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Renovation vs Remodel for Kitchens and Bathrooms: Cost, Scope, and ROI

October 30, 2025

5 min read

Did you know that as per a study done by real estate experts at AgentAdvice.com, New Jersey spends the most on home improvement projects nationwide.

However, a common dilemma for homeowners across New Jersey is remodel vs renovation; which one to go for. As the leading renovation and remodeling contractors in New Jersey, we have broken down renovation vs remodeling, including scope, timelines, permits, cost comparison, and ROI.

Choose the path that matches your budget and goals.

What is a Renovation?

A renovation be it home or bathroom keeps your existing layout and refreshes what you can see and touch. This includes surfaces, fixtures, and finishes without major structural changes.

For example a bathroom renovation typically means: repainting or refacing cabinets, installing new countertops and backsplash, updating lighting, swapping plumbing fixtures, retile/shower surround refreshes, refinishing floors, and adding better ventilation.

Note: Renovations are faster, require fewer permits, and usually cost less than a remodel(but can vary depending on the scope of the project), ideal when the layout works but the space looks dated.

What is a Remodel?

A home remodel is changing layout and systems. It includes moving or removing walls, relocating plumbing/electrical, adding an island with power, converting a tub to a walk-in/curbless shower, expanding a bathroom, or opening a closed kitchen.

Remodels often involve structural work, updated wiring to current code, new ducting/venting, and inspections.

Best for: Poor flow, storage limits, accessibility needs, or long-term “forever home” upgrades with higher ROI.

Renovation vs Remodel: What’s the Real Difference?

Factor	Renovation (Kitchen/Bath)	Remodel (Kitchen/Bath)
Definition	Refresh within the same layout; primarily surfaces and fixtures.	Reconfigure layout; move walls, plumbing, or electrical; structural changes.
Scope	Paint, tile, vanity/cabinet refacing, countertops, lighting, fixture swaps.	Wall changes, new island with utilities, shower relocation, curbless shower, rewire/re-plumb.
Remodels vs renovations cost comparison	Kitchen: ~$28k–$65k; Bath: ~$15k–$28k.	Kitchen: ~$60k–$125k+; Bath: ~$25k–$60k+.
Permits	Often limited (electrical/plumbing for fixture changes).	Usually building + electrical + plumbing (drawings if structural).
Timeline	6–12 weeks of active work (plus lead times).	Several weeks to months depending on scope and inspections.
Disruption/Living in Place	Lower disruption; often feasible to live at home.	Higher disruption; phasing or temporary arrangements may be needed.
Risk of Hidden Issues	Lower (less behind-the-walls work).	Higher (opening walls can reveal code/structural/moisture issues).
ROI Focus	Strong for cosmetic value and quicker resale boosts.	Strong if poor layout is fixed (long-term value).
Best For	Solid layout that looks dated; budget/time-sensitive updates.	Non-functional layout, storage/flow problems, accessibility needs, long-term stay.
Design Flexibility	Limited by existing footprint and utilities.	High—layout, storage, lighting, and accessibility can be redesigned.
Examples	New vanity/tops, retile tub surround, repaint cabinets, new appliances/fixtures.	Open-plan kitchen, relocate sink/range, add walk-in shower, heated floors, custom cabinetry.

Tip: If your layout works, renovation delivers great value quickly. If the layout fights you daily, a remodel often pays back in livability and resale; especially in competitive New Jersey markets.

Kitchen Renovation vs Remodel in New Jersey: Understanding the Cost, Scope, and ROI

Kitchen Renovation

Scope: Cabinet refacing/repainting, quartz/granite tops, backsplash, lighting layers, fixture swaps, flooring, appliance upgrades.
Typical NJ Cost: ~$28,000–$65,000 (materials + labor).
Timeline: ~3–6 weeks of active work (plus lead times).
Permit Load: Often limited to electrical/plumbing fixture permits.

Read Also: Top 7 Best Island Kitchen Layouts

Kitchen Remodel

Scope: Remove/load-modify a wall, add an island with power, relocate sink/range, add pantry/mudroom, rewire to code, improve ventilation.
Typical NJ Cost: ~$60,000–$125,000+ (layout/structure/custom millwork drive spend).
Timeline: 8–16+ weeks (permits, inspections, custom items).
Permits Required: Building + electrical + plumbing; drawings if structural.

Note: Kitchen Renovation/Remodel could result in 30.7% to 85.7% return on investment when it comes it selling homes in New Jersey

Bathroom Remodel vs Renovation in New Jersey: Know the Cost, Scope, and ROI

Bathroom Renovation

Scope: New vanity/top/mirror, retile surround, LVP/porcelain floor, lighting upgrade, new toilet/fixtures, improved ventilation.
Typical NJ Cost: ~$15,000–$28,000.
Timeline: ~2–4 weeks of active work.
Permit Load: Usually electrical/plumbing fixture permits.

Bathroom Remodel

Scope: Tub-to-curbless shower with linear drain, relocate plumbing, enlarge shower, heated floors, niche/bench, dedicated circuits, upgraded ventilation.
Typical NJ Cost: ~$25,000–$60,000+.
Timeline: ~4–10+ weeks (waterproofing, inspections, custom glass).
Permit Load: Building + electrical + plumbing.

Note:As per the New Jersey Real Estate Network, the average ROI on a Bathroom Remodel is of 60-70%.

Whole-HomeHome Remodeling vs Renovation: Understanding the Strategy, Cost, and Phasing

Whole-Home Renovation

Scope: Paint, floors, trim/doors, lighting/fixture swaps, modest carpentry—no major wall moves.
Benefit: Most budget-efficient way to lift the entire look quickly, aligning with NJ’s high annual improvement spend without taking on structural risk.
Permit Load: Mostly trade permits; fewer structural reviews.
Phasing: Room- or floor-by-floor to maintain livability.

Read Also: Home Improvements that offer the Best Return on Investment

Whole-Home Remodel

Scope: Structural changes (remove/add walls), kitchen + multiple bath reworks, MEP reconfiguration, insulation/air-sealing, window/door upgrades, possible additions.
Timeline/Budget: Multi-month; larger six-figure ranges depending on age/structure/systems.

Note: As the most trusted and licensed contractor in New Jersey, we ensure home remodeling and renovation decisions meet current codes (GFCI/AFCI, proper ventilation, egress, waterproofing methods like shower pan liners or bonded membranes).

Remodel vs Renovation: What Should You Go For?

Choose a renovation if your layout already works and you want a faster, lower-cost refresh. However, if the layout fights you daily (storage, flow, accessibility) and you plan to stay long enough to enjoy the upgrade and recoup value, choose remodeling.

Go for Renovation if:

The layout is functional but finishes are dated (good triangle, OK storage).
The budget/timeline is tight and you want visible impact fast.
You’re preparing to sell and want strong ROI without major construction.
You prefer fewer permits and less disruption.

Renovation Cost in New Jersey

Kitchen renovation: ~$28k–$65k
Bathroom renovation: ~$15k–$28k

Go for Remodel if:

Flow/storage are poor (need an island, pantry, bigger shower, or open concept).
Systems need rework (electrical panel capacity, ventilation, plumbing layout).
You’re planning a “forever home” upgrade or accessibility features (e.g., curbless shower).
You’re ready for permits, inspections, and a longer timeline to fix root problems.

Cost of Remodel in New Jersey

Kitchen remodel: ~$60k–$125k+
Bathroom remodel: ~$25k–$60k+

Decision Checklist (Renovation vs Remodeling)

Function: Do traffic jams, storage gaps, or awkward work zones persist? → Remodel.
Structure/Systems: Will you move walls or utilities? → Remodel. If not → Renovation.
Timeline & Disruption: Need speed/live-in feasibility? → Renovation.
Long-Term Plans: Staying 5–10+ years or needing accessibility? → Remodel.

FAQs: Renovation vs Remodeling

1. Will a renovation add value like a full remodel?

‍A good renovation can deliver strong ROI, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. A remodel often adds more value if it corrects layout and function issues buyers care about.

2. Can I live at home during the home improvement project?

‍Often yes for renovations; for remodels, we may recommend phased work or temporary arrangements.

Ready to Get Started with Remodel or Renovation with the Expert Contractor in New Jersey?

Whether you choose a refresh or a full rework, the team of home remodelers at Breathe Easy Remodeling delivers code-compliant craftsmanship, clear pricing, and on-time schedules. Book a free in-home consultation to compare renovation vs remodel options for your kitchen or bathroom; and get a detailed plan, cost range, and timeline you can trust.