Home Renovation Cost — Full Breakdown (2025)

A practical, country-aware breakdown of renovation costs in 2025. Get realistic budget ranges, discover the hidden costs many homeowners forget, and learn when to hire a professional vs. DIY.

Illustration showing cost breakdown of a home renovation project
Illustration: typical renovation project — costs vary by scope and location.

Average renovation costs (typical projects)

These are ballpark ranges to help you start planning. Local labour and finish choices change the final price.

Kitchen remodel

Refresh: $6k–$15k • Full remodel: $15k–$60k+

Bathroom remodel

Partial: $4k–$10k • Full: $10k–$30k+

Basement finish

Basic: $8k–$20k • High-end: $20k–$60k+

Home addition

Rough per m²: $1,200–$3,500 / m² (varies widely)

Note: use the regional examples section below to refine these ranges for your market.

What affects the cost for your home renovation?

  • Project scope & size: complexity multiplies coordination and labour costs.
  • Materials & finishes: luxury stone, bespoke cabinets, and premium fixtures raise budgets quickly.
  • Labour rates & availability: local demand, union vs non-union, and specialist trades affect price.
  • Structural changes: moving walls or adding supports increases engineering and construction costs.
  • Access & logistics: site constraints, parking, and hoisting can add time and cost.
  • Timing & supply chain: material lead times and high season can push costs up.

Hidden costs to plan for

Plan a contingency of 10–20%. Common hidden items:

  • Permits & inspections — fees and multiple inspections can add up.
  • Utility upgrades — electrical panel, plumbing reroutes, HVAC changes.
  • Remediation — asbestos, lead or rot in older homes.
  • Skip/hire & waste — removal of debris, skip hire or disposal fees.
  • Temporary accommodation — if you must vacate during works.
  • Design & engineering fees — architect or structural engineer costs for complex work.

Smart ways to save (without compromising quality)

  1. Keep plumbing & layout: moving plumbing is expensive — reuse existing layouts when possible.
  2. Mix finishes: splurge on one high-impact item (countertop) and use mid-range elsewhere.
  3. Buy materials on sale: source tiles/fixtures during sales and supply them to the contractor.
  4. Bundle trades: hire a GC who coordinates trades — reduces coordination overhead.
  5. Phase non-urgent work: do cosmetic items later if budget is tight.

DIY vs Hiring a contractor

DIY saves labour cost but adds time and risk. For structural, electrical and plumbing — hire licensed pros.

Task DIY? Notes
Painting & minor tiling Yes Good savings but needs finish skill.
Structural alterations No Requires engineer & contractor; safety critical.
Plumbing & electrical No Licenced trades + inspections often required.

Regional examples & how to request local quotes

Sample averages — local markets vary a lot. Use these ranges to start planning, then confirm with at least 2–3 local contractors in your area.

United States

Small kitchen: $12k–$25k. Bathroom: $8k–$20k.

Where to find contractors & verify credentials:

United Kingdom

Kitchen refit: £8k–£25k. Bathroom refit: £5k–£15k.

Where to find contractors & check permits:

Canada

Regional variation is high — get local contractors for firm quotes.

Where to find contractors & guidance:

  • HomeStars — Canadian reviews & pro profiles.
  • CMHC — housing & renovation resources.

Germany

Costs vary by region — cite local builders for accurate quotes.

Where to find contractors & official guidance:

How to request accurate local quotes

  1. Prepare a short scope: list rooms, key finishes, and any structural work so each contractor quotes the same scope.
  2. Request 2–3 quotes: compare line-by-line and ask contractors to itemise materials vs labour.
  3. Check credentials & references: verify licences, insurance and 2 recent project references (photos where possible).
  4. Ask about timing & contingency: confirm lead times for materials and include a contingency (10–20%).

Helpful resources: How to choose a contractor (US Consumer Advice) · Find local council (UK)

How to build a realistic estimate

  1. List scope in detail: room-by-room tasks, materials, fixtures and finishes.
  2. Get 2–3 quotes: use identical scopes so bids are comparable.
  3. Include contingency: 10–20% depending on risk & property age.
  4. Track costs: use a spreadsheet or our Budget Planner to log quotes and change orders.

Download the Budget Planner to record quotes and calculate contingencies: Get the Budget Planner

Frequently asked questions

Need help with accurate pricing?

Homeowners: download the Budget Planner. Contractors: visit the Contractors hub to grow leads.