Home Renovation Cost Estimator: Plan Smart, Renovate Right
The most useful tool to calculate your home renovation costs. Just follow a few steps to get your remodel, addition, or expansion cost in minutes.
Find your project here, or use the full list below
The most useful tool to calculate your home renovation costs. Just follow a few steps to get your remodel, addition, or expansion cost in minutes.
The full list
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Written by Ramona Sinha - Last Updated Monday, Jun 17, 2025. 7-min read
Ramona is the senior content writer for Kukun. This professional uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home renovation, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she's a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.
Creating your dream home starts with good planning. Kukun's Home Renovation Cost Calculator is your go-to tool for estimating remodeling expenses with accuracy and ease. Whether you're revamping your kitchen, finishing your basement, or refreshing your living room, this calculator gives you tailored estimates based on your zip code, home size, material choices, and desired project scale.
Kukun is a trusted name in consumer real estate solutions, partnered with institutions like US Bank, PNC, SOFI, and featured on Realtor.com.
Kukun's zip code-based estimator helps you:
- Get instant, accurate estimates for any remodeling project
- Compare standard vs luxury finishes
- Understand your ROI for each renovation
- Connect with vetted local contractors through the Find A Contractor tool
Bonus Tools
- ROI Calculator by Project
- Regional Cost Adjuster
- Budget Buffer Estimator (20% Safety Margin)
Kitchen Remodel
- Average Cost: $30,000 ($75-$250/sq ft)
- Key Expenses:
- ROI: Up to 70%
Bathroom Remodel
- Average Cost: $10,850 ($75-$275/sq ft)
- Typical Features: Fixtures, vanity, shower/tub, lighting, tiling, ventilation
- ROI: Up to 66%
Bedroom Remodel
- Average Cost: $4,000-$40,000
- Features: Closet, ceiling fan, trim, drywall, flooring
- ROI: Up to 55%
Basement Finish
- Average Cost: $21,400 ($30-$75/sq ft)
- Components: Waterproofing, framing, insulation, egress, full bath/bedroom additions
- ROI: Up to 75%
Living Room Update
- Average Cost: $1,500-$20,000
- Includes: Painting, drywall, flooring, ceiling fan, crown molding
- ROI: ~50%
How Much Should You Spend?
- Kitchen: Up to 15% of home value
- Master bath: 10%
- Smaller rooms: ~5%
- Room additions: Stay below home price per sq ft
Some projects (like painting or minor drywall work) are DIY-friendly, while others (electrical, plumbing, structural changes) require licensed professionals. Kukun helps you compare the costs side-by-side.
- Permits: Usually 3-10% of project cost
- Timelines:
Choose green materials and energy-efficient upgrades:
- Low-VOC paint, LED lighting, dual-flush toilets
- Tax credits & rebates for solar, HVAC, insulation
Green Remodeling Cost Guide
Loan Options
- HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
- Home Equity Loans
- Cash-Out Refinancing
- Personal Loans
Use our Loan Calculator to compare monthly payments, interest rates, and affordability.
Kukun's Home Renovation Cost Estimator empowers you to plan smarter, save more, and get the most value out of your home. From personalized budgeting tools to professional contractor matching, everything you need is just a few clicks away.
Why location matters in remodeling costs: Remodeling expenses vary significantly based on region. Labor rates, material costs, and even permit fees differ from city to city. For instance, a bathroom remodel in San Francisco might cost 25-40% more than in Dallas.
Use Kukun's Regional Cost Adjuster to:
- Compare renovation costs by zip code
- Understand local contractor rates
- Identify region-specific material markups
Tip: Always input your zip code into the calculator for the most accurate local estimate.
Knowing what you're paying for helps with budgeting and negotiations. A typical renovation budget includes:
| Category | % of Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | 40-50% |
| Labor | 30-35% |
| Overhead/Permits/Contingencies | 15-30% |
Examples:
- Kitchen: Custom cabinets (materials-heavy)
- Bathroom: Plumbing (labor-heavy)
- Basement: Permits & inspections (overhead-heavy)
Use this breakdown to spot areas where you can save, or splurge.
Even well-planned projects come with surprises, like mold behind walls or outdated wiring.
Common unexpected expenses:
- Code compliance upgrades
- Structural damage repairs
- Permit delays
- Material delivery issues
Budget Buffer Rule: Add 15-25% to your total budget for contingencies.
Kukun's Budget Buffer Estimator helps ensure you're financially ready for the unexpected.
Timing is everything. Here's how long typical home renovations take, on average:
| Project | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 6-12 weeks |
| Bathroom remodel | 3-8 weeks |
| Basement finish | 8-16 weeks |
| Roof replacement | 1-2 weeks |
| Full-home remodel | 3-6 months |
Tip: Add 10-20% extra time for permit approvals or contractor availability.
Permits ensure your project is safe and legal, but they come at a cost.
Permit cost range by region:
- Small jobs (paint, flooring): $100-$500
- Kitchen/Bath remodel: $500-$2,000
- Additions & structural changes: $2,000-$5,000+
Costs depend on:
- Your municipality
- Project complexity
- Historic or zoning restrictions
Use Kukun's estimator to see permit fee ranges by zip code.
Doing it yourself can save money, but it isn't always cheaper in the long run.
| Task | DIY Feasible? | Risk Level | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | Yes | Low | High |
| Flooring install | Maybe | Medium | Moderate |
| Electrical work | No | High | Low (plus legal risk) |
| Kitchen remodel | Not advised | Very High | Low |
Kukun helps you compare DIY vs contractor costs per task to choose the best option based on skill and budget.
Before you dive in, run through this essential checklist:
- Set your total budget (include a buffer)
- Determine your renovation goals (function vs aesthetics vs ROI)
- Check your local permit requirements
- Get multiple contractor quotes
- Audit current systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical)
- Measure everything twice, especially for custom materials
- Create a clear timeline and backup plan
- AC installation
- AC replacement
- Appliances
- Basement Remodel Cost
- Bathroom Renovation Cost
- Bedroom Remodel Cost
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Dining Room Remodel
- Door Refinishing
- Electrical panel upgrade
- Entry door installation
- Exterior Door Replacement
- Exterior painting
- Family Room Additions
- Flooring replacement
- Foyer / Entryway
- Furnace replacement
- Gameroom Remodel
- Garage door replacement
- Garage Remodel
- Great Room Additions
- Half Bath Remodel
- Home Gym Cost
- Home Office Remodel
- Water Heater Replacement
- In Law Suite Additions
- Installing Deck
- Install Recessed Lighting
- Interior door replacement
- Interior painting
- Kitchen Renovation Cost
- Living Room Remodel Cost
- Master Bathroom Remodel Cost
- Master Bedroom Remodel Cost
- Media Room Additions
- Remove Popcorn Ceiling
- Roofing Cost Estimator
- Room-Addition Cost Calculator
- Sunroom Addition
- Tile Backsplash
- Window Replacement
Latest home remodeling articles
We answer every question you may have. This feature equips you with everything you need to know about home renovations