How much does a restoration cost?
Restoration costs range from a few hundred dollars for minor touch-ups to hundreds of thousands for major, time-intensive projects, depending on the item, scope, materials, and labor.
From art and antiques to cars and historic homes, the price of restoration reflects the complexity of the work, the quality of materials, and the expertise required. This guide outlines typical cost bands for several common types as of 2024–2025 and explains what can push prices higher or lower.
Cost ranges by type of restoration
Art and painting restoration
Art conservation pricing is highly dependent on artwork size, medium, condition, and the conservator’s methods. The bands below reflect typical ranges you might encounter in the United States as of 2024–2025.
- Light cleaning and varnish removal: $200–$2,000
- Stabilization, minor inpainting, or cleaning of a modest work: $1,000–$10,000
- Medium-scale inpainting and retouching; canvas tears and minor structural work: $2,000–$20,000
- Major conservation (extensive inpainting, lining, or structural repair): $10,000–$100,000+
- Full restoration of a large or highly valuable work: $50,000–$300,000+
Note: Costs vary with artwork size, condition, media, and ethical standards of conservation. Many conservators provide estimates after examination; travel and framing can add to the total.
Automotive restoration
Vehicle restoration costs depend on the scope—from cosmetic touch-ups to frame-off restorations requiring extensive mechanical work and new parts.
- Cosmetic or driver-quality restoration (appearance-focused, reliable daily driver): $15,000–$40,000
- Quality show-quality restoration (bodywork, repainting, mechanical refresh): $70,000–$200,000
- Frame-off or concours-level restoration (rare or vintage collectible): $150,000–$500,000+
As with art, parts availability, labor rates, and the car’s rarity drive costs upward, and project duration can extend beyond a year.
Home and historic preservation
Restoration of a house—especially older or historic properties—spans structural, cosmetic, and environmental work. Prices vary by scope and climate, as well as the building’s size.
- Cosmetic interior restoration (paint, plaster, woodwork): $20,000–$100,000
- Structural repairs and foundation work: $50,000–$500,000+
- Exterior restoration (masonry, roofing, windows): $100,000–$1,000,000+
Permits, historical accuracy requirements, and specialty trades can add time and cost; plan for contingencies in older buildings.
Furniture restoration
Furniture restoration ranges from minor repairs to full antique conservation. Costs depend on piece size, wood type, and finish complexity.
- Small items (chairs, small tables): $100–$500
- Medium pieces (dressers, larger chairs): $500–$2,000
- Large or ornate antiques (carved solid wood, veneer work): $2,000–$10,000+
Antique or museum-quality work may require specialist finishes and historically accurate reproductions, affecting price.
What else drives price and how to budget
Beyond category, several factors push costs up or down. These considerations help in budgeting and getting realistic estimates.
- Condition: Extent of damage, age, and previous repairs
- Materials: Availability, rarity, and quality of replacement parts or conservation materials
- Labor: Skill level, training, and local wage levels
- Timeframe: Urgency can accelerate scheduling and cost
- Geography: Urban areas and travel distances increase quotes
Getting multiple written estimates, asking for itemized bids, and requesting a clear scope of work helps prevent budget overruns.
Tips for budgeting and choosing a restoration professional
When budgeting for restoration, consider these practical steps to get accurate estimates and quality outcomes.
- Define the scope: Decide whether you want minimal stabilization or full restoration.
- Obtain professional assessments: Have conservators or restorers inspect the item and explain recommended methods.
- Ask for transparent quotes: Request a written estimate with hourly rates and an itemized list of tasks.
- Consider timelines: Long projects may expose you to fluctuating material costs and labor availability.
- Check credentials and references: Look for certifications and prior project photos.
With careful planning, most restoration projects fit within a budget, while still meeting conservation and aesthetic goals.
Summary
Restoration costs vary widely by type and scope, but a practical rule is to expect a broad range from the low hundreds to the high six figures—or more for rare or highly complex works. Early assessment, clear scope, and multiple quotes are essential to arriving at a reliable budget and a quality result.
