Full Breakdown for a 1,500 Sq Ft Home in Georgia
Think Renovating Is Still Affordable? You’re Probably Remembering 2014, Not 2025
Most homeowners still picture the same prices from a decade ago when it comes to home improvements.
“Repaint for a couple thousand.”
“New flooring for $3 a square foot.”
“Cheap kitchen remodel? Easy.”
Not anymore.
In 2025, renovation costs have skyrocketed. Labor is hard to find. Materials are expensive. Permits take longer. Even simple jobs cost double, or triple, what they used to.
And here’s the kicker: Even if your home is “livable,” it’s probably not sellable, at least for top dollar, in today’s market. Buyers expect updated kitchens, modern bathrooms, new HVAC, clean flooring, neutral paint, and they’ll walk away if they don’t see it.
If your home hasn’t been touched in 15–20 years, it likely needs $95,000–$165,000 in upgrades just to meet 2025 buyer expectations.
Let’s break it down.
2025 Renovation Cost Breakdown by Trade
| Trade | Estimated Cost |
| Roofing | $9,000 – $14,000 |
| HVAC Replacement | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Plumbing Updates | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Electrical Work | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Windows (10-15 Units) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Flooring (LVP or hardwood) | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Bathroom Remodel (x2) | $12,000 – $27,000 |
| Interior and Exterior Paint | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Garage Door Replacement | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Popcorn Ceiling Removal | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Drywall/Sheetrock Upgrades | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Landscaping Cleanup | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Exterior Siding (Vinyl/Board & Batten) | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Trash Out/Dumpsters | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Total Estimated Cost:
$88,000 – $160,000
👉 Want to know what happens when you inherit a home that needs updates? Read our complete guide to selling an inherited house in Georgia.
Hiring Contractors in 2025 Isn’t Easy — or Cheap
Even if you’re willing to take on the cost of renovations, finding reliable contractors is its own uphill battle. In 2025, skilled tradespeople are in high demand and short supply. Many homeowners face weeks of delays just to get a quote, then get ghosted after paying deposits, or end up dealing with subpar workmanship that has to be redone. Reputable contractors are often booked out months in advance, and the best ones charge top dollar, if you can even get on their schedule. And in Georgia’s hot real estate markets, the competition is fierce, especially after storm seasons or housing booms.
Don’t Expect a $5,000 Fix to Add $50,000 in Value
One of the biggest misconceptions we see from sellers is the belief that they can throw $5,000 to $10,000 into a dated house and get full market value, as if it’s been fully renovated.
The truth? Buyers can spot a patch job from a mile away.
Painting over problems, swapping out a few light fixtures, or laying some vinyl plank flooring won’t mask the fact that:
- The roof is old
- The bathrooms are outdated
- The HVAC system is past its prime
- The kitchen screams “2005” instead of “2025”
What Sellers Miss About Today’s Market:
Even if your house is clean and livable, it’s competing with flipped or renovated homes that have:
- Permitted upgrades
- Professional finishes
- Modern staging
- Zero deferred maintenance
So when you try to sell with just a few surface-level updates, your house sticks out, and not in a good way.
“But It’s in a Good Neighborhood…”
Yes, location matters. But condition matters just as much, and in some markets, even more.
A good neighborhood doesn’t cancel out outdated cabinets, popcorn ceilings, failing HVAC units, or 30 year old siding. Buyers are comparison shopping online before they even see your house in person and if your home doesn’t stack up visually, they won’t come see it at all.
Here’s the Bottom Line
You can’t spend $5K–$10K and expect a $50K–$70K boost in sale price, not in 2025.
And trying to renovate “just enough” usually backfires. You waste time and money, and still fall short of buyers’ expectations.
That’s why many Georgia homeowners are choosing to sell their house as-is, skip the guessing game, and walk away with cash in days, not months.
⚠️ Own a rental property that needs repairs? Learn how to sell a rental with tenants in Georgia.
“But My House Is Fine, It’s Livable.”
Sure. But “livable” doesn’t mean listable in 2025.
Today’s buyers want:
- Updated kitchens
- Renovated bathrooms
- Newer roofs, HVAC, and plumbing
- Stylish, neutral paint and fixtures
- Energy-efficient windows and siding
Even clean homes that haven’t been touched in 15+ years are seen as “dated” and become projects in buyers’ eyes. Projects mean lower offers. Or no offers.
Renovating vs. Selling As-Is: A Side-by-Side Look
| Renovating | Selling As-Is |
| $95K–$165K out-of-pocket | $0 in repairs |
| 3–6+ months to complete | Close in 7–14 days |
| Surprise delays and costs | No surprises |
| Contractors, inspectors, permits | One cash offer + fast close |
Renovating Might Cost You Way More Than You Think
We get it, you want to get the most out of your house. But if it’s outdated, needs work, or hasn’t been touched in over a decade, you’re likely looking at a six-figure renovation just to compete with the updated homes buyers expect.
Instead of sinking money into a risky, drawn out remodel…
You can sell your house as-is, skip the stress, and walk away with cash in your pocket.
Ready to Skip the Renovation and Sell As-Is?
We help Georgia homeowners sell quickly without the headaches.
- No repairs
- No showings
- No cleaning
- Just a fair cash offer and a faster way to move on
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Georgia in 2025?
The average cost to fully renovate a 1,500 sq ft house in Georgia ranges from $95,000 to $165,000, depending on the home’s age, condition, and the finishes you choose. Major updates like kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, roofing, and siding drive up the total, and prices continue to rise due to labor shortages and material costs.
Is it worth renovating before selling a house in Georgia?
It depends on your situation. In many cases, no, it’s not worth it. If your house hasn’t been updated in 15+ years, renovating can take months and cost well into six figures. Many homeowners decide to sell as-is and avoid the time, stress, and uncertainty of remodeling.
Can I sell a house that needs a lot of work in Georgia?
Yes, absolutely. You can sell your home in any condition. In fact, many buyers (including us) specialize in buying houses that need repairs, updates, or full renovations. You don’t need to fix anything, just request a cash offer and choose your timeline.
Can I sell my house instead of renovating if I’m behind on payments?
Yes. If you’re behind on your mortgage or facing foreclosure, you can often sell your house during the pre-foreclosure process. Renovating in that situation is risky. Learn more here:
👉 Can I Sell My Home in Foreclosure in Georgia?
What if I already started renovations but can’t finish?
You can still sell. We often work with homeowners who started repairs but ran out of time, money, or contractor support. Whether it’s halfway done or untouched, we’ll buy your home as-is, no judgment, no pressure.