Skip to content
RenovateRadar RenovateRadar — home

Whole-Home Remodel

A whole-home remodel renovates most or all rooms at once, often updating layouts, kitchens, baths, systems, and finishes throughout. It is the most comprehensive residential project short of new construction and is priced per project.

Find whole-home remodel pros

How whole-home remodel is done

  1. Develop a whole-house design and phasing plan
  2. Demolish across the home and update the structure as needed
  3. Replace or upgrade plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
  4. Insulate, drywall, and install flooring throughout
  5. Install kitchens, baths, cabinetry, and finishes
  6. Punch list, deep clean, and final inspections

What homeowners should know

  • Decide whether you will live elsewhere during construction
  • Insist on a detailed schedule with milestones across trades
  • Lock major selections early to avoid stalling the whole job
  • Build in a contingency for surprises found once walls open
  • Confirm one point of contact coordinates all the trades

Permits, timelines & things to consider

  • Multiple permits and inspections span structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
  • Older homes often reveal knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized pipe, or asbestos
  • Cost drivers are square footage, system replacements, and finish level
  • Timelines commonly run several months to over a year
  • Coordination across trades is the biggest project-management challenge

Frequently asked questions

Should I move out during a whole-home remodel?

For a full gut it is usually easier and safer to relocate, though phased projects can sometimes keep part of the home livable.

How long does a whole-home remodel take?

Depending on size and scope, expect several months to more than a year, especially when systems and structure are involved.

Why should I add a contingency budget?

Opening walls in an existing home often uncovers outdated wiring, plumbing, or damage, so a contingency covers surprises without stalling the project.