A whole home renovation involves completely changing your house from top to bottom, updating every room, system, and surface to create a cohesive, modern living space. Unlike room-by-room remodeling, this comprehensive approach renovates your entire home simultaneously.
Key phases of a whole home renovation:
Timeline: 6-12+ months depending on scope and complexity
Investment: Ranges from moderate updates to complete gut renovations, with costs varying by home size, location, and material choices
The dream of changing your house into the perfect home drives many homeowners to consider this significant undertaking. As one homeowner shared in our research, “Taking your home down to the studs for a top to bottom renovation is a big endeavor. It’s often stressful, expensive, and time consuming.”
However, when done right, a whole home renovation can feel like getting a brand new house without the hassle of moving. You maintain your neighborhood, school district, and community connections while creating a space perfectly custom to your family’s needs.
I’m Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders, and I’ve guided over 100 families through successful whole home renovation projects since 2007. My background in technology and construction management helps ensure every project runs smoothly from initial design through final walkthrough.
Basic whole home renovation glossary:
Deciding between a whole home renovation and a room-by-room remodel is a critical first step. This choice shapes your entire project, impacting your lifestyle, budget, and the final look of your home.
A whole home renovation is like a symphony, creating a cohesive result from start to finish. A room-by-room renovation is more like mastering one instrument at a time. Both approaches can lead to amazing results, but they suit different needs and lifestyles.
Here’s a quick look at how these two paths compare:
| Feature | Whole Home Renovation | Room-by-Room Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Shorter overall project duration (6-12+ months) | Longer total project time (can extend over several years) |
| Budget | Higher upfront cost, potential for economies of scale | More manageable per project, but higher cumulative costs |
| Disruption | Significant, often requires temporary relocation | Less disruption, allows occupants to stay in the home |
| Design Cohesion | High, uniform style throughout | Potential for inconsistencies over time |
| ROI | Comprehensive update can boost market value significantly | Varies by individual project, may be less cohesive |
Choosing a whole home renovation offers exciting benefits. A big plus is efficiency. Tackling everything at once streamlines the process for a shorter overall project timeline compared to a phased approach over many years.
This “all-at-once” approach can also lead to cost savings. Think about it: buying materials in larger quantities or having our skilled crews on-site continuously can help reduce overall expenses. Most importantly, a full renovation guarantees a wonderfully uniform design and style throughout your entire home. You get that perfectly cohesive, “dream home” feel you’ve always wanted.
However, a big project like this does come with its own set of challenges. The most noticeable is the higher upfront cost. It requires a larger financial commitment all at once. There’s also the significant disruption to your daily life. For the duration of the project, which can be several months, your home will be a busy construction zone. This often means finding temporary housing, which adds to the overall cost and planning.
A room-by-room renovation offers budget flexibility, letting you spread costs over time. This approach also causes less disruption, as you can usually live in your home by avoiding the work area. This flexibility lets you plan projects around your family’s schedule.
However, there are downsides to this approach. Over time, doing one room at a time can lead to design inconsistencies. What was a popular trend for your kitchen five years ago might not quite match the style of your newly renovated living room today. While individual projects might seem more affordable, the cumulative costs can actually be higher. This is because contractors have to set up and mobilize their teams multiple times for different projects, which adds up.
If you’re thinking about tackling just one room for now, like a bathroom, we have more information that might help: More info about bathroom remodeling.
When you’re trying to decide between a full whole home renovation and a room-by-room approach, it helps to ask yourself a few key questions:
The best choice depends on finding the right balance between achieving a stunning, cohesive home and what works best for your budget and how much disruption your family can handle.
Starting on a whole home renovation is an exciting journey, akin to creating a masterpiece. But just like any grand creation, it requires meticulous planning and a well-defined process. Our experience has shown that a detailed plan is your best friend in avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a smooth, successful outcome.
We’ll guide you through the initial planning phase, all the way to the exciting execution phase, highlighting the importance of a clear roadmap to your dream home. Think of it as building your home’s story, one well-planned chapter at a time.
Find a qualified contractor through NARI.
Every successful renovation begins with a clear vision. What do you truly want your transformed home to look and feel like? We love seeing homeowners gather inspiration from everywhere—magazines, blogs, Pinterest, and even just walking through neighborhoods they admire!
As you dream, it’s super helpful to create a “needs vs. wants” list. This helps us prioritize what’s absolutely essential for your daily life and functionality versus those fun, desirable extras. Understanding your core goals – whether it’s boosting property value, cutting energy costs, or simply adapting your space for a growing family – will shape the entire project.
Once your vision starts to sparkle, it’s time to set a realistic budget. This isn’t just about the cost of materials and labor; it also includes important things like permits, inspections, and, crucially, a 15-20% contingency fund for those “just in case” moments. As one of our sources points out, “unexpected issues like foundation cracks, water damage, or outdated electrical work” are common, especially in older homes. This buffer is your financial safety net, giving you peace of mind.
We’ll also help you explore financing options. Besides using cash, many homeowners consider home equity loans or lines of credit (HELOCs), which let you tap into your home’s existing value. For those looking to buy a fixer-upper, government-backed loans like FHA 203k or Fannie Mae HomeStyle mortgages can be excellent choices, allowing renovation costs to be rolled right into your mortgage.
More info about design-build construction.
A whole home renovation is a grand trip, and you wouldn’t start on one without the right crew! Assembling the perfect team of professionals is absolutely paramount for a smooth journey.
First up, consider bringing in an architect or designer. If you’re planning big changes to your home’s layout or structural modifications, their expertise is invaluable. They’re like translators, taking your exciting vision and turning it into detailed, structurally sound, and beautiful plans.
Next, you’ll need a reputable general contractor. And this is where we at Norman Builders truly shine! We pride ourselves on being your trusted partner throughout the entire process. When choosing a contractor, look for years of experience, a valid contracting license, and comprehensive insurance (both workers’ compensation and liability). Always ask for references and don’t hesitate to check online reviews. A great contractor will also have clear communication and a transparent payment schedule – because nobody likes surprises!
We often work under a “design-build” model. This means our team handles both the design and construction parts of your remodel under one roof, with a single contract. This seamless approach leads to greater efficiency, better communication, and a much more streamlined project from start to finish. It’s like having a single conductor for your home’s symphony!
Check contractor ratings with the Better Business Bureau.
With your vision clearly defined and your amazing team in place, we move into the exciting phases of detailed design and execution. This is where your dream home truly begins to take shape!
First, we get to work on finalizing blueprints and selecting materials. This is where your vision is translated onto paper, and you get to pick out all the fun stuff! From flooring and paint colors to cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances, every choice significantly impacts your budget and the final look and feel of your home.
Next comes obtaining building permits. This is a crucial step! We’ll help you steer local zoning rules and secure all the necessary permits. For a whole home renovation, permits are almost always required, especially if we’re making structural changes. This process can take some time – sometimes 4 to 6 months for bigger projects – so we factor this into your timeline to avoid any frustrating delays.
Then, the fun (and sometimes messy) part: demolition! This is often the most dramatic stage. Depending on your project’s scope, demolition can range from removing just a few walls to a complete “gut” where almost everything is torn out except the main structural elements and exterior walls.
After that, it’s time for framing and structural work. This is the skeleton of your new home! Any new rooms, expanded spaces, or reconfigured layouts are expertly framed out, and essential structural elements like new beams or supports are installed.
Next up are the plumbing and electrical rough-ins. All the new wiring, pipes, and ductwork for your HVAC systems are carefully installed within the walls and ceilings before they get covered up. This is a critical stage where everything must meet current codes for safety and efficiency.
Once the “guts” are in place, drywall and finishing begin. Drywall goes up, followed by painting, flooring installation, and the careful installation of cabinets, countertops, and beautiful trim work.
Finally, the most exciting part: fixtures and final touches! Appliances, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and all those decorative elements are installed, truly bringing your vision to life.
Throughout this entire process, we prioritize a clear project scope and detailed budget with contingency. We ensure you have comprehensive design plans and blueprints and that all necessary permits and approvals are in place. Your selected materials, finishes, and fixtures are carefully ordered and tracked. We maintain an established communication plan with you, our valued homeowner, and schedule regular site visits and progress meetings so you’re always in the loop. If needed, we’ll discuss temporary living arrangements and always have a plan for debris removal. The journey culminates in a satisfying final walkthrough and punch list, ensuring every detail is perfect before you move into your newly transformed home.
It’s natural to wonder, “How much will this cost?” and “How long will it take?” These are two of the most frequent questions we receive, and for good reason! A whole home renovation is a significant investment of both time and money.
The truth is, both the cost and the timeline for a whole home renovation can vary quite a bit. They depend on many things, like the size of your home, what kind of changes you want, and the materials you choose. Managing your expectations through open and clear communication with your contractor is truly key to a smooth journey.
Please note: The following are average costs based on general internet data and not actual costs for Norman Builders services. Every one of our projects is custom-quoted based on your unique home, vision, and specific needs.
When you think about a whole home renovation, you might wonder about the price tag. The average cost can swing wildly! For smaller updates, internet data suggests costs might start around $17,700. But for a truly comprehensive overhaul, especially for a full gut renovation of a larger home, costs can climb significantly, often ranging from $75,000 to $300,000, and even exceeding $800,000+ in some regions for high-end, complex projects.
You might also hear about “cost per square foot.” This can range from about $10 to $150 or even more, depending on the quality of finishes you choose. For example, opting for custom, high-end tiling will naturally cost more than standard, off-the-shelf options.
Generally, the most expensive parts of a whole home renovation are the areas with lots of plumbing and electrical work, like your kitchen and bathrooms. Any structural changes, such as moving walls or adding new spaces, will also add quite a bit to your budget.
Your specific project’s cost will be shaped by several factors. These include your property size and age (older, larger homes often need more work), the renovation type (cosmetic changes are less expensive than structural ones), the material quality you select (high-end finishes always increase costs), and the labor costs in your specific region, which can vary geographically.
Want to see how renovations often boost home value? Check out the latest Cost vs. Value Report.
A whole home renovation is definitely not a sprint; it’s more like a marathon! While many full home renovations might take anywhere from six months to a year, some larger or more complex projects can certainly take longer. Patience is truly a virtue here!
Here’s a general idea of how the timeline often breaks down:
We always build a little extra “buffer time” into our schedules. This helps us account for any unexpected challenges, material delays, or inspection hold-ups that can pop up.
Thinking about expanding your home? Find more info about home additions.
Living through a whole home renovation can sometimes feel a bit like living in an organized (or sometimes not-so-organized!) construction zone. But with some smart planning, you can definitely make the process smoother for your family:
We truly understand the upheaval a large remodel can cause. Our goal is to plan carefully so that your whole home renovation process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Beyond creating your dream living space, a whole home renovation is a significant financial investment in your property. Many homeowners, roughly 59% of Canadians, always consider the return on investment (ROI) of a renovation on their home’s market value. This undertaking can substantially boost your property’s value, making it a wise decision whether you plan to stay long-term or sell in the future.
A comprehensive renovation can improve your home’s market appeal, ensuring long-term value and improved curb appeal. It’s not just about what you gain in comfort; it’s about what you gain in equity.
A whole home renovation acts as a powerful catalyst for increasing your property’s value. Here’s how:
More info about our custom home building services.
While nearly any renovation can add value, some projects consistently offer a better return on investment (ROI) than others. Here are some smart upgrades to consider during your whole home renovation:
Remodeling can boost a house’s value and return on investment, potentially paying off when you sell, especially if you plan to stay long-term.
So, you’ve journeyed with us through the exciting world of whole home renovation! It’s a big step, no doubt, but as we’ve seen, the change is truly incredible. Imagine taking that initial dream, carefully planning every detail, setting your budget, and then watching as a skilled team brings it all to life. The reward? A living space that doesn’t just look amazing, but truly feels like ‘you’ – perfectly suited to your lifestyle, reflecting your unique taste, and adding real value to your home for years to come.
Here at Norman Builders, we truly get it. This isn’t just about swinging hammers and putting up walls; it’s about building your dream, your sanctuary, your perfect space. Since 2007, we’ve had the privilege of guiding families like yours through this exciting process. We pour our heart into delivering top-tier, custom-built homes and remodels, always focusing on exceptional craftsmanship and a truly personalized service. From the Merrimack Valley to the North Shore, and across the Seacoast and Southern NH areas, we pride ourselves on our unwavering attention to detail and our knack for turning even the most complex visions into beautiful, stunning realities.
We genuinely believe that every home holds incredible potential, just waiting to be open uped. And we’re so excited to help you open up yours.
Learn more about our whole house renovation process and view our portfolio.
Please note: Our services are exclusively available in Massachusetts, specifically in Andover, MA, the North Shore, and New Hampshire, covering the Seacoast and Southern NH regions.
We specialize in high-quality home construction and remodeling services, delivering exceptional craftsmanship tailored to meet your vision and needs. Whether you’re planning a renovation, new construction, or a custom remodel, our experienced team is committed to exceeding expectations with precision, attention to detail, and reliable service.
Our service area includes the Merrimack Valley, North Shore, Seacoast, and Southern NH Areas. We take pride in the quality of our workmanship and our prompt professionalism.
Contact us today to bring your project to life!