Ready to give your home a top-to-bottom transformation? Maybe it’s time to create a little more breathing room for a busy household, or perhaps to say goodbye to those dated finishes.
Whatever your motivation, planning a whole home remodel in Oakland County, MI is an exciting opportunity, but also a serious investment. The process comes with big decisions, plenty of moving parts, and a whole lot of questions about timing, priorities, and yes… budget.
We are here to help you navigate all of that with clarity! We'll dig into what really goes into the cost for a full home remodel and addition, how to build a realistic plan, and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of designing something that is above the budget you are comfortable with.
Let’s start with the basics. A whole home remodel means you’re not just replacing a countertop here or refreshing a bathroom there. We’re talking about the works, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, finishes, layout changes, and often adding square footage too.
This kind of project is perfect for homeowners who love their location but want to make their home work better for them, whether that’s a larger kitchen for family gatherings, a finished basement for teenage hangouts, or a primary suite you don’t have to share with the laundry room.
Here’s where things often escalate, but in a good way! Once you’re already opening walls, rerouting plumbing, and reimagining spaces, it’s not uncommon to say, “Hey, while we’re at it, what if we added a mudroom or bumped out the back of the house?”
That’s how many remodels turn into remodel-plus-addition projects. And while that definitely brings more function (and value) to your home, it also introduces structural work, permits, architectural planning, and of course, cost. If you’re wondering where that upper-end pricing comes from, this is it.
Let’s look at the biggest elements that impact the whole home remodel cost in Oakland County, MI:
Bigger homes mean more flooring, paint, cabinetry, electrical updates, and labor. A 5,000-square-foot renovation is simply a different animal than a 2,500-square-foot one.
Are you just updating surfaces and finishes, or are you reconfiguring layouts, moving walls, and reworking your home’s structure? More complexity, more cost.
As mentioned, adding square footage takes your project into a different tier. Foundation work, roofing, and HVAC expansion are pieces that all stack up.
You can have a beautiful home without splurging on marble in every room, but if you want luxury finishes, expect your budget to rise accordingly.
Older homes in the area (many 60+ years old) may need electrical, plumbing, or structural upgrades to bring them up to code. That’s not always obvious at the start, so a contingency budget is key.
Alright, here’s what you came for! The cost for a full home remodel and addition in Oakland County typically falls between $250,000 and $1.5 million.
That’s a big range, we know, but it’s realistic. A smaller-scale renovation with modest upgrades could land closer to the lower end, while a larger transformation with new square footage and high-end finishes will push you toward the top.
A few rough breakdowns to give you an idea:
A realistic budget balances your wishlist with your priorities. Most high-end remodels in Oakland County start in the $300K+ range, especially if they include kitchen and bathroom renovations (which are among the most expensive rooms to update). Once additions or specialty features come into play, budgets often move north of $500K.
Our biggest advice? Talk to a builder before you finalize with an architect. You’d be surprised how many plans land on our desk that are stunning… and totally out of budget. Getting early guidance helps ensure that what you dream up can actually be built without breaking the bank.
Speaking of architects, yes, you’ll need one! For a major remodel, especially with additions, you’ll want a licensed architect to draw plans, prepare documents, and coordinate with your contractor.
Expect architectural fees to run 5–10% of the total construction cost. That might sound steep, but it’s a crucial investment for ensuring your project is thoughtfully planned, code-compliant, and buildable. Less expensive architects can sometimes lead to less detailed plans, which in turn can result in more change orders and a higher overall project cost. Spending the right amount on your architect can streamline the process and mitigate your expenses. We would be happy to introduce you to some of the best in the business.
Pro tip: choose an architect partner who shares your vision and communicates well with your builder. That partnership is key to keeping timelines and expectations on track.
Let’s take a quick detour from numbers to talk about something that matters just as much: how your home feels.
A common mistake in remodels is designing for separation with parents here, kids there, guests over there. But smart remodels create more connection, not distance.
Think oversized islands that become homework hubs. Family rooms big enough for Friday movie nights. Kitchens designed for hosting the holidays. Remodels should support your family’s rhythm, not scatter it.
So yes, add space if you need it. But also think about how that space helps your people come together.
Remodels are big investments, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to fund them. Here are a few smart financing options Oakland County homeowners are using:
If you’ve owned your home for a while and built equity, this is a popular option. You borrow what you need, as you need it, often with flexible terms. This route allows you to keep your original mortgage's interest rate, so you only have to pay today's interest rate on the HELOC portion.
Simple and interest-free. If you’ve planned and saved, paying in cash eliminates paperwork and debt, but may limit how extensive your remodel can be.
There are loans specifically designed for remodeling projects (like Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle loan). Great for bundling renovation costs with your mortgage. A trusted lender or financial advisor can help you find the best fit. We have worked with some fantastic lenders and are happy to connect you for more information about options for your project.
A whole home remodel isn’t just about fixing what’s broken or upgrading finishes, it’s about designing a home that finally works for you. That makes sense for how your family lives today (and how you’ll live tomorrow). And while it’s a big undertaking, it’s one that can be incredibly rewarding when planned thoughtfully.
So take your time, get the right team in place, and build with intention!
Every home and every family is different, and your remodel should reflect that. If you’re considering a whole home remodel or an addition in Oakland County, the best first step isn’t hiring an architect or locking in a floor plan; it’s having a real conversation about your goals, timeline, and budget. That’s where we come in.
At LL Custom Contracting, we’ll help you sort through what makes sense, what’s possible, and what to expect from the process with no pressure, just honest guidance from a team that treats your home like our own.
Reach out today to schedule a quick consultation and get started on a home that’s truly built around the way you live.