Home renovation budgets are one of the biggest questions homeowners ask — often long before demolition ever starts. But how much do upgrades really cost? What should you expect to pay for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, roofing, windows and siding — all-in with labor and materials? In this guide, we’ll break down typical costs — with realistic budgets — while explaining how pricing works (for example, why kitchens cost more per square foot than basements). These numbers are averages and can vary based on contractor, selections, finishes, and complexity.
Understanding Renovation Pricing in Your Area
Before diving into specific budgets, it’s important to understand the way contractors typically price work:
✔ Labor + Materials = Total Cost
Most renovation quotes include two major components:
- Labor: the work of craftsmen, trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry), and project management.
- Materials: cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, doors, windows, roofing, etc.
✔ Pricing by Project Type
Some projects — like kitchens and bathrooms — are usually priced per square foot because they involve so many variables (cabinets, plumbing, electrical). Others — like a new roof or siding — are often based on overall scope and linear measurements (roof square footage, wall coverage, windows installed).
✔ Finish Levels
Selections matter. Contractors often categorize finishes into:
- Good (value): basic but reliable fixtures and materials (sometimes referred to as builder grade)
- Better (mid-range): nicer finishes with options for some upgrades
- Best (premium): custom cabinets, stone countertops, designer fixtures
These levels can easily shift a project’s cost by tens of thousands of dollars.
✔ Local Labor + Material Costs
Labor and material pricing in Southeastern Wisconsin (including nearby Waukesha, Milwaukee, and Ozaukee counties) tends to be moderate compared with major metro areas — but costs have climbed steadily nationwide due to labor shortage pressures and supply variables.
Kitchen Renovation Costs
The kitchen is often the most expensive room to renovate, and for good reason:
- Cabinets and countertops are expensive
- Plumbing and electrical work adds cost
- Appliances drive budget up quickly
Kitchen Remodel (30 – 200 sq ft) Full kitchen renovations generally fall into these ranges:
| Project Type | Typical All-Inclusive Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Kitchen Remodel | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Medium Kitchen Remodel | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Large or Premium Remodel | $110,000 – $150,000+ |
These estimates include demolition, cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical, permits, and labor — with good to better finish levels. Higher-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and luxury stone can push this higher. How Pricing Works: Kitchens often start around $250 – $300 per square foot for typical remodeling scope, and can go higher for premium finishes.
Bathroom Remodeling Costs
Bathrooms can vary widely based on size and features:
- Guest bathrooms (smaller, fewer features)
- Master bathrooms (larger, dual vanities, walk-in showers, tubs)
Bathrooms (All-Inclusive Budgets)
| Bathroom Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Guest Bath Remodel | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Master Bath Remodel | $45,000 – $85,000+ |
Larger master bathrooms with a soaking tub, dual sinks, frameless glass shower, heated floors, and high-end tile can easily exceed the top end of that range. Pricing Insight: On average, bathrooms often run around $600 per square foot when features and quality are factored in, though smaller baths will naturally come in at a lower total.
Basement Finishing & Remodel
Finishing an unfinished basement adds both usable space and value, but it’s usually less expensive per square foot than kitchens or bathrooms because there’s often no structural rework. Hartland Area Basement Remodel Budgets
| Basement Project | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Basement Finish (no bathroom) | $80,000 – $110,000+ |
| With Bath or Wet Bar | $110,000 – $130,000+ |
| High-End Basement | $160,000 – $200,000+ |
These include framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, lighting, and basic finishes. Adding a wet bar, full bathroom, custom millwork, or high-end fixtures increases costs. Pricing Context: Typical basement remodels range from about $100 – $130 per square foot for basic finishing, or more with added amenities.
Home Additions
Home additions extend your footprint and are among the costliest renovations because they involve foundations, framing, roofing, and full interior finishes. Home Addition Estimates Additions vary dramatically based on size and complexity, but general ranges for all-in pricing might look like:
| Addition Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Bump-Out (100–200 sq ft) | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
| Medium Addition (250–500 sq ft) | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
| Large Addition (500–1,000 sq ft) | $250,000 – $450,000+ |
Exterior Renovations: Windows, Roofing & Siding
Upgrading the exterior not only improves looks but protects your home’s performance. Exterior projects are usually priced differently than interior work.
Windows
Replacing windows typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 per window installed depending on size, frame material, and energy performance. For a typical 10-window home, a full window replacement might run $10,000 – $15,000+ installed.
Roofing
Roof replacement depends on roof size and materials:
- Asphalt shingles (most common): $8,000 – $20,000+
- Architectural or premium materials: $25,000-$40,000+
Nationally, roofing ranges widely based on complexity and square footage, generally around $10,000 – $25,000 for an average home.
Siding
Siding can vary by material (vinyl, fiber cement, wood). Local estimates suggest vinyl siding replacement around:
- $8,000 – $12,000+ for full vinyl siding install
- $30,000-$40,000+ Premium materials (cedar or engineered wood) cost more
These figures include labor and materials but can shift based on linear footage, height, detailing, and trim.
Putting It All Together: A Hypothetical All-Inclusive Budget
To illustrate how these projects stack up, here’s a realistic sample budget for a mid-range full renovation on a single-family home:
| Project | Hypothetical Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $90,000 |
| Master Bath Remodel | $70,000 |
| Guest Bath Remodel | $40,000 |
| Basement Finish with Bath & Bar | $95,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $18,000 |
| Window Replacement (10 windows) | $12,000 |
| Siding Upgrade (vinyl) | $10,000 |
| Home Addition (300 sq ft) | $180,000 |
| Design & Permits | $30,000 |
| Contingency Fund (10–15%) | Project Based |
This budget assumes mid-grade finishes, full contractor support, permits, and contingency funds.
Tips for Staying on Budget
No matter the project, here are ways to maintain control of your renovation budget:
- Finalize Selections Early Delays in choosing cabinets, countertops, tile, and fixtures often slow progress and increase cost.
- Understand Per Square Foot Pricing Note that interior spaces (kitchens, baths, basements) are often priced by complexity and feature set, not just area.
- Get Multiple Quotes Especially in a competitive market like Southeastern Wisconsin, comparing 2–3 contractor proposals helps you understand local pricing.
- Have a Contingency Fund Unforeseen conditions (old wiring, framing issues, permit delays) are common — aim for a 10–15% contingency.
Final Thoughts
Home renovations are a meaningful investment — but with realistic budgets and clear expectations, you can plan with confidence. Kitchens and bathrooms remain the most expensive per square foot; exterior upgrades like roofing and siding tend to be lower cost but high value; finishes and contractor quality drive a lot of variation. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or planning a full home transformation, building a thoughtful, region-aware budget ensures fewer surprises and better outcomes.