For a typical home between 1,250 and 1,600 square feet, the national average for a whole-house renovation is around $52,000. Full renovations that involve structural work, multiple rooms, or system upgrades often exceed $150,000.
It’s important to understand the main factors that influence the final cost: the size of the space, the depth of the work, your material choices, and the local labor market.
What’s Behind the Home Remodeling Price Tag in 2026
Labor is the biggest driver, and it’s been that way for several years running. For most projects, labor takes up 40% to 60% of the total budget.
The reality is that skilled tradespeople, electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled trades show steady year-over-year wage increases, and contractors pass those costs directly into their quotes.
Materials haven’t softened either. Cabinetry tariffs pushed up imported prices, domestic manufacturers held their prices, and custom tilework and stone countertops cost more than they did three years ago.
On top of that, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, homeowners are expected to spend $518 billion on improvements and maintenance by the end of 2026. That level of market demand keeps contractor schedules full.
Room by Room: What Different Home Remodeling Projects Cost in 2026
Here’s a grounded look at typical project ranges across the country:
| Project Type | Typical Range | Biggest Cost Driver |
| Kitchen Remodel | $15,000 to $80,000+ | Cabinetry and appliances |
| Bathroom Remodel | $7,000 to $80,000+ | Plumbing work and layout changes |
| Basement Finishing | $22,000 to $56,000 (larger projects run higher) | Size and custom features |
| Full Home Renovation | $100,000 to $450,000+ | Scope and finish level |
What tips a project toward the higher end:
- Structural changes, like removing load-bearing walls, reconfiguring layouts, or relocating plumbing runs
- Material tier, from stock laminate countertops to custom stone, hardwood, or designer tile
- Permit fees, which typically run $300 to $2,000 for most residential remodeling projects
- Regional labor rates, since Midwest markets generally run below what the same work costs in coastal cities
The Line Items Nobody Warns You About
Once demo starts, you find out what’s been hiding in the walls. Older homes often have outdated wiring, water-damaged subfloors, or plumbing that can’t pass a current inspection without replacement.
Budget a 10%-20% contingency on top of whatever number you’ve been quoted. Homeowners who skip that step are the ones making stressful calls to their contractor two months in.
Basement projects come with their own version of this. Lighting is one of those decisions that completely changes how a finished space feels to be in every day, and it’s consistently underplanned.
Before you finalize a basement design, our guide to basement lighting ideas for 2026 covers practical choices that shift how a finished space looks and lives.
If a bathroom remodel is anywhere on your list, getting shower dimensions right before demo starts prevents costly corrections later. Our 2026 guide to standard shower sizes and dimensions is a quick read that helps prevent headaches early on.
What Pritch Remodeling Charged for Real Omaha Projects
National averages give you a framework. Actual pricing from your own market tells you what to prepare for. Here’s what Pritch Remodeling completed for homeowners in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area:
- Full Kitchen Remodel, 200 sq. ft. in Council Bluffs: $25,000. This family wanted a brighter, more functional kitchen. The project covered new flooring, energy-efficient windows, custom cabinetry at $10,000, stone countertops, floating shelves, and updated appliances.
- Bathroom Remodel, 60 sq. ft. in Omaha: $20,000. A full layout redesign without changing the room’s footprint. Plumbing relocation was the biggest expense at $7,000. The scope included a relocated shower, new tile flooring, updated drywall, a custom vanity, and a tiled walk-in shower.
- Basement Remodel, 1,800 sq. ft. in Omaha: $180,000. An unfinished basement converted into a complete living space. This was a large, feature-heavy project: new drywall, wall-to-wall carpet, custom closets, a wet bar, paint, and new trim throughout. The trim work and carpeting were the largest investment.
For a closer look at what a project might involve for your home, our home remodeling page walks through the full process and scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I budget for a home remodel in 2026?
For a single room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, plan on $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope. Full home renovations typically run $100,000 and up. Always add a 10%-20% contingency in case surprises are found behind the walls.
What costs the most in a home remodel?
Usually labor, which accounts for 40% to 60% of most budgets.
How long does a typical remodel take?
Single-room projects take 4 to 8 weeks in most cases. Multi-room renovations run 2 to 4 months. Full-home projects can take 6 months or longer, depending on permitting, material availability, and scope.
Does remodeling increase my home’s value?
Yes, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. The 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report found that minor midrange kitchen remodels returned 112.9% at resale nationally, making them the top-performing interior project in the study.
Consider This Permission to Stop Calculating
You’ve got the numbers now. You understand what drives costs, what surprises to plan for, and what Omaha projects actually look like when they’re done.
That’s all useful, but it’s also a lot to carry around when what you actually want is a home that better fits your life.
Pritch Remodeling serves Omaha, Papillion, Elkhorn, Bennington, La Vista, Bellevue, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding metro. Our team handles everything from the first walkthrough to the final finishes, so you’re never juggling different contractors.
Call us at (402) 677-6401 or message us here to get started.