I’ve been tearing down walls and rebuilding homes for over 30 years—full renovations, kitchen overhauls, custom rooms, you name it. One question I hear all the time: “How much is this going to cost me?” The truth? A full home renovation can run anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000+, depending on size, scope, and finishes. But here’s the real kicker: it’s not just about the total—it’s about where you spend it.
After decades juggling budgets and swinging hammers, I’ve learned where you can cut corners without regret and where skimping will haunt you. Whether you’re dreaming of an open-concept layout or a tricked-out entertainment room, here’s my take on where to save and where to splurge on your full home renovation. Let’s break it down so you get the most bang for your buck—and a home you’ll love for years.
Where to Save: Smart Cuts That Won’t Bite You Later
Renovations are a marathon, not a sprint. Stretching your budget means knowing what’s negotiable. Here’s where I tell clients to ease up without sacrificing quality.
- Paint: You don’t need $50-a-gallon designer stuff. A solid mid-range paint—think $25-$30—gets the job done. I’ve painted hundreds of rooms; a skilled roller and a good primer matter more than the brand. Save $500+ over a whole house.
- Lighting Fixtures: Skip the $300 chandelier unless it’s a focal point. I’ve sourced sleek, modern fixtures from big-box stores for $50 that look just as sharp. Spend on install, not bling—proper wiring’s non-negotiable.
- Cabinet Hardware: Knobs and pulls don’t need to be artisan-crafted. I’ve swapped out $20-per-piece boutique handles for $5 ones that clients couldn’t tell apart. Save $200-$300 on a kitchen without blinking.
- Flooring in Secondary Spaces: Hardwood’s great, but in basements or laundry rooms? Go for luxury vinyl tile (LVT). It’s durable, water-resistant, and half the price—$2-$4 per square foot vs. $8+. I’ve laid miles of it; it holds up.
Where to Splurge: Invest Where It Counts
Some things you can’t cheap out on—they’re the backbone of your home or the wow factor that seals the deal. Here’s where I’ve seen the payoff justify the price tag.
- Structural Work: Moving walls or fixing a sagging foundation? Don’t skimp. I’ve seen “budget” beam jobs fail inspections—or worse, crack later. Spend $5,000-$10,000 on a pro engineer and quality materials; it’s cheaper than a redo.
- Kitchen Countertops: Quartz or granite beats laminate every time. I’ve installed both, and the $50-$80-per-square-foot upgrade lasts decades and impresses buyers. A 100-square-foot kitchen might cost $6,000, but it’s the heart of the home.
- Windows: Cheap vinyl windows leak air and fade fast. I’ve swapped out enough to know—spend $400-$600 each on energy-efficient, double-pane models. For 10 windows, that’s $5,000 well spent on comfort and bills.
- Bathroom Tiles: Go for porcelain or ceramic over peel-and-stick. I’ve tiled showers that still shine after 20 years—$10-$15 per square foot adds up, but it’s worth it for durability and that luxe feel.
Balancing Act: Know Your Priorities
Here’s where it gets personal. A full renovation touches everything—floors, walls, fixtures—so you’ve got to weigh what matters most to you. Love hosting? Splurge on that custom wet bar. Work from home? Invest in a killer home office setup. I’ve had clients save on paint to fund a wine room—and they never looked back.
- Ask yourself: What’s the “why” behind this project? Resale value? Daily joy? That guides the split.
- My rule of thumb: Allocate 60% of your budget to must-haves (structure, plumbing), 30% to finishes (counters, floors), and 10% for flair (custom shelving, accent lighting). Tweak as needed.
Hidden Costs: Plan for the Unexpected
In my years on the job, I’ve ripped open walls to find termites, bad wiring, or pipes older than me. These surprises can tack on 10-20%—say, $5,000-$20,000 on a $100,000 job.
- How to handle it: Build a cushion. I tell clients to set aside 15% for “uh-ohs.” If nothing pops up, you’ve got extra for that upgraded faucet you’ve been eyeing.
- Pro tip: Ask your contractor (maybe me!) to scope it out early. A good walkthrough spots trouble before demo day.
Bringing It Home: Your Renovation, Your Way
A full home renovation’s a big lift, but it’s also a chance to make your space yours. Save smart—like on paint or hardware—and splurge where it’ll last, like windows or counters. I’ve seen budgets stretched thin turn into dream homes because we nailed the priorities.
At STA Home Improvements, we’ve tackled everything from cozy bungalows to sprawling estates. Want to talk costs for your project? Hit us up at www.stahomeimprovements.com for a free consultation. Let’s figure out where to save, where to splurge, and how to make it happen.