Remodeling an entire house at once is certainly a big undertaking, but has many benefits. Designing and building an entire floor or home at once produces a cohesive and holistic aesthetic, improves flow and floor plan, and is often more efficient than remodeling individual rooms.
Taking on a full home remodel can feel both exciting and a bit daunting, given the scope of work and the careful planning involved. Whether you’re looking to increase the resale value of your property or simply make your home more livable for your family, a whole-house renovation can deliver substantial rewards. The process begins with key steps like setting a realistic budget, outlining your priorities, and selecting an experienced remodeler . With the right preparation, the transformation of your entire home can be both smooth and satisfying.
When planning a whole-house remodel, it’s important to know where your investment will make the biggest impact and require the largest portion of your budget. Typically, kitchens and bathrooms claim the top spots for cost. These areas pack a punch both visually and functionally, but they demand considerable resources for everything from cabinetry and fixtures to finishes and appliances.
Significant expenses also arise when electrical and plumbing systems need upgrades, rerouting, or replacements. If your renovation involves rearranging layouts or expanding the home’s footprint, structural work like pouring new foundations or extensive framing can add substantially to your bottom line.
Proper planning for these high-cost components ensures fewer surprises as your project unfolds and helps keep your remodel on track—both aesthetically and financially.
The specific rooms you choose to renovate make a big impact on your total remodeling costs. Spaces with significant plumbing or electrical needs—think kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—usually require a bigger investment than bedrooms or living areas. That’s because replacing fixtures, moving pipes, or upgrading wiring often calls for specialized labor and materials, which can quickly add up.
For example:
In contrast, remodeling living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices is typically less expensive—these spaces generally involve surface updates such as flooring, paint, or lighting, making them more budget-friendly options within a whole house remodel.
When planning, it helps to prioritize which areas will offer the most value, both in daily enjoyment and resale return. A thoughtful approach ensures your investment aligns with your goals for the space.
When it comes to the big question of cost, renovating an existing house is typically less expensive than building an entirely new one. Renovations allow you to preserve and make use of the structure that’s already there—think walls, framing, foundation, and even quirky mid-century built-ins you might want to keep. This approach means fewer new materials and labor hours compared to starting from scratch, where you’re paying for everything from the foundation up.
Of course, every project is unique. Major renovations can add up quickly if significant structural changes, updates to outdated systems, or surprise repairs are required. Still, in most cases, working with what you have tends to keep overall expenses lower than all new construction.
If staying on budget is your top priority, reimagining your current space may be the smarter move—allowing you to put resources into the upgrades and features that matter most.
If your goal is to maximize your investment, certain remodeling projects stand out for their impressive returns at resale. Recent data indicates that homeowners see the highest percentage of their costs recouped with these upgrades:
Focusing on these key improvements means you’ll not only elevate your home’s style and function, but also make smart financial decisions that pay off when it’s time to sell.
When planning a whole-home remodel, navigating permits and zoning regulations is a crucial part of the process. These rules aren’t just red tape—they’re essential safeguards that help ensure your renovation is safe, legal, and up to code. For example, small changes like putting up a fence or updating electrical systems may be approved fairly quickly, but larger undertakings, think home additions or major structural changes often require several layers of city or township approval. These can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your project and local regulations.
One of the major advantages of working with Worthington Design & Remodel is we will take care of the permitting process for you. Our on site Architect can handle any drawing requirements and our team is well-versed in local codes in Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers and surrounding areas, so you won’t have to wade through dense bureaucratic language or wait on hold with city offices. Permit fees are typically included transparently in your overall project estimate, so there are no surprises along the way.
Tackling the permitting and zoning process early helps keep your remodel on track, protects your investment, and ensures the finished space adds value to your home.
After 20 years remodeling homes throughout Central Indiana, we’ve decided it’s time for a remodel of our own! Case locations in Carmel, Meridian Kessler, and Zionsville will become Worthington Design & Remodeling.
The Worthington name pays tribute to our founder and president, Larry Worthington Greene, and demonstrates our unyielding customer promise: your home is worth the very best. Expert design, craftsmanship, service, and superior results remain the cornerstone of all we do. It’s the Worthington Way.
New name—same ownership, team and award-winning dedication to superior results.
