Remodeling a house is exciting, but it often comes with a high price tag. Whether you’re updating a few rooms or planning a complete home makeover, it’s important to know where your money will go. So, which part of a home remodel tends to cost the most?
In most cases, the answer is kitchen remodeling, but several factors can influence the cost. Let’s break down why certain areas cost more and what to expect before you start your project.
Kitchen Remodeling: The Cost Leader
The kitchen is usually the priciest room to renovate. Why?
- Appliances and Fixtures: High-end stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and sinks can quickly raise your budget. Even mid-range appliances cost thousands.
- Custom Cabinets: Quality cabinets are one of the biggest costs in a kitchen remodel. Custom designs cost more than stock or semi-custom options.
- Countertops: Materials like granite, marble, and quartz are durable and beautiful, but they’re also pricey.
- Plumbing and Electrical Work: Upgrading these systems often means moving pipes or rewiring, which increases labor costs.
On average, a full kitchen remodel can range between $20,000 and $50,000 or more, depending on the size and the finishes you choose.
Bathroom Renovations: A Close Second
Bathrooms are another expensive area to remodel, especially the master bathroom. These rooms may be small, but they require many trades: plumbers, electricians, tilers, and painters.
Here’s where the costs add up:
- High-End Materials: Tile, flooring, countertops, and vanities can be expensive, especially if you go for luxury finishes.
- Labor Costs: Bathrooms require a lot of skilled labor in a small space, which increases cost.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Tubs, toilets, showers, and faucets seem small but can cost thousands when upgraded.
A full bathroom remodel typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the size and complexity.
Structural Changes: Opening Up Your Floor Plan
Removing walls, adding rooms, or changing layouts might sound simple but these changes require careful planning and often involve structural adjustments.
- Engineering and Permits: You’ll need a structural engineer and city permits to make major changes. These services cost money and take time.
- Framing and Support Beams: If you’re removing a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to add new support systems, which are costly and labor-intensive.
Structural changes can cost $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the scale.
Flooring and Finishes: Overlooked but Costly
Updating flooring throughout your home adds up fast. Hardwood floors, tile, or luxury vinyl come with material and installation costs.
- Hardwood Flooring: $8 to $15 per square foot installed
- Tile or Stone: $10 to $20 per square foot
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $4 to $7 per square foot
The bigger your home, the more these costs multiply. If you’re remodeling 2,000 square feet, flooring alone could cost $10,000 to $30,000.
Labor: A Major Expense across All Projects
No matter what you remodel, labor is a major part of your budget. Skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and carpenters charge hourly or per-project rates. In areas with high demand, these rates go up.
- General Contractor Fees: Most contractors charge 10%–20% of your total project cost.
- Skilled Trades: Licensed electricians and plumbers often charge $75–$150 per hour.
Choosing experienced professionals ensures quality, but it does impact the overall price.
How to Manage Remodeling Cost
Remodeling doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways to keep costs under control:
- Set a clear budget before you begin.
- Prioritize your goals, focus on the rooms that need the most work.
- Get multiple quotes from licensed professionals.
- Choose mid-range finishes that balance style and value.
- Avoid changing plans midway, which can drive up labor and material costs.
If you’re not sure where to start, speaking with a remodeling expert like those at Forbes RC can help you build a plan that fits your budget and your goals.
Final Thoughts
Still wondering which part of a home renovation is the priciest? In most cases, it’s the kitchen, followed closely by bathroom upgrades, structural changes, and flooring. Labor costs add up across the board and are often underestimated.
The key to a successful remodel is planning, understanding where your money will go, and working with trusted professionals. With the right approach, you can turn your home into a space that’s both beautiful and functional, without going over budget.
FAQs
What is the most expensive part of a home renovation?
The kitchen is typically the most expensive part due to the cost of appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing or electrical work.
Why does kitchen remodeling cost so much?
Kitchen remodels involve several trades, high-end materials, and custom work—all of which raise both material and labor costs.
How can I reduce remodeling costs?
Start with a solid plan, stick to your budget, skip major layout changes, and go for quality mid-range materials over high-end options.
Is it cheaper to remodel or build new?
It is based on the state of your current home. In some cases, remodeling can be more affordable, but major renovations can cost close to building new.
How much should I budget for a full home remodel?
Home remodeling prices usually fall between $100 and $200 per square foot, but the final price depends on location, finishes, and the overall scope.
