the total project
Architects and structural engineers: $120–$250 per hour
Interior designers: $50–$200 per hour
Kitchen designers: $65–$250 per hour
Painters: $20–$50 per hour
Plumbers: $70–$120 per hour
Electricians: $50–$100 per hour
HVAC technicians: $50–$150 per hour
Landscapers: $50–$150 per hour
Materials, Equipment, and Supplies
Remodeling multiple rooms can cost more, depending on the materials you use. Types of drywall, flooring types like laminate, or high-end kitchen countertops like marble all impact the cost. If any additional supplies or equipment are necessary, you can expect to pay more as well.
A large-scale renovation project like a remodel shouldn't be cheap. Lower price points are more for cosmetic work like paint, trim, or flooring changes. Expect to pay a large percentage of your budget for things like your kitchen counters, custom cabinets, and appliances.
Permits, Codes, and Unexpected Services
Planning a renovation from the start means you should prepare in advance. Permits, building codes, and any hidden problems like termite infestations or water damage to structural components could add to costs.
To remodel multiple rooms, plan to get a permit if you need to do any of these things:
Remove and add walls
Finish the basement or attic
Change electrical features
Change plumbing features
Change “mechanical” (HVAC) features
Remodeling Costs for Multiple Rooms FAQs
Why should I remodel my home?
Remodeling your home is a decision that requires significant consideration, and there are many personal and financial reasons to do so. You might decide to sell your home for a profit down the line. Or maybe your family is growing, and your home needs to grow with you, or your home is in dire need of a facelift. There are pros and cons to consider, but overall you should make sure doing so benefits your home’s value along with your quality of life.
“After an event such as a water leak in a bathroom, some homeowners will decide to remodel instead of repair,” says Bob Tschudi. “Since they were already going to have to pay for the repair, having a total remodel can turn a bad experience into a positive outcome.”
What should I consider when I remodel multiple rooms?
Get estimates from a few contractors. Then, consider any potential extras that may contribute to the price of your remodeling project. There are finer details to consider as well, including:
Permits: Building permits range in cost from $400 to $1,800. Most state and local authorities require permits. Always make sure you check with your municipality before beginning any work.
Construction or labor rates: The cost varies based on labor rates for various tradespeople. Rates range from $20 to $150 per hour or more depending on the room like a kitchen, basement, or garage remodel.
Floorplan changes: Structural engineers charge $300 to $700, depending on the complexity and size. If you're planning an addition or changing stairs, you should consult with a structural engineer for safety.
HVAC: The costs of HVAC units can be anywhere from $500 to $7,200 or more depending on the brand like Coleman, Amana, or American Standard.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
When remodeling multiple rooms of your home, it may be the best time for tackling other projects by going with a pro in your area who knows how to fix small things around your home, make brand new cabinets for your remodel, or change out carpet for a fresh look.
