Navigating Renovation vs. Remodel Costs for Every Room
The prospect of renovating or remodeling a home is both exciting and challenging. Understanding the costs associated with each room is crucial for effective budgeting and ensuring that the project aligns with financial expectations as well as the property’s inherent value.
In this guide, we'll break down realistic cost ranges for remodeling or renovating each room in your residence, differentiating between material and labor expenses. Keep in mind that all of these estimated expenses have many determining factors, such as the scope of the project, scale of the space, the agreed upon design, materials and the selected installers. Inflation is real friends, so I’m sharing some budget tips as well!
1. Kitchen: The Elevated Culinary Experience
Materials:
Cabinetry: Premium custom cabinets can range from $20,000 to $75,000.
Appliances: State-of-the-art appliances may cost between $20,000 and $40,000.
Countertops: Natural stone materials, such as marble, can range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Flooring: High-quality hardwood or higher-end tiles may cost between $15,000 and $35,000.
Labor:
Expert labor for a kitchen renovation can range from $30,000 to $60,000.
Budget Tips:
Pre-fabricated cabinets can go a long way — you can then allocate funds to customizing the fronts or use other resources, such as Semihandmade.
Use existing appliances, but keep in mind that your new cabinetry design will be based on these existing dimensions -- and should you decide down the line to upgrade the existing appliances, it may be difficult to find an exact fit or the cabinetry and countertops will need to be re-done.
Quartz, Quartzite or Sintered Stone are all great alternatives to more expensive natural stones.
If you’re planning to upgrade the cabinetry, and also want the floors updated — do the floors. There are plenty of less expensive alternatives out there, but if it’s a high-traffic area you don’t want to discredit quality (aka the wear-layer on wood flooring or the durability of the tile). Floors look very hodge-podge if installed as an after-thought or at a later date post renovations/remodels.
Design: Kerri-Ann Jones, Photography: Alicia Taylor
Design: Space A, Photography: Harry Crowder
The perfect budget kitchen examples.
Design: Marie Lecluyse
Design: GRT Architects, Photography: Nicole Franzen
Bathroom: Spa-Like Retreats
Materials:
Fixtures: Designer fixtures, including premium faucets, showerheads, and freestanding tubs, contribute to a spa-like atmosphere. Costs range from $10,000 to $30,000.
Tile Work: Intricate and luxurious tiles, possibly imported or custom-designed, create a stunning visual impact. Costs range from $20,000 to $40,000.
Vanity: Custom or designer vanities made from high-quality materials add a touch of opulence. Costs range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Labor:
Skilled labor for a high-value bathroom remodel includes expert tilers, plumbers, and electricians. Costs can range from $25,000 to $50,000.
Budget Tips:
There are plumbing fixtures for every budget. Delta, Kohler and Cal Faucets are great for mid-range. Kitchen and bath showrooms are also excellent sources as they usually carry a broad range of fixtures at varying price points.
Ceramic tile is probably the most cost effective, but porcelain tile is much more durable.
You can also create fun tile patterns with simple subway tile. Creativity is key :-)
Prefabricated vanities do exist. However, to configure the most effective storage solutions for your personal needs, custom is usually the way to go. If you don’t need a lot or any storage than ready-made vanities are for you.
If you don’t have a lot of countertop, shower walls or shower bench to cover then you might consider reaching out to a stone fabricator and inquiring as to what types of stone remnants they have left over. A lot of times you can get smaller, natural stone pieces at a much lower cost (rather than paying for a whole stone slab) from a stone fabricator who has pieces left over from previous jobs. Keep in mind that depending on how much you need to cover, you may be getting variations of the same stone from different pieces.
Design: Studio Esteta, Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Design: Leibal, Photography: Cathy Schusler
Design: Emily Lauren Interiors, Photography: Madeline Harper
Image via Jackalope Hotel
3. Living Room: Integrating Luxury and Comfort
Materials:
Flooring: Premium hardwood or custom-designed carpets can range from $15,000 to $35,000.
Paint and Trim: High-quality paint (specialty finishes are always on the more expensive side if outsourced - Limewash, Venetian Plaster, Roman Clay, etc.) and custom trim work may cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Furniture: A mix of custom and retail furniture can range from $30,000 to $80,000.
Labor:
Expert craftsmanship for a high-value living room renovation can range from $20,000 to $45,000.
Budget Tips:
If you are investing in your forever home, please, I beg of you, do not install LVT (luxury vinyl tile) in lieu of wood floors. The wood species and wear-layer is typically where the price fluctuates.
Paint and trim is one of the few categories I would confidently say you can DIY. I limewashed half of my apartment by myself and it was very labor intensive, but it is possible. See more about that in this blog post.
For furniture, I believe in a high and low investment ratio. Invest in some curated key pieces that have meaning to you and perhaps the rest is sourced as retail. Also, diversify; showcase meaningful pieces from travels, thrift from vintage markets or support a local artist that speaks to you. Art is personal and carries longevity, furniture can or will evolve over time as your taste does.
Design: Space Exploration Design
Design: Pierre Yovanovitch
Design: Kelly Wearstler
4. Bedroom: Your Personal Retreat
Materials:
Flooring: High-end carpeting or custom hardwood may range from $10,000 to $25,000.
Bedroom Furniture: A mix of custom and retail furniture can range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Lighting Fixtures: Custom lighting solutions may cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
Labor:
Superior craftsmanship for a high-value bedroom remodel can range from $15,000 to $35,000.
Budget Tips:
If trying to cover up existing flooring and not ready to replace it just yet, get a beautiful oversized rug (proportionate to the room of course).
I love lighting! It’s essentially jewelry for your home. But it can get very pricey. Alternative sourcing options could be Etsy, Chairish or even 1st Dibs (check that the wiring is for the US or EU based on your location) for more unique finds or anywhere from AllModern to Lamps Plus for inexpensive options.
Design: Christina Cole, Photography: Shade Degges
Design: Arent + Pyke, Image via Pinterest
Design: After Bach, Photography: Annick Vernimmen
Design: Paradowski Studio for PURO Hotel, Photography: Pion Studio
5. Dining Room: Entertaining Spaces Redefined
Materials:
Furniture: A mix of custom and retail furniture can range from $15,000 to $50,000.
Lighting: Statement chandeliers or custom lighting fixtures may cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Labor:
Skilled labor for a high-value dining room renovation can range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Budget Tips:
If this is going to be one of your featured rooms for entertaining, family dinners or casual gatherings than I vote to invest. You want to make sure this room covers form and function aka aesthetic, but also serves your needs (storage, bar or bar cabinet, enough seating so that you’re not using additional folding chairs).
Again, retail vs. custom for furniture and lighting will be the most cost efficient route. If you’re still looking for a “wow factor” then perhaps invest in a statement chandelier, eye-catching wallpaper or some paint and get creative with wall moulding/paneling.
You can also thrift some vintage furniture pieces and have it re-stained or reupholstered. I love having an old soul in a modern day home.
Design: Crystal Sinclair Designs, Photography: Nick Glimenakis
Design: Studio Ahead, Photography: Ekaterina Izmestieva
Design: Nathalie Deboel
Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel, Photography: Jessie Webster
6. Home Office: Productivity in Aesthetic Surroundings
Materials:
Furniture: High-quality office furniture may range from $10,000 to $30,000.
Built-ins: Custom-built shelving or cabinetry can cost between $15,000 and $35,000.
Labor:
Expert craftsmanship for a high-value home office remodel can range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Budget Tips:
Built-ins and custom storage solutions tailored to your needs is the ideal way to go. However, you can also utilize places like Ikea in this instance for storage solutions and add paint or unique hardware to make it more personalized.
Art also goes a long way when reinventing a space. Find something that tells a story, speaks to you and your personality.
Design: Willo Perron, Photography: Shade Degges
Design: Agnieszka Owsiany Studio
Design: Studio MTN, Photography: Shade Degges
Making a home your home is definitely an investment, but if you’re willing to get it done right the first time then it will ultimately cost less in the long run. If you’re working within a tight budget then maybe do one room at a time rather than purchasing inexpensive materials just to “get it done”. It’s the same analogy as we have “one body”, so we exercise, eat healthy, get manicures, a massage, etc. — because we not only want to feel good, but also look good. You want your home to look and feel good.
In your forever home or a residence of value, every room deserves a meticulous approach to renovation or remodel costs. The breakdown of material and labor expenses ensures a strategic investment that not only enhances the aesthetics and functionality of each space but also aligns with the inherent value of your home. Your home is a reflection of you.