Considering a home remodel in the Bay Area? Understanding the house remodel costs involved is essential. Our guide breaks down renovation expenses, offering insights into factors affecting costs, average costs per square foot, and room-specific estimates to help you plan your dream home transformation efficiently.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House?
Renovation expenses typically cost between 10% and 20% of your home’s current value. The final cost of your home remodel is determined by factors such as location, project size and scope, materials, labor, and permit costs. Review the following chart for a better understanding of house remodel costs:
| Renovation | Overall Percentage of Home Value |
| Kitchen | 5% to 10% |
| Living room | 1% to 3% |
| Dining room | 1% to 3% |
| Primary bedroom | 1% to 3% |
| Guest bedroom | 1% to 2% |
| Three- or four-piece bathrooms | 5% to 7% |
| Powder room | 1% to 4% |
| Basement | 10% to 15% |
| Attic to room conversion | 10% to 15% |
| Patio | 1% to 5% |
Should You Remodel, Move, or Build a Custom Home?
Deciding whether to remodel, move, or build a custom home is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. These include the housing market, cost, your needs and desires, as well as your potential return on investment.
Additional considerations may also include your home’s current condition, the neighborhood you’re located in, and the availability of suitable homes.
Here is a thorough review of the pros and cons of remodeling and moving in San Jose and the Bay Area:
Remodeling Pros
Remodeling Cons
Moving Pros
Moving Cons
Custom Home Build Pros
Custom Home Build Cons
House Remodel Costs in San Jose and Bay Area
The ultimate cost of a home remodel is based on numerous factors that are unique to every project. For example, your choice of high-end materials versus standard materials will impact the final cost.
The following chart outlines the average cost comparison between low-end, mid-range, and high-end home renovations in the Bay Area:
| Project Scope | Average Cost | Types of Renovations |
| Low-end | $15,000 to $40,000 | Cosmetic upgrades and renovations such as flooring, landscaping, paint, trim, molding, stock cabinetry, inexpensive appliances, and countertops. |
| Mid-range | $40,000 to $75,000 | Combination of low-grade and above-average materials and appliances. Renovations may include full bathroom and kitchen remodels, updated lighting fixtures, hardwood flooring, and exterior finishes such as siding. |
| High-end | $75,000 to $200,000 | Involves mid-range and high-end materials, appliances, and finishes. Renovations may include custom cabinetry, built-in appliances, structural and foundation repairs, floor plan alterations, HVAC replacement, roofing, and professional interior design services. |
While finishes and materials are big contributors to house remodeling costs, the room, size, and scope of the renovation also affect your expenses. Here is a chart outlining the varying costs between home remodels based on project size and scope:
| Project Scope | Small Project Average Cost | Medium-Large Project Average Cost |
| Full Home | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| House Exterior | $6,000 | $20,000 |
| Kitchen | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Living Room | $1,500 | $10,000 |
| Bathroom | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Bedroom | $1,500 | $10,000 |
| Basement or Attic | $20,000 | $75,000 |
Average Cost to Remodel a House Per Square Foot
When you’re working on a home remodeling project, it’s important to understand how costs and distributed. Knowing how the final costs add up can help you develop a realistic budget. One of the major considerations is the square footage of the room you’re renovating. Here are the average costs per square foot for home remodels in San Jose and the Bay Area:
Bay Area Full Home Remodeling Cost by Size
Top Home Builders is here to answer all your house remodeling questions. Common home remodeling questions include “How much does it cost to remodel a 2,000 sq ft house?” and “What is the cost to remodel a $1,500 sq ft house?” As seen in the above charts, each home remodeling project can be classified as a low-end, mid-range, or high-end remodel based on the materials, structural changes, and finishes involved. Here are the average costs to remodel a house in the Bay Area by square footage for low-to-high-end renovations:
| Square Footage | Low-end Average Costs | Mid-range Average Costs | High-end Average Costs |
| 1,200 | $24,000 to $72,000 | $72,000 to $120,000 | $120,000 to $180,000 |
| 1,500 | $30,000 to $90,000 | $90,000 to $150,000 | $150,000 to $225,000 |
| 2,000 | $40,000 to $120,000 | $120,000 to $200,000 | $200,000 to $300,000 |
| 2,500 | $50,000 to $150,000 | $150,000 to $250,000 | $250,000 to $375,000 |
| 3,000 | $60,000 to $180,000 | $180,000 to $300,000 | $300,000 to $450,000 |
| 4,000 | $80,000 to $240,000 | $240,000 to $400,000 | $400,000 to $600,000 |
Cost to Remodel 1,500 sq ft. House vs. 2,000 sq ft. House
Remodeling a larger house typically requires more materials and labor, resulting in higher costs. While the size of the house is a significant factor in determining the cost to remodel, it’s not the only factor. For example, if a 1,500 sq ft. house and a 2,000 sq ft. house both update the kitchen and bathrooms, the cost per square foot may be similar.
However, if one house requires more extensive renovations, such as converting a basement to a home theater or expanding the kitchen with premium upgrades, the cost will be higher regardless of the original square footage.
Bay Area and San Jose House Remodel Costs by Room
Every room in your home serves a distinct purpose and therefore involves varying elements such as appliances, fixtures, and plumbing systems. While a bedroom may cost less to remodel than a living room, the living room costs less to renovate than the bathroom. Although many remodels vary greatly in size, the kitchens and bathrooms will have added costs regardless of their size to accommodate ventilation systems, plumbing hookups, and appliances or fixtures. The following chart displays the average remodel costs by room:
| Type of Room | Average Cost |
| Kitchen | $23,000 to $135,000 |
| Bathroom | $20,000 to $38,000 |
| Living room | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Bedroom | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Basement | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Attic | $25,000 to $75,000 |
| Garage | $7,000 to $15,000 |
| Room addition | $35,000 to $120,000 |
Related Article: Home Additions That Increase Home Value
Next Steps to Your House Remodel in San Jose
Remodeling your home in San Jose & the Bay Area can be a rewarding investment. By understanding the costs and planning accordingly, you can achieve your desired upgrades within budget. Trust Top Home Builders to deliver quality craftsmanship and expert guidance, ensuring your remodel meets your expectations and adds value to your home.