{
  "asOf": "2026-08-27",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0 — attribute RenoFig (renofig.com).",
  "source": {
    "label": "Illustrative per-square-foot renovation cost ranges synthesized from public RSMeans / remodeling-industry reporting and regional cost-of-living indices. Planning estimates, NOT a quote.",
    "retrieved": "2026-08-27",
    "note": "Real costs vary by zip, finish level, permit load, and structural condition. Always get 2–3 local bids; use these ranges to sanity-check them."
  },
  "byRegion": [
    { "region": "Northeast (US)", "wholeHouseMid": { "low": 150, "high": 250 }, "kitchen": { "low": 180, "high": 400 }, "bathroom": { "low": 200, "high": 450 } },
    { "region": "Midwest (US)", "wholeHouseMid": { "low": 100, "high": 180 }, "kitchen": { "low": 130, "high": 300 }, "bathroom": { "low": 150, "high": 350 } },
    { "region": "South (US)", "wholeHouseMid": { "low": 110, "high": 190 }, "kitchen": { "low": 140, "high": 310 }, "bathroom": { "low": 160, "high": 360 } },
    { "region": "West (US)", "wholeHouseMid": { "low": 170, "high": 320 }, "kitchen": { "low": 200, "high": 480 }, "bathroom": { "low": 230, "high": 520 } },
    { "region": "High-cost metros (NYC/SF/LA)", "wholeHouseMid": { "low": 250, "high": 500 }, "kitchen": { "low": 350, "high": 900 }, "bathroom": { "low": 400, "high": 950 } }
  ],
  "projectTypeMultipliers": {
    "cosmeticRefresh": 0.4,
    "midRangeRemodel": 1.0,
    "highEndCustom": 2.2
  },
  "decisionHeuristics": {
    "renovateVsMove": "A renovation usually wins when the work costs less than ~60–70% of the price premium of moving to a comparable home (after realtor fees, closing, and moving). When renovation cost approaches the move premium, moving often wins.",
    "diyVsPro": "DIY saves 30–50% on labor for cosmetic work but adds risk and time on anything structural, electrical, plumbing, or permitting. Hire a pro when a mistake is unsafe, illegal, or voids a warranty."
  }
}