What's the average cost to renovate a home in 2026?

Whole-home renovation costs $15–$60 per square foot for cosmetic work and $100–$250+ per sqft for full gut remodels in 2026. A 2,000 sqft home in cosmetic refresh: $30,000–$120,000; mid-tier gut renovation: $150,000–$300,000; high-end with structural changes: $400,000–$750,000+. The single biggest cost driver is whether plumbing/electrical/HVAC stays in place — moving them adds 20–40% to any line item. Permits typically run 1–3% of the project total. Plan 12–25% contingency for unforeseen substrate or code issues.