Construction Costs in Burlington, IA 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Burlington. Local labor rates average $37.8/hr with a material cost index of 83.

$37.8

Avg Labor Rate/hr

83

Material Cost Index

$176,000

Avg Home Price

82.9

Cost of Living Index

Burlington Overview

Population

24,321

Climate Zone

Cool-Humid (Zone 5)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$56,300

Burlington Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$17,430
Labor$19,404
Permits (4%)$1,473

Estimated Total Cost

$38,307

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Burlington

Materials

$17,430

46% of total

Labor

$19,404

51% of total

Permits

$1,473

~$1,036 avg

2% Above National Average

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

View Iowa Statewide Costs

Compare Burlington costs with the Iowa state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Burlington vs National Average

Project TypeBurlington AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$42,084$35,000+20%
Bathroom Remodel$16,533$18,000-8%
Roof Replacement$13,632$15,000-9%
Whole House Paint$4,158$3,800+9%
Flooring Install$5,487$7,000-22%
Deck Build$9,145$12,000-24%

Material Prices in Burlington

Concrete

$141 /cubic yard

$25 above the estimated Iowa average of $116/yd³

Lumber

$4.66 /board foot

$0.10 above the estimated Iowa average of $4.56/BF

Popular Projects in Burlington

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Burlington homeowners

🚿

#2 Bathroom Renovation

Among the most requested projects by Burlington homeowners

🏡

#3 Fence Installation

Among the most requested projects by Burlington homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Burlington, IA

Construction and renovation costs in Burlington, IA reflect the city's cost of living index of 82.9 and a material cost index of 83 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $37.8 per hour and a median home price of $176,000, homeowners in Burlington should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Burlington sits in IECC Climate Zone 5 (Cool-Humid), 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 $56,300 in Burlington means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $42,084 represents approximately 75% of annual household income.

Building permits in Burlington average $1,036, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Iowa jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Burlington, IA?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Burlington, IA costs approximately $42,084 on average. Budget renovations start around $29,459, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $63,126 or more. Labor rates in Burlington average $37.8/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Burlington?
Construction labor in Burlington, IA averages $37.8 per hour. This is 2% 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 Burlington?
Most significant renovations in Burlington, IA require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,036 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 Burlington's cost of living affect construction costs?
Burlington has a cost of living index of 82.9 (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 Burlington is 83, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Burlington?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Burlington, IA include Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Renovation, Fence Installation. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Burlington at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Burlington homeowners looking to increase property value.

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