2026 guide · Costs by room & work

Renovation Cost
guide by room

What a renovation really costs, room by room and work by work — so you budget without surprises.

Cost per room Cost per work type Budget tips
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Part 1 · The reality

Budgeting a renovation

A renovation is priced room by room and line by line: kitchens and bathrooms cost the most, painting and tiling are priced per square meter.

Always keep a 10–20% contingency for surprises — cracks, wiring, plumbing — and get 2–3 detailed quotes.

Average cost by room

Indicative ranges for a standard renovation (2026).

Room Budget Mid-range Premium
Kitchen $15,000 $20,000 $30,000+
Bathroom $8,000 $12,000 $20,000+
Living room $2,000 $4,000 $8,000+
Bedroom $1,500 $3,000 $5,000+
Hallway $1,500 $2,500 $4,000+
Home office $2,000 $4,000 $6,000+
Basement $15,000 $25,000 $50,000+
Full house $40,000 $70,000 $100,000+
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Cost by work type

Price per m² or per point, labor included.

Work Range Unit
Interior painting $25 – 60 / m²
Wallpaper install $10 – 25 / m²
Laminate flooring $10 – 20 / m²
Hardwood flooring $25 – 50 / m²
Tile install $20 – 60 / m²
Drywall (install + finish) $15 – 25 / m²
Electrical (per point) $100 – 250 / point
Plumbing (per fixture) $500 – 2,000 / fixture
Kitchen cabinets (refacing) $3,000 – 8,000 / kitchen
Bathroom vanity install $800 – 2,500 / unit

Tips to control the budget

1

Get 2–3 detailed quotes and compare like for like — not just the total price.

2

Keep a 10–20% contingency for surprises hidden behind walls and floors.

3

Prioritize: kitchens and bathrooms return the most at resale.

4

DIY painting and demolition; leave electrical, plumbing and gas to the pros.

5

Buying materials yourself can cut costs, but check the quote conditions.

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Glossary
Quote
A detailed written estimate of the work and costs. Always get several.
Square meter — the standard unit for paint and flooring.
Labor
The share of cost going to tradespeople, often 50–60% of a job.
Structural renovation
Work on load-bearing walls or roofing that may need a permit.
Return on investment
The share of renovation cost recovered at resale.
Contingency
Unplanned costs (wiring, damp) — hence the 10–20% buffer.
FAQ

Renovation FAQ

Which room costs most to renovate?
The kitchen and bathroom. A full kitchen often starts at $15,000, a bathroom at $8,000, due to plumbing, electrical and finishes.
How much does a full renovation cost?
Expect $40,000–100,000 for an entire house at mid-range. Cost depends heavily on size, region and finishes.
Which renovation returns the most?
Kitchens and bathrooms give the best resale return, often 70–100% of what you invest.
Do I need a permit?
Usually not for non-structural work (painting, floors, kitchen). For load-bearing walls or roofing, check with your local authority.
DIY or professional?
Painting, demolition and some flooring are DIY-friendly. Electrical, plumbing and gas should stay professional for safety.
How long does a renovation take?
A single room: 1–3 weeks. A full kitchen: 4–8 weeks. A whole-house renovation: 2–6 months.

Indicative ranges, variable by region and finishes. Get local quotes.

Calculate your materials

Estimate the paint and tile you need with our calculators.

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