What does {your budget} actually buy in {your city}?
Honest, contractor-grade breakdowns of every renovation budget tier in every major English-speaking city. Each guide shows what's realistic in local currency, which design styles deliver the best impact-per-dollar, and where to save vs splurge.
The four budget tiers
under $1,000
Renovating a Room for
Cosmetic refresh territory — paint, lighting, soft furnishings and one or two statement accessories. No demolition, no contractors, no permits.
$1,000-$5,000
Mid-Budget Renovation
Mid-budget territory — a confident style change with new key furniture pieces, refreshed flooring or paint, and updated lighting. Still no structural work.
$5,000-$25,000
Mid-to-High Renovation
Full room transformation territory — new flooring, new key joinery, possible plumbing or electrical updates and full furnishings. Single-room kitchen or bathroom refits land here.
$25,000+
Premium Renovation
High-end finishes, designer fixtures, custom joinery, structural changes and the kind of detailing that holds up in design magazines. Full kitchen or large open-plan refits land in this band.
Browse by city
146 cities · 584 guides total.