How much does it cost to remodel a house? In 2026, most whole-house projects run $19,500 to $88,400, with the average near $52,275 for a 1,250 to 1,600 square foot home — and a large 2,500 square foot home averaging around $212,500 for a full renovation (HomeGuide, House Remodeling Cost, 2026). The spread is huge because “remodel a house” can mean a cosmetic refresh or a full gut. This guide breaks the cost down by scope and square foot, and shows where the money goes.
The single most useful number is cost per square foot, because it scales to any home. Let’s start there.
Planning a whole-house remodel in Broward? Start with a clear scope and an itemized estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House by Scope?
How much it costs to remodel a house scales with how far you take it. Cosmetic work runs $50 to $150 per square foot, a partial remodel $100 to $250, a full remodel $200 to $400, and a high-end renovation $300 to $600 or more (Angi, House Remodel Cost, 2026).
To put it in dollars: a full remodel of a 1,500 square foot home at $300 per square foot lands near $450,000 at the high end, while a cosmetic refresh of the same home might be $75,000 to $150,000. Scope is everything.
Where Does the Money Go in a Whole-House Remodel?
Labor is the dominant cost in any house remodel, running 40 to 60 percent of the total, followed by material and finish tier, structural complexity, and the age and condition of the home (SoFi, Cost to Remodel a House, 2026). Two rooms usually dominate the budget: the kitchen and the bathrooms.
That’s why whole-house budgets are really a stack of room budgets. Our guides to kitchen remodel cost and bathroom remodel cost cover the two priciest rooms in detail — get those two right and you’ve controlled most of the total.
Our take: the surprises that blow whole-house budgets are almost always hidden — old wiring, failing pipes, or structural issues found once walls open. Budget a 10 to 20 percent contingency on any full remodel and you’ll sleep better.
What Does It Cost to Remodel a House in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale and across Broward, whole-house remodel costs trend at or above national mid-range because South Florida labor and demand sit high, and older coastal homes often hide surprises behind the walls. A mid-range full remodel here commonly runs $200 to $400 per square foot, more for high-end finishes or major structural work.
Permits, material lead times, and the age of the home all shape the number. The best protection is a detailed scope and an itemized estimate up front, plus a contractor who plans for the hidden issues older Broward homes tend to reveal.
NJL General Services has remodeled homes across Broward for 15+ years, room by room and whole-house. We’ll build you a clear, itemized estimate so you know the number before demo day — and we’ll flag the likely surprises before they become change orders.
Get an itemized whole-house remodel estimate
NJL General Services · Serving Fort Lauderdale & Broward County
3370 Beau Rivage Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Call: (754) 610-8806 · (561) 207-0354 · (754) 333-9107
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a house in 2026?
Most whole-house remodels run $19,500 to $88,400, averaging about $52,275 for a 1,250 to 1,600 square foot home. Larger homes cost more: a 2,500 square foot full renovation averages around $212,500. Scope and finish level drive the range.
What is the cost per square foot to remodel a house?
Cosmetic work runs $50 to $150 per square foot, a partial remodel $100 to $250, a full remodel $200 to $400, and high-end $300 to $600 or more. Multiply your home’s square footage by the tier that matches your plans for a ballpark.
What is the most expensive part of remodeling a house?
Labor, at 40 to 60 percent of the total, followed by the kitchen and bathrooms, which carry the priciest materials. Structural changes and hidden problems in older homes add the biggest unplanned costs.
How much should I budget for surprises in a home remodel?
Set aside a 10 to 20 percent contingency on a full remodel. Older homes routinely reveal outdated wiring, corroded plumbing, or structural issues once walls open, and that cushion keeps a surprise from stalling the whole project.
The Bottom Line: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a House?
How much does it cost to remodel a house comes down to scope and size: $50 to $150 per square foot for cosmetic, $200 to $400 for a full remodel, and $300-plus for high-end, with most whole-house projects landing between $50,000 and $210,000 depending on home size. Labor and the kitchen and baths drive most of it.
Define the scope, price it per square foot, budget a contingency, and get an itemized estimate. When you’re ready for real numbers on your home, general contractor fort lauderdale starts with a free consultation.