How Much Does a Boston Home Remodel Cost?

Dreaming of transforming your Boston home but worried about breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Boston home renovations can be notorious for their hefty price tags. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive cost guide to help you navigate the complex world of Boston home remodel costs. From kitchen and bathroom overhauls to whole-house transformations, we’ll break down average costs, factors affecting pricing, and tips to maximize your budget.

UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Boston Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

From historic brownstones to sleek modern apartments, Boston’s diverse housing landscape reflects its rich history. Planning a remodel? Sweeten, your free-to-use renovation partner, provides expert guidance and cost estimates tailored to your unique Boston home.

Here’s a quick overview of budgets for some typical renovation projects:

• Gut renovation: Starting at around $120-$150 per square foot.
• Budget kitchen remodel: Starting at $20,000-$35,000.
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starting at $35,000-$50,000.
• High-end kitchen remodel: Starting at $75,000-$100,000 or more.
• Budget bathroom remodel: Starting at $18,000-$22,000.
• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starting at $30,000-$40,000 or $800-$1,000 per square foot.
• High-end master bathroom remodel and reconfiguration: Starting at $60,000-$80,000 or more.
• Basement: Starting at $30,000-$40,000.

For the most accurate cost estimate, it’s essential to consult with local contractors and obtain detailed quotes based on your specific project requirements.

How much a Boston remodel costs per square foot

A complete gut renovation in Boston, which involves stripping your home down to its frame, typically starts at around $120-$150 per square foot. Performing the entire renovation at once can often result in the best price per square foot.

Given Boston’s predominantly older housing stock, gut renovations may be more expensive than in areas with newer homes. The final cost can vary significantly based on factors such as:

How much a Boston kitchen remodel costs per square foot

The cost of a kitchen remodel in Boston can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the size of the kitchen, the materials used, the layout changes, and the finishes chosen.

• For a minor kitchen remodel, you can expect to spend between $20,000 and $35,000. This type of remodel typically involves replacing countertops, appliances, and fixtures, but does not involve major changes to the layout.
• A mid-grade kitchen remodel will cost more, typically ranging from $35,000 to $50,000. This type of remodel may include some layout changes, such as adding an island or relocating appliances. It may also involve upgrading materials, such as installing granite countertops or stainless steel appliances.
• A high-end kitchen remodel can cost $75,000 or more. This type of remodel typically involves major changes to the layout, such as knocking down walls or creating a new kitchen island. It may also involve using high-end materials, such as custom cabinets, marble countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances.

Cabinets and appliances are often the most significant expenses in a kitchen remodel. Custom cabinets can account for a substantial portion of the budget, and high-end appliances can also add significantly to the cost. One client chose to spend $35,000 on cabinets—almost half the whole budget—in an $80,000 renovation of a small kitchen. 

How much a Boston bathroom remodel costs per square foot

The cost of a bathroom remodel in Boston can vary significantly depending on the size of the bathroom, the materials used, the layout changes, and the finishes chosen.

• For a budget bathroom remodel, you can expect to spend between $18,000 and $22,000. This type of remodel typically involves replacing the fixtures, tile, and vanity, but does not involve major changes to the layout.
• A mid-grade bathroom remodel will cost more, typically ranging from $30,000 to $40,000. This type of remodel may involve some layout changes, such as adding a new tub or shower, and may also include upgrading materials, such as installing marble tile or a high-end vanity.
• A high-end master bathroom remodel can cost $60,000 or more. This type of remodel typically involves major changes to the layout, such as knocking down walls or creating a spa-like retreat. It may also involve using high-end materials, such as custom cabinetry, heated floors, and top-of-the-line fixtures.

Like all renovations, your budget comes down to your choices, said contractor Jeff. And sometimes those choices will have a ripple effect on the budget. Tiles can range from $2 psf at Home Depot or $100 psf for imported tile. The cost and timeline can increase if the tile chosen requires specialized installation such as Italian mosaic tile which one of Jeff’s clients ordered.

How much it costs to renovate a basement

A basement renovation starts at $30,000. The average cost is $88,000, the Cost Vs Value report found. The project for this budget includes a 20′ x 30′ main room and a 5′ x 8′ bathroom with a shower. The main room can contain a bar area as well as laminate flooring and insulation, a largely unseen but important part of the project to combat those wet, frosty winters. This example project works out to $137 psf.  

That’s right in line with what Sweeten contractor Jeff estimates a basic basement—walls, drainage, and electrical—will cost for homes in the Boston area. The cost increases once you add a bathroom or a bar according to Jeff.

Building permit costs

For the City of Boston, which covers over 200 square miles around the city center, permits for a major residential remodel starts at $50. This increases by $10 for every $1,000 of the budget. There are additional charges for electrical and plumbing work. 

If your home is in Norfolk County then you will need to check the township your home is located in. The county is made of dozens of small towns and each has its own building permit system. For example, in Dedham, a permit for additions, including decks, costs $10 per $1,000 of planned work. This would mean a $30,000 kitchen addition would attract a $300 permit. 

Over in Cambridge, which is located in Middlesex County, a building permit costs $15 per $1,000 in the budget. So a permit for that same $30,000 kitchen addition would be $450 in Cambridge.

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