How much does a home renovation cost per square foot?
In 2026, home renovation costs in the US typically run $20 to $150 per square foot, depending on scope, finishes, and region. Kitchens and bathrooms — the most system-dense rooms — cost more, at roughly $100 to $250 per square foot, while full gut remodels can reach $200–$400+ per square foot.
Cost per square foot by scope
| Scope | Typical range (2026) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Light refresh | $15–$60 /sq ft | Paint, flooring, fixtures, cosmetic updates |
| Mid-range remodel | $60–$150 /sq ft | New finishes, some layout change, updated systems |
| Kitchen or bathroom | $100–$250 /sq ft | Cabinetry, counters, plumbing, electrical |
| Full/gut remodel | $200–$400+ /sq ft | Structural change, all-new systems and finishes |
light refresh
mid-range remodel
kitchen or bathroom
full / gut remodelFor whole-house projects, most homeowners spend between roughly $19,500 and $88,400, with averages around $52,000 for a 1,250–1,600 sq ft home.
Why the range is so wide
Three factors dominate: region (identical scope can vary 40–60% by market), systems touched (moving plumbing or walls costs far more than replacing finishes), and finish level. This is why per-square-foot averages are a starting point, not a budget — the same 200 sq ft kitchen can cost $20,000 or $60,000.
How to budget your specific project
National averages can't see your home. The order that saves money:
- Assess what your space allows before pricing what you want — scope built on the actual space avoids the most expensive changes (mid-project scope shifts).
- Get a feasibility read on which walls, systems, and layouts are actually in play.
- Price that realistic scope with 2–3 local contractors, with a 10–20% contingency.
A Formaus.ai renovation analysis handles step 1 and 2 from photos of your space — from $29, before you spend anything on design fees. See how it works.