Whole Home Remodel: What It Costs & How Long

Your house feels outdated. The layout doesn’t work anymore. Systems are failing one by one. You keep thinking about fixing everything at once, but the idea feels massive.

How much will it actually cost? Where do you even start? Can you really live through months of construction?

A whole home remodel isn’t small. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic either. With the right plan, you can change your entire house without losing your mind or draining your bank account.

This guide walks you through everything. You’ll learn what counts as a whole home remodel, what it costs, how to plan room by room, and what permits you need.

We’ll cover timelines, pros and cons, and how to choose the right team. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

What Is Considered a Whole Home Remodel?

A whole home remodel means updating most or all areas of your house in one project. This approach lets you improve layout, upgrade systems, and modernize design all at once.

Unlike single-room updates, it tackles multiple spaces together. This creates a unified look. It can also save time and money compared to room-by-room work.

Whole Home Remodel vs House Renovation vs House Remodeling

People often confuse these terms. They mean different things. Here’s what sets them apart:

Project Type	What It Means	Typical Scope
House Renovation	Restoring or updating what already exists	Refinishing floors, painting walls, replacing fixtures, and fixing damaged areas
House Remodeling	Changing the structure or function of spaces	Removing walls, expanding rooms, reconfiguring kitchens, or bathrooms
Whole Home Remodel	Combining renovation and remodeling across the entire house	Layout changes, system upgrades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and design updates in all major areas

A whole home remodel lets you reimagine how your entire house works. You can fix outdated layouts. You can replace aging systems.

You can create the home you’ve always wanted. The key difference is scope. Instead of focusing on one room, you’re improving everything at once.

Average Cost to Remodel a Whole Home

The cost of a whole home remodel varies widely. Location, size, and scope all play a role in the final price.

Typical Cost Ranges:

Most projects in the United States fall within these ranges. Your actual cost depends on what you want to change.

Remodel Scope	Average Cost Range
Cosmetic updates only	$40,000 to $90,000
Mid-range whole home remodel	$100,000 to $200,000
Major structural remodel	$200,000 and up

Many contractors price by square footage. Expect to pay $100 to $300 per square foot for most projects.

Factors That Affect Cost:

• Size and age of the home: Larger homes cost more to remodel, and older homes often need more repairs.
• Structural changes: Moving walls, adding space, or changing floor plans increase costs significantly.
• Labor costs by region: Contractors charge different rates depending on where you live.
• Material and finish choices: Premium materials like marble or custom cabinetry cost more than standard options.
• Condition of plumbing and electrical systems: Outdated systems need replacement, which adds to your budget.

How to Plan Your Whole Home Remodel?

Strong planning makes all the difference. A well-planned project runs smoothly, while poor planning leads to stress and delays.

1. Assess the Condition of the House

Check your foundation and framing for cracks or damage. Inspect your roof for leaks or worn shingles. Test your electrical system to see if it can handle modern appliances.

Look at plumbing for corrosion or outdated pipes. Examine insulation and ventilation for energy efficiency. Older homes may need testing for lead paint or asbestos before work begins.

2. Define Clear Goals and Priorities

List the problems you need to solve first. Identify which upgrades are essential for your family. Decide which changes are nice to have but optional.

Writing these out early keeps your project focused. It also helps you make quick decisions when choices come up during construction.

3. Build a Realistic Timeline

The process includes design and planning phases first. Then come permits and approvals from your local building department. Construction and inspections follow, which take the most time.

Final walkthrough and adjustments wrap up the project. Delays often happen when you rush decisions or pick materials too late. Give yourself buffer time at each stage.

4. Choosing the Right Professionals

You may need an architect or design-build firm to create plans. An interior designer helps with finishes and furniture. A general contractor manages the day-to-day work.

A structural engineer ensures changes are safe and code-compliant. Hiring professionals with whole-home remodel experience saves money in the long run. They anticipate problems and solve them before they slow you down.

Room-by-Room: What to Remodel and When

Breaking your project into rooms helps simplify planning. It also makes sequencing easier to manage.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is often the most complex and expensive room in a whole home remodel. It requires coordination between multiple trades. Good planning here prevents costly mistakes later.

Step 1: Layout and Workflow Planning Start by mapping out your work triangle. This connects your sink, stove, and refrigerator. Consider how you move through the space when cooking. Think about where you prep, cook, and clean up.

Step 2: Cabinet and Appliance Placement. Choose cabinets that fit your storage needs. Decide on appliance sizes before ordering. Make sure there’s enough counter space between work zones. Plan for electrical outlets near every appliance.

Step 3: Electrical and Plumbing Coordination. Update wiring to handle modern appliances. Add outlets for small appliances and charging stations. Reroute plumbing if you’re moving the sink. Install proper ventilation above the cooktop.

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathrooms require careful sequencing to avoid moisture problems. Poor planning here leads to mold and water damage. Take time to get the details right.

Step 1: Waterproofing and Ventilation. Install a waterproof membrane behind tile and in shower areas. Add or upgrade exhaust fans to remove moisture. Make sure fans vent outside, not into the attic. Seal all penetrations around pipes and fixtures.

Step 2: Plumbing Layout Plan drain locations before finalizing floor plans. Consider water pressure for multiple fixtures. Install shutoff valves for each fixture. Upgrade supply lines if they’re old or corroded.

Step 3: Storage Planning Add medicine cabinets or recessed shelving. Plan for towel storage near the shower. Include drawer organizers in vanities. Think about where you’ll keep cleaning supplies.

Living Rooms and Common Areas

Open layouts often require structural planning. Changes here affect multiple rooms at once. Coordinate carefully to maintain your home’s integrity.

Step 1: Flooring Installation. Remove old flooring and check the subfloor condition. Level any uneven areas before installing new floors. Choose materials that flow between connected spaces. Install flooring before baseboards and trim.

Step 2: Lighting Layout Plan for multiple light sources in each area. Add dimmer switches for flexibility. Include task lighting for reading areas. Consider natural light from windows.

Step 3: Wall and Ceiling Updates. Repair any cracks or damage before painting. Add insulation if the walls are open. Update outlets and switches to match your new design. Paint ceilings before walls for cleaner results.

Bedrooms and Private Spaces

Bedrooms need special attention to comfort and function. These spaces should feel calm and personal. Focus on details that improve daily life.

Step 1: Closet Improvements Maximize storage with custom organizers or built-ins. Add lighting inside closets for better visibility. Include a mix of hanging space, shelves, and drawers. Plan for seasonal item storage.

Step 2: Sound Control. Add insulation in walls shared with noisy areas. Install solid-core doors to block sound. Use acoustic caulk around outlets and switches. Consider carpet or rugs to absorb noise.

Step 3: Lighting and Outlet Placement. Install bedside outlets for lamps and chargers. Add overhead lighting with dimmer controls. Include task lighting for reading or working. Place switches near the door and bedside.

Basement and Attic Areas

These areas often add usable space to your home. They require additional approvals and careful attention to codes. Done right, they increase your home’s value and function.

Step 1: Moisture Management Test for water intrusion before finishing. Install vapor barriers on concrete walls. Add dehumidifiers if needed. Ensure proper drainage around the foundation.

Step 2: Insulation Upgrades Insulate walls and ceilings to meet current codes. Seal air leaks around rim joists and penetrations. Choose insulation appropriate for the space. Consider spray foam for hard-to-reach areas.

Step 3: Code Compliance Check egress requirements for bedrooms. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure ceiling heights meet minimum standards. Add proper stairs with code-compliant railings.

What Permits Do You Need for a Whole Home Remodel?

Permits are required for many aspects of a whole-home remodel. Understanding what you need saves time and prevents legal issues.

When Permits Are Usually Required

Most major work requires approval from your local building department. Here’s when you’ll typically need permits:

• Structural changes: Removing or moving load-bearing walls, adding new rooms, or changing the roofline
• Electrical upgrades: Adding circuits, upgrading the main panel, or rewiring sections of the house
• Plumbing modifications: Moving fixtures, adding bathrooms, or replacing main water or sewer lines
• HVAC replacements: Installing new heating or cooling systems, adding ductwork, or replacing major components

How to Avoid Permit Delays

Delays cost time and money during a whole-home remodel. Follow these steps to keep things moving:

• Confirm requirements early: Call your building department before starting design work to understand local codes
• Submit complete plans: Include all required drawings, specifications, and documentation with your application
• Schedule inspections ahead of time: Book inspections as soon as you’re ready rather than waiting until the last minute
• Respond quickly to requests: If the inspector asks for changes or additional information, handle it immediately
• Work with licensed contractors: They know local requirements and can pull permits faster

Documents to Keep

These records help with resale and future repairs. Store them in a safe place where you can find them later:

• Permit approvals: Keep copies of all approved permits from start to finish
• Inspection reports: Save documentation showing all work passed inspection
• Contracts and warranties: Store agreements with contractors and warranty information for materials and appliances
• Before and after photos: Document the condition before work started and the final results
• Receipts and invoices: Keep proof of payment for insurance and tax purposes

Pros and Cons of a Whole Home Remodel

Understanding both sides helps set realistic expectations. Here’s what you need to know before starting your project.

Advantages	Challenges
Consistent design: All rooms flow together with matching styles and finishes	Higher upfront cost: Requires significant capital or financing all at once
Improved functionality: Fix layout problems and create spaces that work better	Longer timeline: Projects take 3 to 6 months or more
Updated systems: Replace old plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems for efficiency	More decisions: Choosing materials for every room feels overwhelming
Increased home value: Comprehensive updates boost resale value significantly	Living disruption: May need temporary housing or live through construction
Long-term savings: Bundling work costs less than multiple separate projects	Hidden problems: Opening walls reveals issues that add unexpected expense

How Long Does a Whole Home Remodel Take?

A whole home remodel typically takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish. The timeline depends on your home’s size and the scope of work.

Simple cosmetic updates finish faster than major structural changes. Permit approvals can add weeks to your schedule. Custom orders for cabinets or fixtures may cause delays.

The weather can slow outdoor work. Most projects also need buffer time for unexpected issues. Plan for at least 4 months for a standard remodel. Larger homes or complex designs may take 8 months or more.

Summing It Up

A whole home remodel changes how you live.

It fixes layout problems, updates old systems, and creates the space you’ve always wanted. Yes, it costs money. Yes, it takes time. But the result is a home that works for you, not against you.

Start with a clear plan. Know your budget. Hire professionals who understand this type of project. Get your permits early. Expect surprises and build in buffer time.

The hardest part is making the decision. Once you commit, each step brings you closer to the home you deserve.

Ready to start your whole home remodel? Talk to a contractor today. Get a realistic timeline and budget. Your dream home is waiting.