A whole-house remodel typically costs $15 to $60 per square foot for standard work, based on national 2026 data, and $150 or more per square foot for premium finishes. For a 1,250 to 1,600 square foot home, the average is about $52,000. In Tampa, the age of your home, the scope of plumbing and electrical updates, and your finish choices have the biggest effect on the final price.
This guide from CAG Proma (Florida license CRC1335070) breaks down costs by home size, room and finish level, and shows you where hidden costs hide in older Florida homes.
Whole-House Remodel Cost by Home Size
Using Angi’s 2026 range of $15 to $60 per square foot for standard renovation:
Home size | Standard renovation ($15–$60/sq ft) | Premium finishes (~$150/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
1,200 sq ft | $18,000–$72,000 | ~$180,000 |
1,500 sq ft | $22,500–$90,000 | ~$225,000 |
2,000 sq ft | $30,000–$120,000 | ~$300,000 |
2,500 sq ft | $37,500–$150,000 | ~$375,000 |
These figures are calculated from national per-square-foot ranges. Your price depends on how much of the home is touched and what’s behind the walls.
What Changes the Price: Finish Level and Scope
Cosmetic refresh (low end): paint, flooring, fixtures, hardware and lighting throughout. No layout or system changes.
Mid-range remodel: cosmetic work plus updated kitchen and bathrooms, new doors and trim, and selected electrical and plumbing updates.
Full or high-end remodel: layout changes, all-new kitchen and baths, rewiring or repiping, and premium finishes.
Room-by-Room Costs
Room | Typical 2026 cost | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
Kitchen | $14,590–$41,620 (avg. ~$27,000) | |
Bathroom | $2,500–$30,000 (avg. ~$12,000) |
Sources: Angi kitchen data, Angi bathroom data.
Garage conversions, flooring, paint and outdoor spaces are priced by size and materials. A walkthrough is the only way to price them accurately.
Hidden Costs in Older Tampa Homes
The typical home bought in Tampa Bay in 2024 was 34 years old. Older homes often hide issues that only appear after demolition:
Plumbing: cast iron drains or polybutylene supply lines that need replacing.
Electrical: undersized or outdated panels that can’t support modern appliances.
Water damage and mold: rot under tubs, sinks, windows and roof leaks.
Code upgrades: GFCI outlets, smoke and CO alarms, and egress requirements triggered by permitted work.
Termite damage: common in Florida framing and trim.
Plan a 10–20% contingency for a whole-house remodel of an older home, and ask your contractor to inspect these areas before quoting.
Permits and Fees
Whole-house remodels almost always need permits for plumbing, electrical and structural work. City of Tampa projects are filed through the city’s permitting portal; unincorporated areas follow Hillsborough County rules. Projects over $2,500 typically also need a recorded Notice of Commencement. For the full permit picture, see our complete guide to home renovation in Tampa, FL.
How to Budget for a Whole-House Remodel
List priorities by room and split must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Fix systems first. Plumbing, electrical, roof and moisture problems come before finishes.
Phase the work if needed: kitchen and baths first, cosmetic updates later.
Keep layouts where possible to avoid moving plumbing and walls.
Get three itemized quotes. Our guide to getting free quotes for a whole-house remodel shows what each should include.
Hold a contingency of 10–20% for older homes.
Is a Whole-House Remodel Worth It?
It often is if your home has good bones in a location you love. A full remodel can modernize systems, improve energy efficiency and add value, often for less than the cost and disruption of moving. For ideas on which upgrades add the most value, read top renovations that increase property value in Florida.
How much does it cost to remodel a whole house in Tampa?
Based on national 2026 data, standard whole-house renovation runs about $15 to $60 per square foot, or roughly $22,500 to $90,000 for a 1,500 square foot home. Premium finishes can reach $150 per square foot or more.
What is the most expensive part of a whole-house remodel?
Kitchens are usually the largest single line item, followed by bathrooms and system upgrades like plumbing and electrical.
How long does a whole-house remodel take?
Most take 3 to 6 months, plus 1 to 4 weeks for permit approval, depending on scope and material lead times.
Is it cheaper to remodel or to move?
It depends on your home and market. Remodeling avoids moving costs and keeps you in your neighborhood, but older homes with major system issues may need a larger budget.
How much contingency should I budget?
Plan for 10–20% on top of your quote, especially for homes built before the 1990s.
Get a Free Whole-House Remodel Estimate
Every home is different, and so is every budget. CAG Proma will walk your home, check the systems and give you an itemized quote. Call (656) 200-0467, email contact@cagproma.com, or request your free estimate. Explore our whole-house renovation services. Florida license CRC1335070.
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