Estimating Home Renovation Costs in Washington DC

From the historic charm of Georgetown to the modern draw of Capitol Hill, each DC neighborhood brings its own mix of challenges and opportunities when you build a renovation budget. This guide breaks down how to estimate home renovation costs in Washington, DC, so you can plan your project with confidence and clear expectations.

Post your project on Sweeten for free and make your dream renovation a reality. Sweeten simplifies home renovation by connecting homeowners with top-rated general contractors, handling the vetting process and project management. To learn more about how we can help, check out our home renovation services.

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

Sweeten offers a practical cost guide designed to help you budget remodeling costs across the Washington, D.C., area. Through our platform, we match renovation projects with screened general contractors, and share clear guidance, planning tools, and steady support through each stage at no cost to you.

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

• Gut renovation: Starts at $100 per square foot
• Budget kitchen remodel: Starts at $27,000 to $30,000
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: Starts at $30,000 to $40,000 
• High-end kitchen remodel: Starts at $68,000
• Budget bathroom remodel: Starts at $12,000 to $15,000
• Mid-grade bathroom remodel: Starts at $21,000 or $600 per square foot
• High-end bathroom remodel and extension: Starts at $40,000
• Adding square footage: Starts at $120 per square foot

*Data from our partner GCs and Zonda Media

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.

Total gut renovation costs for a DC home

A full gut renovation in Washington, DC, that takes a home down to the frame and studs can start around $100 per square foot. Doing the work in one phase often delivers the best cost per square foot when you already plan multiple upgrades.

Size: How dimensions affect your home renovation costs in Washington DC

Home size affects renovation costs, yet the math goes beyond square footage. Fixtures and finishes drive much of the total, along with how far you plan to change the original layout.

More plumbing fixtures can raise costs fast, and room count, design style, and built-ins or furnishings can add to the spend. This guide walks you through sizing factors that shape a home remodel budget.

Small home (under 1,000 square feet): Small homes often focus on efficient, practical design. Renovations in these spaces often aim to add smart storage, improve flexible rooms, and use space-saving features. Common styles for smaller homes include minimalist, Scandinavian, and modern farmhouse. These looks favor clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials, which can make a home feel more open and bright even with limited square footage.

• Renovation cost range: $10,000 – $50,000
• Example types: Tiny houses, small cottages, studio apartments

Medium home (1,000-2,500 square feet):Medium-size homes give homeowners more room for creativity and customization during a renovation. Typical goals include updating kitchens and bathrooms, growing living space, and improving curb appeal. Style choices span a wide range, from traditional and transitional to contemporary and eclectic. Many homeowners add open floor plans, custom cabinetry, and upgraded fixtures to match personal taste and day-to-day routines.

• Renovation cost range: $20,000 – $100,000
• Example types: Average-sized single-family homes, townhouses, condos

Large home (2,500-4000 square feet):Renovating a large home can open the door to more luxurious, practical living spaces. Projects often include major updates across several rooms, including primary suites, gourmet kitchens, and entertainment areas. Design styles can run from classic and refined to modern and contemporary. Many plans add high-end appliances, custom millwork, and smart home tech to improve comfort and convenience, and give the home a more polished finish.

• Renovation cost range: $50,000 – $200,000
• Example types: Spacious single-family homes, larger townhouses, upscale condos

Extra-large home (over 4,000 square feet):Renovating an extra-large home allows for big transformations and luxury upgrades on a grand scale. Projects can include custom features such as home theaters, wine cellars, or even indoor pools, plus major landscaping and expanded outdoor living areas. Styles for extra-large homes can span many architectural influences, from Mediterranean and French country to contemporary and modernist. Renovations often focus on a high-end finish, with premium materials, top craftsmanship, and custom details that create a truly tailored living space.

• Renovation cost range: $100,000 – $500,000+
• Example types: Luxury estates, sprawling mansions, custom-built homes

These figures are broad estimates, and real renovation costs can swing widely. Project complexity, material quality, local labor rates, and hidden issues uncovered during work can all change the final total. Talk with renovation pros and gather several quotes to get a sharper view of costs for your exact scope and your location in Washington, DC.

You can check out our ultimate guide when hiring a home remodeling contractor to learn essential insights and practical tips to navigate the process effectively, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Finish level: How home design affects renovation costs

Finish level describes the quality and price range of the fixtures, materials, and finishes you choose for a kitchen renovation. It covers many parts of the space, including countertop materials, cabinet build, flooring choices, and the sinks, faucets, and appliances you pick. Finish level matters since it can shape a large share of the total project cost.

Budget finish: Clean lines, simple cabinetry, and sleek finishes define this budget-friendly style, ideal for Washington DC homeowners looking to revitalize their entire home without exceeding financial constraints. Opt for versatile and affordable materials like laminate flooring and basic paint colors to cultivate a modern and cohesive aesthetic. Embrace minimalist design principles and integrate cost-effective yet stylish furnishings and accessories to complete the look, ensuring a harmonious transformation within your budgetary limits.

Mid-grade finish: Transitioning to mid-grade finishes strikes a balance between cost efficiency and elevated style. Invest in durable yet visually appealing materials such as hardwood flooring, granite or quartz countertops, and ceramic tiles to impart a timeless and sophisticated ambiance to your living space. Consider upgrading fixtures and hardware to introduce a touch of luxury without compromising financial prudence, and opt for reputable brands renowned for their quality and reliability.

High-end finish: For those in pursuit of luxury and exclusivity, high-end finishes spare no expense in crafting a home that radiates opulence and sophistication. Elevate the overall aesthetic with custom millwork, premium hardwood flooring, and designer fixtures, complemented by state-of-the-art appliances and smart home technology for added convenience and modernity. Collaborate with esteemed architects and interior designers to devise bespoke designs tailored to your distinctive vision, incorporating luxurious materials and finishes sourced from around the globe to elevate your Washington DC residence to unparalleled heights of luxury.

Luxury finish: At the pinnacle of extravagance, luxury finishes redefine refined living, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail. From handcrafted furniture to bespoke lighting fixtures, every element is carefully curated to create a home that transcends mere luxury and becomes a true work of art. Incorporate custom-designed features and one-of-a-kind architectural elements to make a bold statement and showcase your discerning taste and style.

Across Washington, DC, from lively city blocks to quiet neighborhoods, bringing in details that match your personality and daily life helps a house feel like home. Whether you’re updating what you have or taking on a full renovation, focus on quality materials, skilled work, and close attention to detail.

That approach supports a home that balances function with style and holds up well over time.

Scope: Rip-and-replace vs. gut home renovation

Project scope refers to the amount and type of work that needs to be done, and can have implications on which professionals you’ll need to hire. We divide scope into the following broad categories (when a contractor prepares an estimate for your renovation, it will be much more detailed, and will include costs of the exact fixtures and finishes):

Full renovation (also called “Rip-and-Replace”)

A full renovation, or “rip-and-replace,” involves completely overhauling your home without altering its fundamental layout, much like creating a masterpiece with fresh inspiration. Picture updating outdated features with sleek, modern designs, upgrading worn surfaces to luxurious materials, and embracing state-of-the-art technology throughout. This streamlined approach offers a straightforward way to transform your entire living space, ideal for those seeking a fresh start without the complexity of altering the home’s blueprint. Often, this can be achieved with the expertise of a licensed general contractor partner, making it an accessible option for homeowners nationwide.

Gut renovation (or a “reimagine” as we say at Sweeten)

In a gut renovation, walls may be dismantled to expand the space, plumbing and electrical systems are strategically reconfigured for optimal functionality, and every aspect is meticulously customized to align with your vision. Reimagining your ideal home layout from the ground up involves integrating state-of-the-art features, utilizing different materials, and incorporating innovative design elements. This transformative process demands the expertise of seasoned professionals—designers, architects, and licensed contractors—who understand the unique nuances of crafting luxurious homes across the city.

Services: Home renovation services and their impact on costs 

The two main services to consider for your house renovation are build service and design service. Depending on your needs, you have some options for what types of firms to hire. 

Build service with a general contractor 

Consider this the cornerstone of your renovation journey in Washington DC. Skilled general contractors excel in overseeing the intricate processes of demolition and construction, essential for bringing your vision to life. In the diverse landscape of the nation’s capital, you’ll encounter contractors specializing solely in executing construction plans, distinct from those involved in professional design. However, within this spectrum, approaches vary; some strictly adhere to finalized designs, while others actively collaborate to actualize your unique vision. Certain contractors in Washington DC also offer valuable insights on material selection, fixture options, and rough spatial visualizations. Pricing for these services varies based on factors such as service quality, experience, and overhead costs. Consulting multiple firms is advisable to ensure alignment with your renovation objectives effectively.

Design service with an architect or interior designer

In Washington DC, homeowners embarking on house renovations often enlist the expertise of architects or interior designers to lead the creative transformation. This service comprises two key phases: creative design and technical design, each critical in shaping the kitchen’s overall concept. Creative design fosters collaborative dialogue between homeowners and their chosen professionals, guiding the creation of a unique aesthetic reflecting individual tastes. While this service is typically optional, incorporating it into the renovation plan may result in additional costs ranging from 10-20% of the total construction budget. It’s important to note that not all firms in Washington DC base their fees on construction costs; some prefer flat fees determined by project scope and duration. Conversely, technical design expertise becomes paramount for complex projects such as gut renovations, involving permits, safety protocols, and compliance with building codes. Architects or structural engineers oversee these critical aspects to ensure a smooth renovation process aligned with regulatory standards.

What is a full-service, design-build firm? 

Streamline your renovation project by opting for a design-build firm instead of hiring separate professionals for design and construction. These firms integrate the expertise of both a general contractor and professional designers or architects in-house, providing a comprehensive solution to your renovation needs. By choosing this approach, you collaborate with a single team from initial planning and design through to construction, ensuring seamless continuity and efficient resource utilization. In Washington DC’s dynamic environment, this integrated approach not only saves time but also promotes better coordination, ultimately leading to a successful renovation project that aligns with your vision and budget.

Are you ready to start your own kitchen remodeling project?

Post your remodeling project on Sweeten and we’ll connect you with a curated list of trusted contractors, matched to your project. Our service is free for homeowners, and hiring your contractor with Sweeten means you’ll also have access to advice, support, and secure payments. 

Adding square footage to your DC home 

Enlarging living space to an existing floor plan starts at $120 psf and can easily go up to $200 psf. The most economical addition is adding square footage over a crawl space. An extension where you are adding or adjusting the foundations will come in around $150 psf. The cost increases to $200 psf if a wet space—bathroom, laundry, or kitchen—is added. The cost of adding a second floor can start at $150 psf.  

Remodeling costs in DC: Permits

The District of Columbia is a compact city of only 69 square miles. The Council of the District of Columbia issues building permits for this area. Permits cost two percent of the budget for work over $1,000. For example, a permit for $20,000 bathroom will cost $400. 

Prince George’s County, to the east and south of the city, uses an equation for permit fees. $50 + (Construction Costs x 0.008) = permit fee. So, a $20,000 renovation would cost $210. Watch out for specific fees for projects such as basement finishing which is $340. 

In Montgomery County, the area to the north, building permits for alterations, additions, and repairs start at $270.

We can help plan your renovation

Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!