The Ultimate Guide to Home Renovation Costs in Greater Boston (2024)

Renovating a home in Boston can be as exciting as finding the perfect Dunkin' order. But when it comes to crunching the numbers, things can get a little overwhelming. From historic brownstones in Beacon Hill to sleek lofts in the Seaport District, home renovation costs vary depending on the size of your project, the age of your property, and those inevitable New England quirks (looking at you, century-old plumbing!). Whether you're planning a gut renovation or just giving your space a fresh facelift, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about budgeting for a home renovation in Boston.

Overview of home renovation costs

Renovating a home in Greater Boston? The price tag can swing widely depending on what you're planning. If you're just freshening things up with some new paint or flooring, you're looking at about $100 to $300 per square foot. But if you're diving into bigger projects like knocking down walls or updating wet spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, those costs can jump to anywhere between $400 and $800 per square foot. 

For example, a kitchen renovation usually runs from $32,000 to $56,000, and a bathroom update could cost between $30,000 and $53,000. Of course, these are just ballpark figures, and things can change depending on your materials and any unexpected surprises (because who doesn't love finding out they need a new plumbing system mid-project?). 

Bottom line: always get a few quotes to know you're getting the best deal.

What influences home renovation costs in Boston?

When it comes to renovating your Boston home, several factors can influence the final price tag. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

Labor

Labor is usually the biggest chunk of your renovation budget—around 60%, to be exact. Costs will depend on how involved the project is. You'll likely need to hire a mix of pros, including a general contractor, electrician, plumber, and maybe even a few specialists. The more complex the work, the higher the labor costs.

Design services

Bringing in a designer can be a game-changer for pulling your vision together. Sure, it's an added cost, but it can save you from making costly mistakes. Design fees vary, and while it's more expensive than doing it yourself, a good designer will help you choose materials, plan layouts, and make your space feel just right. If you're worried about the price, you can always find a designer who offers flexible services to match your needs.

Materials

Expect about 30% of your budget for materials, but this can fluctuate. Think flooring, tiles, cabinets, and appliances—every little thing adds up. Material prices vary widely, so research and try to balance cost and quality. And be ready to stay flexible—stock issues or price jumps are pretty common, so it's always good to have a backup plan when choosing your finishes.

Additional costs

Don't forget the extra stuff! Demolition, debris removal, hardware, light fixtures, and even decor can sneak up on you. Make sure you account for these in your budget so you don't blow through your savings before the project's finished.

Unforeseen expenses

Even with the best planning, surprises happen. Maybe you'll discover mold or find out that your plumbing needs a major upgrade. To avoid stress, set aside about 10% of your budget for these unexpected issues. It'll give you some breathing room if (and when) things pop up.

Learn More: Demystifying the Costs of a Home Renovation Project

Cost for gut renovation vs. non-gut renovation

Thinking about a full gut renovation in Boston? Get ready to strip everything down—walls, floors, ceilings, and maybe even plumbing and electrical systems. It's a total reset, giving you the freedom to redesign your space from the ground up. But with that freedom comes a hefty price tag. For a gut renovation, you're looking at costs ranging from $400 to $800 per square foot. For example, if you're renovating a small 1,000-square-foot home, that could run you between $400,000 and $800,000. For a medium-sized 1,500-square-foot home, expect to pay between $600,000 and $1.2 million. And if you're working on a large 2,500-square-foot space, you might be looking at $1 million to $2 million.

On the other hand, if your space just needs a refresh, a non-gut (or cosmetic) renovation might be more your speed. This type of renovation sticks to surface-level updates like painting, new flooring, or sprucing up specific rooms without tearing down walls or making major structural changes. Since you're working within the existing layout, it's a much less expensive option, typically running between $100 and $300 per square foot.

Just remember, whether you're going all-in with a gut job or keeping it simple with cosmetic updates, the final cost will depend on the specifics of your project. Always plan for some flexibility in the budget! 

Cost of permits and formalities

When planning a renovation in Boston, don’t forget about the cost of permits. If you’re doing a minor update, like a small cosmetic change, you’ll likely need a short-form permit. This is used for things that won’t change the use of the space or involve major structural work. But if your project is more complex—like building an addition, making structural changes, or increasing occupancy—you’ll need a long-form permit. This one is a bit pricier, so you can expect to spend anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars or more. You’ll also likely need to submit construction drawings with this permit. While permits can feel like a hassle, they’re essential to keep your project on track and up to code.

Cost of dry spaces vs. wet spaces

When planning a renovation, one key factor that impacts the cost is whether you're working on a "dry" space or a "wet" space. The distinction between these two types of areas can make a big difference in your overall budget, with wet spaces typically requiring more specialized work and materials. Here's how the costs break down:

Wet spaces

When renovating wet spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms—places exposed to water and humidity—you can expect the costs to be higher. These areas require specialized labor for things like plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, and installing appliances. Plus, you'll need to invest in waterproof and durable materials, which adds to the price tag. It's definitely worth hiring pros who know what they're doing because mistakes in these spaces can lead to bigger, pricier problems down the line.

Dry spaces

Dry spaces, like bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms, are generally much easier on the wallet when it comes to renovations. Since you're not dealing with plumbing or waterproofing, the work is more straightforward—usually things like painting, new flooring, or electrical updates. As a result, these spaces are cheaper to remodel compared to their wet counterparts.

Heating and cooling costs

Boston experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Because of this, it’s essential to ensure your HVAC system can maintain a comfortable home temperature year-round. Heating and cooling costs are important considerations in a Boston remodel and are affected by the type of HVAC systems installed, the energy efficiency of the equipment, and the specific requirements of your home or building.


Types of heating and cooling systems

When it comes to heating and cooling your home in Boston, there are a few different systems to choose from, each with its own price point and benefits.

Central Heating and Cooling Systems

These systems are common in larger homes and buildings and can be pricey to install because they require ductwork and high-capacity units. However, they provide consistent temperature control throughout the entire house.

Split Systems and Mini-Splits

If you're looking for something more flexible and energy-efficient, split systems or mini-splits might be the way to go. These systems are great for individual rooms and are easier to install, especially in older homes that don't have ductwork. They can also save you money upfront and on energy bills.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating is the luxury option, where heating elements are installed under floors or within walls. It's definitely more expensive to install, but if you're dreaming of warm floors on those chilly Boston mornings, it might be worth the splurge.

Factors impacting your HVAC budget

When renovating, heating and cooling systems are a major consideration. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or installing something brand new, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

HVAC Installation Costs

The price tag for installing a heating and cooling system can vary widely depending on your home and the type of system you choose. You might spend as little as $2,000 for a basic update, but a more complex install could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Operating Costs

Don’t just focus on the upfront cost—keep in mind what it’ll take to run your system over time. While energy-efficient systems may cost more to install, they can save you a bundle on your utility bills down the road, making the investment worth it in the long run.

Tips for budgeting your home renovation

Creating a solid budget is key to keeping your renovation stress-free and avoiding those dreaded unexpected expenses. A well-thought-out budget helps you prioritize what's most important and figure out where you can save. Here's how to get started:

Set realistic expectations

Before starting your renovation, review your finances and determine your realistic spending limit. It's easy to get carried away, but knowing your limits upfront will help keep things in check.

Determine your goals

Think about what's most important for your remodel. Which areas of your home need the most attention? Set clear goals to focus your budget on the things that matter most.

Break down your budget

To keep things organized, break your budget into categories like labor, materials, design services, permits, and a contingency fund. A good rule of thumb is to plan to spend about 60% of your budget on labor, 30% on materials, and 10% on unexpected costs.

Prioritize necessities

Focus on the essentials first. Safety and functionality upgrades—like electrical work, plumbing, or structural repairs—should be at the top of your list before you start thinking about cosmetic updates.

Plan for the unexpected

No matter how well you plan, surprises happen during renovations. Set aside 10-20% of your budget for those unexpected expenses. That way, you'll be ready to handle any curveballs without breaking the bank.

Learn More: How to Plan Your Renovation Budget

How to select a contractor in Boston

Choosing the right contractor is hands down the most important decision you’ll make for your renovation. Your contractor will be your partner throughout the project, guiding you through every step.

Hiring a contractor can feel overwhelming, but Block makes it easier by matching you with up to three top-rated contractors from our elite network. Our thorough vetting process ensures that each contractor is:

• Highly knowledgeable with top-notch construction quality
• Backed by glowing customer references
• Rated with stellar online reviews (4.0 or higher)
• Experienced, with a track record of successfully completed projects
• Great at communication and project management
• Fully licensed and insured (with at least $2MM coverage)
• Clear of DOB violations or civil lawsuits
• Passed background checks and a rigorous four-week vetting process

You’ll get to meet the contractors during a site visit and compare their proposals within Block's dashboard, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your renovation. Get started by booking a meeting with one of our renovation consultants today.