What is the most expensive part of a home renovation?
Wet spaces and premium finishes drive budgets.
Quick answer: Kitchen and bath overhauls - cabinetry, stone, tile, and appliance or plumbing moves - are typically the most expensive part of a renovation.
Kitchens and bathrooms usually top renovation budgets because they combine cabinetry, countertops, tile, plumbing, electrical, and appliances in tight spaces. Custom cabinets, stone slabs, and tiled showers drive material and labor costs higher than other rooms.
Moving appliances or fixtures multiplies expense: relocating a sink or range requires rerouting drains, vents, and circuits; moving a shower often needs new waterproofing and framing. High-end finishes like slab backsplashes, inset cabinets, and curbless showers add specialized labor.
Where costs climb
- Cabinetry and millwork, especially custom or inset doors.
- Stone countertops and full-height backsplash fabrication.
- Tiled showers with niches, benches, and waterproofing.
- Appliance and plumbing moves requiring new rough-ins.
- Ventilation upgrades and dedicated electrical circuits.
Control spend by keeping the layout, mixing stock cabinets with a few custom pieces, and choosing durable midrange fixtures. Invest in waterproofing and ventilation first; visible finishes last longer when the behind-the-wall work is sound. Pull permits so inspections protect the most expensive areas.