Gut Renovation Cost Calculator (2026)

Gut Renovation Cost Calculator

Estimate gut renovation cost in the United States. See low, average, and high costs, cost per sqft, material, labor, permits, timeline, FAQs, and related calculators.

Short answer

$163,574–$751,639

Average near $345,321 · about 12–36 weeks.

Material + labor Permit aware Local multiplier

Call (833) 380-3284 for a free quotePrefer to talk it through? Get a live gut renovation cost from a local pro.

Gut Renovation Cost Calculator: what to expect

A gut renovation strips a home or unit back to the studs, replacing every system and finish. Because demolition and rough-ins dominate the early budget, gut jobs carry the highest waste and contingency factors of any remodel.

Across the United States, a gut renovation cost averages $345,321 once mid-range materials, licensed labor, and standard permits are included. The figures below are a national baseline; pick your state or city to apply local labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees.

Cost summary

Low estimate	$163,574
Average estimate	$345,321
High estimate	$751,639
Cost per sqft	$109 - $501
Timeline	12-36 weeks

Where the money goes

For a typical gut renovation cost, the average $345,321 estimate splits into roughly $140,172 of materials, $134,078 of labor, and $3,600 in permits.

Material cost	$140,172
Labor cost	$134,078
Permit cost	$3,600

What a gut renovation cost includes

Full demolition down to studs and subfloor
New electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins
Insulation, drywall, and all new finishes
New kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and trim
Extensive permitting and staged inspections

What drives the cost the most

Demolition volume and debris hauling front-load the budget.
Every system is replaced, so rough-in labor is a major line.
Hidden conditions (rot, knob-and-tube, failed plumbing) surface once walls open.
Higher waste factor and contingency are built in by necessity.

Budget, standard, and high-end scopes

The $163,574–$751,639 range maps to three common levels of finish:

Scope	Roughly	What it covers
Single space	$163,574	One floor or unit taken to studs.
Whole home	$345,321	Entire house gutted and rebuilt inside the existing shell.
Gut + reconfigure	$751,639	New layout on top of full system replacement.

How to save on a gut renovation cost

Order a thorough pre-demo inspection — gut jobs reward early discovery.
Carry 15%+ contingency; opened walls almost always reveal added work.
Salvage and resell or donate fixtures to offset demolition cost.

How this estimate is calculated

We start from a base cost-per-sqft for gut renovation cost and adjust it for finish quality, labor complexity, waste, and equipment, then apply national baseline indices. The figures update with the cost data and reflect mid-range, licensed-contractor pricing, not a binding quote.

Gut Renovation Cost cost by city and state

The same gut renovation cost costs more in high-wage metros and less in lower-cost markets. Below are typical 2026 ranges for major US cities, plus the highest- and lowest-cost states, all built from the national baseline of $163,574–$751,639 adjusted by local labor, material, and permit indices.

Cost in major US cities

City	Typical range	vs US avg
New York, NY	$253,448–$1,200,143	+55%
Los Angeles, CA	$240,550–$1,140,286	+47%
Chicago, IL	$183,273–$863,080	+12%
Houston, TX	$164,915–$758,659	+1%
Phoenix, AZ	$168,061–$773,510	+3%
Dallas, TX	$169,759–$781,117	+4%
Miami, FL	$187,351–$863,080	+15%
Atlanta, GA	$166,256–$765,680	+2%
Seattle, WA	$218,526–$1,020,325	+34%
Denver, CO	$194,196–$900,832	+19%
Boston, MA	$221,986–$1,035,631	+36%
Austin, TX	$182,764–$841,197	+12%

Highest- and lowest-cost states

State	Typical range	vs US avg
Hawaii	$239,893–$1,108,562	+48%
California	$232,478–$1,109,907	+42%
New York	$219,366–$1,035,643	+34%
Arkansas	$140,084–$645,418	−14%
West Virginia	$140,084–$645,418	−14%
Mississippi	$136,938–$630,567	−16%

We estimate gut renovation cost costs across all 50 states and 30 metro areas. Compare costs by state or costs by city.

Questions homeowners ask first

How much does a gut renovation cost cost in the United States?

In the United States, a gut renovation cost typically runs $163,574 to $751,639, averaging $345,321. That assumes mid-range materials and a licensed contractor; budget finishes trend toward the low end and luxury scopes toward the high end.

What is the cost per sqft for a gut renovation cost in the United States?

Expect roughly $109 to $501 per sqft in the United States. Multiply by your actual sqft count and add $3,600 in permits to size your own budget.

What drives the cost of a gut renovation cost the most?

Demolition volume and debris hauling front-load the budget. Every system is replaced, so rough-in labor is a major line.

How long does a gut renovation cost take in the United States?

Most gut renovation cost projects run 12 to 36 weeks. Permit review, material lead times, and contractor scheduling are the usual reasons a timeline stretches.

How much of a gut renovation cost is labor vs. materials?

On an average $345,321 gut renovation cost in the United States, expect roughly $140,172 in materials and $134,078 in labor — labor is about 49% of the total. Labor share climbs in high-wage metros and on complex or structural work.

What is the difference between a budget and high-end gut renovation cost?

A budget gut renovation cost near $163,574 covers one floor or unit taken to studs. A high-end scope near $751,639 covers new layout on top of full system replacement.

How can I save money on a gut renovation cost?

Order a thorough pre-demo inspection — gut jobs reward early discovery. Carry 15%+ contingency; opened walls almost always reveal added work. Getting three local bids is the single biggest lever — pricing on the same gut renovation cost scope can vary 20-30% between contractors.

Does a gut renovation cost need a permit?

Most gut renovation cost work that touches structure, plumbing, electrical, or egress needs a permit. We estimate $3,600 for the United States using local permit indices, but the building department sets the final fee.

Still comparing gut renovation cost numbers?

Call now and a remodeling specialist will walk through your scope, materials, and a firm price — no obligation.

Call (833) 380-3284

Gut Renovation Cost Calculator