Home Renovation Cost Estimator

Typical renovation costs by project type

Kitchen renovation is typically the most expensive room to renovate, with UK costs ranging from £8,000–£15,000 for a budget refit (flat-pack units, basic appliances) up to £30,000–£60,000+ for a premium open-plan kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, stone worktops, and integrated appliances. US kitchen renovation costs run from $12,000–$25,000 at the mid-range and $50,000–$100,000+ for a premium project in a high-cost metro. Labour — plumbers, electricians, tilers, fitters — typically accounts for 50–65% of the total cost.

Bathroom renovation costs in the UK typically range from £4,000–£8,000 for a budget refurbishment (new sanitaryware, retiling, basic fixtures) to £15,000–£25,000 for a premium wet room or full structural remodel. In the US, mid-range bathroom renovation costs run $7,000–$15,000; a primary bathroom remodel with high-end finishes can reach $25,000–$50,000. En-suite bathrooms cost roughly 15–20% less than a main family bathroom due to their smaller size.

Loft conversion is one of the highest-return renovations in the UK — a dormer loft conversion typically costs £40,000–£65,000 and can add 15–25% to a property's value. A basic roof light loft conversion (Velux style) runs £20,000–£35,000. In the US, finishing an unfinished attic or adding a room addition typically costs $30,000–$80,000 depending on structural requirements and finish level.

Extension costs in the UK typically start at £1,500–£2,200 per m² for a single-storey rear extension at mid-range finish, meaning a 20 m² extension runs £30,000–£44,000 before planning fees and professional costs. In London and the South East, add 20–30% for higher labour rates. In the US, a room addition typically costs $100–$300 per square foot depending on scope and region.

Bedroom renovation costs are lower than kitchens or bathrooms because there are typically no plumbing or structural changes involved. A mid-range bedroom refresh (flooring, decorating, fitted wardrobe) runs £3,000–£7,000 in the UK or $5,000–$15,000 in the US. Costs rise sharply if structural changes, en-suite additions, or new electrical work are involved.

All ranges above assume national-average labour rates. Costs in London, Edinburgh, New York City, and San Francisco typically run 20–40% higher. Always obtain at least three quotes from local tradespeople before committing to a project budget — these figures are planning benchmarks, not binding quotes.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are these estimates?

These are national-average ranges, not quotes — actual costs depend heavily on your specific location, contractor, materials availability, and the condition of the existing space. Always get multiple local quotes before budgeting.

What is included in labour costs?

Labour (~60% of typical project cost) covers tradesperson day rates, project management, and installation. It has fixed call-out and scheduling components that don't scale linearly with room size, unlike materials.

Does room size affect the estimate?

Yes — enter your actual room size to scale the materials portion of the estimate proportionally. If left blank, the estimate uses a typical size for that room type.

What is the ROI on a kitchen renovation?

Kitchens typically recover 60–120% of their cost in added resale value, the highest of any room type covered here, since kitchens have outsized influence on buyer perception.

Why are London/NYC costs higher?

Labour rates in major metros like London and New York City typically run 20–40% higher than national averages, driven by higher tradesperson demand and cost of living.

Can I use this in my own app?

Yes — every calculator on Stupidly Clever has a matching REST API and MCP tool that runs the same underlying logic.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?

A budget kitchen renovation in the UK typically costs £8,000–£15,000 (flat-pack units, basic appliances). A mid-range kitchen with quality fixtures runs £15,000–£30,000. A premium kitchen with bespoke cabinetry and stone worktops costs £30,000–£60,000 or more. London and South East costs run 20–40% higher than the national average.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

In the UK, a basic bathroom refurbishment (new sanitaryware, retiling) costs £4,000–£8,000. A mid-range bathroom runs £8,000–£15,000. A premium wet room or full structural remodel costs £15,000–£25,000+. In the US, expect $7,000–$15,000 mid-range and $25,000–$50,000 for a high-end primary bathroom.

What is the return on investment for a home renovation?

Kitchen renovations typically recover 60–120% of their cost in added resale value, making them the highest-ROI room type. Bathrooms typically recover 50–80%. Loft conversions and extensions have strong absolute value-add (15–25% of property value in the UK) but the ROI percentage varies more by local market. Bedroom and living room renovations recover 40–60% on average.