Renovation cost per square foot
Estimate a remodel from its size: pick a project type, enter the area, and get a realistic 2026 range — then see how much of it you recoup at resale.
2026 remodeling cost per square foot
| Project type | Typical $/sqft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole home — cosmetic refresh | $15–$45 | Paint, flooring, fixtures, light repairs. |
| Whole home — full remodel | $60–$150 | Multiple rooms down to surfaces, some layout changes. |
| Whole home — gut renovation | $100–$220 | Back to studs: systems, layout, everything new. |
| Kitchen remodel | $100–$300 | Priced on kitchen area only — cabinetry and appliances drive it. |
| Bathroom remodel | $120–$350 | Small areas, high $/sqft: plumbing, tile and waterproofing. |
| Basement finishing | $30–$75 | Framing, drywall, flooring, lighting; more with a bath or wet bar. |
| Home addition | $100–$250 | New foundation + roof makes additions the priciest per foot. |
| Garage conversion | $40–$120 | Structure exists — cost is insulation, systems and finishes. |
| Deck (new build) | $25–$70 | Pressure-treated at the low end, composite at the high end. |
US midrange benchmarks compiled from 2026 industry cost guides. Your quote depends on scope, finish level and local labour rates.
How to use these numbers
Cost per square foot is the fastest way to sanity-check a project before you have quotes. Multiply the area by the range for your project type, then refine: structural or layout changes push you toward the top of the range, keeping plumbing where it is keeps you near the bottom. Once you have a working number, price the specific project on our project cost & ROI pages and check what the spend returns at resale with the ROI calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a house per square foot?
In 2026, a cosmetic refresh runs about $15–45 per square foot, a full remodel $60–150, and a gut renovation $100–220. Kitchens and bathrooms cost far more per foot ($100–350) because plumbing, cabinetry and tile concentrate cost in a small area.
Why do kitchens and bathrooms cost so much more per square foot?
Cost per square foot rises with the density of expensive trades. A bedroom is mostly paint and flooring; a bathroom packs plumbing, waterproofing, tile, ventilation and fixtures into 50 square feet.
Is cost per square foot a reliable way to budget?
It's a good first-pass sanity check, not a quote. Use it to size the project, then price the actual scope line by line — our free worksheet and the project cost guides break down what's typically included.
Does renovating cost more per square foot in expensive cities?
Yes — labour is the biggest driver, so high-cost metros like San Francisco, New York, London or Sydney typically run 20–50% above national ranges. Our per-city cost pages adjust for this.
Methodology
Ranges are national US midrange figures for 2026, compiled from industry remodeling cost guides and aligned with the benchmarks used across Return on Reno. They are planning estimates, not quotes or appraisals. Reviewed July 2026.
Know the return, too
A cost is only half the picture — see how much of it comes back when you sell.
Open the ROI calculator →