Construction Costs in Brookings, SD 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Brookings. Local labor rates average $38.95/hr with a material cost index of 91.

$38.95

Avg Labor Rate/hr

91

Material Cost Index

$245,000

Avg Home Price

90.5

Cost of Living Index

Brookings Overview

Population

24,918

Climate Zone

Cold (Zone 6)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$42,000

Brookings Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$19,110
Labor$19,994
Permits (4%)$1,564

Estimated Total Cost

$40,668

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Brookings

Materials

$19,110

47% of total

Labor

$19,994

49% of total

Permits

$1,564

~$1,077 avg

8% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $37,492. Brookings has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View South Dakota Statewide Costs

Compare Brookings costs with the South Dakota state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Brookings vs National Average

Project TypeBrookings AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$44,744$35,000+28%
Bathroom Remodel$17,299$18,000-4%
Roof Replacement$14,240$15,000-5%
Whole House Paint$4,310$3,800+13%
Flooring Install$5,715$7,000-18%
Deck Build$9,525$12,000-21%

Material Prices in Brookings

Concrete

$145 /cubic yard

$18 above the estimated South Dakota average of $127/yd³

Lumber

$4.81 /board foot

$0.19 below the estimated South Dakota average of $5.00/BF

Popular Projects in Brookings

🔨

#1 Insulation Upgrade

Among the most requested projects by Brookings homeowners

🔨

#2 Heating System

Among the most requested projects by Brookings homeowners

🧱

#3 Siding Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Brookings homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Brookings, SD

Construction and renovation costs in Brookings, SD reflect the city's cost of living index of 90.5 and a material cost index of 91 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $38.95 per hour and a median home price of $245,000, homeowners in Brookings should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Brookings sits in IECC Climate Zone 6 (Cold), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. Low seismic risk — standard building codes apply. The median household income of $42,000 in Brookings means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $44,744 represents approximately 107% of annual household income.

Building permits in Brookings average $1,077, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all South Dakota jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in South Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Brookings, SD?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Brookings, SD costs approximately $44,744 on average. Budget renovations start around $31,321, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $67,116 or more. Labor rates in Brookings average $38.95/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Brookings?
Construction labor in Brookings, SD averages $38.95 per hour. This is 8% above the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Brookings?
Most significant renovations in Brookings, SD require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,077 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Brookings's cost of living affect construction costs?
Brookings has a cost of living index of 90.5 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Brookings is 91, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Brookings?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Brookings, SD include Insulation Upgrade, Heating System, Siding Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Brookings at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Brookings homeowners looking to increase property value.

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