How Much Does it Cost to Remodel Multiple Rooms?

On This Page:

1. Planning How Extensive Your Renovations Will Be
• Adding Square Footage/Knocking Down Walls
• Basement
• Plumbing, Electrical & Structural
• Permits
2. The Money Areas
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Appliances
• HVAC
• Roof
3. Other Considerations That Will Affect Cost
• Size/Age of Home
• Permits

Remodeling even one room can seem like an overwhelming prospect, but tackling multiple rooms or a whole-house remodel requires careful planning, preparation and budgeting. The good news is that you can save a substantial amount of time and money by tackling multiple rooms at the same time. Being able to have labor working on multiple areas of your home at once increases the efficiency of the project and reduces your contractor costs.

Estimating costs on how to remodel a house is a daunting task. There are many factors and multiple variations that contribute to the bottom line of this project, including the size of each room, underlying problems that could arise, the cost of the materials and the extent of the remodel. To give you a good starting point, we’ve gathered information on some of the most popular remodeling projects around your home. Read on for an estimate of what you can expect to spend depending on the extensiveness of the job.

Planning How Extensive Your Renovations Will Be

The amount of work required for your renovations is directly proportional to the cost of the project. Keep in mind that many of your renovations not only add to your ability to enjoy your home, but they also often add resale value and equity. To give you a foundation of what to expect, look at some of the average costs for some of the most popular renovations.

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Adding Square Footage/Knocking Down Walls

Removing interior walls and adding square footage are two popular renovations that can make a big difference in how you use your space. Like any project, you can expect to encounter a range of complexity and corresponding prices. For example, knocking down an interior wall costs $300 to $500, with demolition and removal costs factored into the price. Many factors can increase the cost, including:

• Load-Bearing Walls: These walls help support the home, which means removing them requires careful planning, often with the guidance of a structural engineer. This also requires additional framing and installing a header beam to replace the support that the wall provides.
• Walls with Mechanicals: If the wall you want to remove has plumbing, cooling or heating ducts or electrical wiring, you can expect price increases.
• Textured Walls and Ceilings: While tearing out studs typically costs $4 to $6 per square foot, most experts recommend retexturing the entire area to match the old and new areas, which costs more than simpler finishing
• Got Lead?: Older homes may have lead paint or lath-and-plaster walls, which require longer, more intricate removals that have higher costs.

Adding square footage can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $100,000, with homeowners spending an average of $40,915. Again, this all depends on the extent of the addition and the finishing materials you choose.

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Basement

Remodeling the basement can be a very big job, depending on the condition of the area and the remodeling house plan. Factors such as installing floors, building walls, adding electrical or plumbing lines and furnishing the room all contribute to the overall price, which averages $18,711. Most homeowners spend between $10,579 and $27,000, with some remodels costing more than $40,000.

The square footage of your basement and the cost of the materials are the main factors in this project. One of the priciest remodel options involves adding a bathroom in the basement, which requires hiring a plumber, installing plumbing and choosing all the necessary fixtures. If you're adding a guest suite, you might consider adding a full bathroom, but skipping the bathroom or adding a more cost-effective half bath might be sufficient if you're using the basement as extra living space.

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Plumbing, Electrical, Structural

The cost of hiring a contractor to remodel a house is one thing, but if you’re changing the layout of your bathroom or knocking down a wall that contains plumbing, you need to hire a plumber, too. Below is a list of the average prices you can expect to pay if you need to have plumbing, electrical or structural work completed:

• Plumbers: The average cost of hiring a plumber is $299. Plumbers may charge by the job or by the hour. Average hourly costs range from $45 to $150, although calling a plumber for an emergency or after-hours project typically costs more.
• Electricians: The average cost of hiring an electrician is $322. Like plumbers, many electricians charge by the hour. Typical costs range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the amount of experience the electrician has and the intricacy of the work you need completed.
• Structural Engineers: If you’re planning an addition, changing the stairs or knocking down load-bearing walls, you’d be well-advised to consult with a structural engineer to make sure your plans can be completed safely. Homeowners typically spend $512 to hire a structural engineer, according to the national average.

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Permits

Before you begin any remodeling home projects, check with your local authorities to determine the permits required for the work. Most state and local authorities require permits to make sure all the work is done according to building codes. To save time and money, get all the necessary permits before beginning work. The national average cost of getting a building permit for a remodeling project runs $911.

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The Money Areas

Whether they’re living in the home, preparing to move in or getting ready to sell, most homeowners choose to renovate the big money areas first, including the kitchen, bathroom, appliances, HVAC and the roof. When it comes to budgeting for these projects, it all comes down to the materials, quality and complexity of each project you’re planning.

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Kitchen

The average cost of kitchen remodels comes in at $20,474, with homeowners spending anywhere from $4,500 for small kitchen remodels to $49,000 or more for high-end projects. The National Kitchen and Bath Association estimates that the top expenses include cabinetry/hardware (29%), installation (17%), appliances (14%), countertops (10%) and flooring (7%).

The caliber of the materials you choose has a huge impact on the look of your kitchen and the cost. For example, consider the following average costs in each major category:

Cabinets:

• Stock cabinets ($80–$400/each)
• Semi-custom cabinets ($150–$1,000/each)
• Custom cabinets ($500–$1,500/each)
• Refinished cabinets ($1,400–$3,500/total)

Countertops:

• Concrete ($2,600 –$5,300)
• Laminate ($1,200–$2,000)
• Solid surface ($1,500–$3,000)
• Stone ($4,000–$7,000)

Flooring:

• Laminate ($2,500)
• Ceramic tile ($1,300)
• Vinyl ($1,000)
• Stone ($1,400)
• Wood ($4,000)

Common Kitchen Renovations

There’s a wide range of options for remodeling your kitchen. Below is a list of some of the popular projects based on the scale of the remodeling job.

• Small Kitchen Remodels: Small projects typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 and include projects such as upgrading to environmentally friendly lighting, faucets, appliances and windows. Other popular projects include adding storage, installing a counter extension and knocking out a wall to combine the kitchen and dining area.
• Mid-Range Remodels: Most people opt for a moderate remodeling job that includes upgrading the faucet and sink, adding a new tile backsplash, painting the walls and ceilings and installing stock cabinets or refinishing the existing ones. For $10,000 to $15,000, you can expect to do some of the work yourself, leaving only the necessary tasks to the pros. Additionally, at this price point, your countertop options include less-expensive materials such as vinyl, laminate or tile. For $15,000 to $30,000, you can leave most of the work to the professionals, install custom cabinets and invest in higher-end counters such as granite, stone, wood or metal.
• High End Kitchen Remodels: For a price of $30,000+, you can choose custom cabinetry, granite counters, high-end EnergyStar appliances, new overhead lighting, hardwood flooring and a new sink and faucet.

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Bathrooms

Like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling projects come with a wide range of prices depending on the caliber of the cabinets, counters and fixtures you choose. For example, installing new cabinets can run anywhere from several hundred dollars for a modest stock vanity to $13,000 for a large custom job. The following list provides an estimation of what each component runs, depending on whether you choose basic, mid-range or high-end options.

Basic

Stock cabinets, laminate or tile counters, and basic tubs, light fixtures, shower heads, sinks and toilets all offer a fresh look with relatively low price tags.

• Bathtub:$400–$1,500
• Cabinets: $1,200–$3,500
• Countertops: $900–$2,000
• Flooring: $800–$2,000
• Lighting Fixtures: $120–$900
• Shower: $450–$2,000
• Sink: $190–$900
• Toilet: $130–$250

Mid-Range

Semi-custom cabinets cost a little more, but you get more choices regarding the finish and size. Solid surface or granite counters and upgraded fixtures add a stylish look for a higher price.

• Bathtub: $2,600–$4,100
• Cabinets: $4,700–$7,000
• Countertops: $2,800–$4,100
• Flooring: $2,500–$3,600
• Lighting Fixtures: $1,100–$1,700
• Shower: $3,000–$4,800
• Sink: $1,400–$2,300
• Toilet: $340–$480

High-End

Custom cabinetry is the gold standard for rooms with odd dimensions, and it usually comes in exotic wood choices with the greatest variety of finishes. Granite, stone and quartz counters are popular choices, along with luxe fixtures such as jetted tubs and multiple shower heads.

• Bathtub: $6,000–$8,000
• Cabinets: $8,000–$13,000
• Countertops: $5,000–$6,500
• Flooring: $5,000–$7,000
• Lighting Fixtures: $2,500–$4,000
• Shower: $6,000–$10,000
• Sink: $3,500–$6,500
• Toilet: $550–$780

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Appliances

When it comes to appliances, you have a lot to consider. While the costs can easily skyrocket, limiting your options to bare-bone basics can be counterproductive. For example, if you love to cook, splurging on a six-burner stove will enhance your enjoyment and the functionality of your kitchen. Likewise, opting for pricier EnergyStar appliances can ultimately save you money on your energy bills.

Stainless steel remains a trend-driven finish that’s popular with many homeowners. Other options include smudge-resistant slate, black stainless steel, white, ivory and black. Some homeowners opt for colorful appliances to add a fun pop to the kitchen. The following list includes estimated costs based on appliance categories:

• Basic/Discount: $100–$2,000 depending on the number of features
• High-End Store Bought Appliances: $300–$5,000
• EnergyStar Appliances: $200–$3,500
• Custom Built-in Appliances: $1,000–$10,000

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HVAC

You have many different options when it comes to choosing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Replacing an old or inefficient model can increase the comfort in the home, while choosing one with energy efficiency can save money on your future utility bills. When you're replacing your HVAC, it's also a good time to evaluate your home's insulation, which helps prevent heat loss during winter and helps keep your home cooler in summer. Popular brands include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Coleman and Lennox, all of which retail for $1,900 to $4,900. Other common tasks and average costs associated with your in-home climate control options are as follows:

• Installing a New AC Unit: $5,234
• Installing a Furnace: $3,942
• Installing a Heat Pump: $5,285
• Installing Insulation: $1,533
• Installing Ducts and Vents: $1,050

Switching over to solar power is another option, but the price for this project averages $19,584. Many states and local agencies offer incentives for installing solar panels, and you can expect to save money on energy bills down the road.

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Roof

Most roofing materials only last 20 to 30 years, which necessitates periodic repairs and replacement, depending on the material used. For example, tile, slate and copper roofs can last 50 years or longer, while asphalt shingle roofs last 20 years. The average cost for replacing a roof is $6,838, although the final price depends on factors such as the roof size, roof pitch, the type of application and the materials.

• Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing type; professional installation costs $1,700–$8,400
• Wood shake looks nice but it deteriorates quickly and requires maintenance; costs $6,800–$20,000 for genuine wood or $12,600–$18,900 for simulated wood
• Metal roofs last long, come in variety of finishes and offer an impervious cover that makes them both functional and attractive; costs range from $5,100–$24,200 for steel and aluminum or $25,500–$39,600 for copper
• Tile roofs are easy to replace and typically last long; costs range from $7,650–$60,000 depending on the material and the amount of customization
• Slate is another long-lasting choice; it delivers a natural look at a cost of $17,000–$120,000 depending on the size and complexity of the job

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Other Considerations That Will Affect Cost

When you get estimates from potential contractors, it’s important to discuss all the potential extras that could contribute to the overall price of this project. Major cost considerations include the size and age of your home and any permits that you need to acquire.

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Size/Age of Home

The size and age of your home are two other important factors, particularly if you have an older house. Newer homes typically have easier access to wiring, plumbing and ventilation. In general, the older the home, the more hidden costs may be lurking behind those doors and walls. For example, older homes may require additional work to bring wiring, plumbing and other features up to date, making your remodel a more expensive, time-consuming prospect.

Likewise, the larger your home is, the more you can expect to pay for remodeling multiple rooms. For example, remodeling a whole house that’s fewer than 1,000 square feet costs an average of $18,347, while a 3,000- to 4,000-square foot home costs an average of $36,121.

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Permits

Don’t wait to get your permits. If you have all the necessary permits in place, your contractor can get right to work. If you wait and the contractor has to secure the permits before getting started, it can end up costing you additional money in labor charges. Homeowners spend anywhere from $100 to $3,000 in permit fees, with most homeowners spending $398 to $1,456. Homeowners who skip this step run the risk of having to pay hefty fines. Permits are frequently required for:

• New Construction: Building a new home or a new structure on the property such as a garage, guest house or gazebo
• Additions: This applies whether you're adding a deck or a porch, or an entire room
• Major Renovations: Whether you're restoring a home's vintage charm or remodeling an outdated kitchen, you most likely need a permit
• Structural Changes: If you're removing or adding walls, finishing the basement, finishing the attic or changing the load-bearing structure of the home, getting a permit is very important to avoid having your home ruled as unsafe
• Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Work: From installing outdoor lighting to replacing the garage door, many of these projects require a permit

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