What is the 30 rule of home renovation?
The 30 percent rule is something homeowners hear once they start thinking seriously about remodeling. It is pretty simple.
Do not spend more than 30 percent of your home’s value on renovations.
So if your house is worth three hundred thousand dollars, try to keep your total renovation budget under ninety thousand.
This is not a strict rule or law. It is more of a guideline to help people avoid overspending, especially if they plan to sell later. It helps homeowners stay realistic about how much they will actually get back.
Of course, location and priorities matter. A full kitchen update in a million dollar home is a different story than redoing a small bathroom in a starter house.
Let’s look at what usually costs the most, where to start first, and what kind of work you can do with a bigger budget.

What is the most expensive part of a remodel?
Most people assume the tile or cabinets cost the most. In reality, it is the labor.
Paying experienced professionals like contractors, electricians, tile installers, and plumbers takes up a large part of your budget. In many remodels, labor can cost more than half of the total.
Some things that add up quickly:
- Changing plumbing layouts
- Custom tile installation
- Electrical upgrades
- Fixing old or poorly done work
If you want to save money, avoid changing the layout and stick with materials that are easy to work with. Updates like lighting and fixtures often give the space a fresh feel without requiring major construction. You can get ideas here:
👉 Lighting and fixtures made easy
Hiring reliable contractors Jacksonville FL can also help keep the job on track and avoid extra costs.
In what order should you renovate a house?
When you are working on the whole house, the order you choose makes a big difference. If you go out of order, you might end up redoing things later.
Here is a smart order to follow:
- Fix the structure
Make sure the roof, foundation, and windows are solid - Work on mechanical systems
Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing should be next - Move to walls and floors
Drywall, flooring, and paint go here - Finish with details
Cabinets, fixtures, and lighting come last
Bathrooms often come early in the process because they are essential and used every day. If you are planning one, this article might help:
👉 How much should it cost to renovate a bathroom?
Plenty of bathroom renovation Jacksonville FL homeowners start with smaller rooms before moving on to bigger spaces. It is more manageable and easier to budget.
How much is too much to spend on a home renovation?
This is where the 30 percent rule really helps. If your renovation costs more than that, you might not get the money back when you sell. That matters a lot if you plan to move in the next few years.
Another thing to avoid is over-improving. If you install luxury finishes in a home where everything else in the neighborhood is more basic, it may not increase your value as much as you hope.
That said, not every upgrade has to be about resale. Some improvements are just for comfort. You live there, after all.
Still, if you want to protect your investment, talk to local bathroom remodelers Jacksonville FL who know what works in your area and what does not.
What renovations can you do for $100000?
This kind of budget gives you a lot of room to work. But it still goes fast if you are doing a full house.
Here is what one hundred thousand might cover:
- A complete kitchen remodel
- Two bathrooms redone
- New flooring in most rooms
- Painting the interior and exterior
- Light fixture and appliance upgrades
- Possibly a roof or HVAC replacement if needed
This depends on the size of the home and how much work each area needs. A lot of jacksonville fl bathroom remodeling projects start with this kind of budget and work in stages.
Homeowners often focus on high traffic areas first and do the rest over time. Phased remodeling keeps costs spread out and less stressful.
Need help mapping it out? Contact us to see what is realistic based on your goals.
Using the 30 percent rule is a good way to keep your renovation budget balanced. It keeps your home updates smart, especially if resale value is important.
But every home and homeowner is different. What matters is knowing what you want, what adds value, and how to avoid spending more than you need to.
Ready to start planning your next project? Discover more about Remodeling Jacksonville and let’s get you moving in the right direction.
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