Construction Costs in Cape Elizabeth, ME 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Cape Elizabeth. Local labor rates average $40.37/hr with a material cost index of 101.

$40.37

Avg Labor Rate/hr

101

Material Cost Index

$266,000

Avg Home Price

101.5

Cost of Living Index

Cape Elizabeth Overview

Population

9,349

Climate Zone

Cold (Zone 6)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$55,300

Cape Elizabeth Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$21,210
Labor$20,723
Permits (4%)$1,677

Estimated Total Cost

$43,610

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Cape Elizabeth

Materials

$21,210

49% of total

Labor

$20,723

48% of total

Permits

$1,677

~$1,054 avg

16% Above National Average

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

View Maine Statewide Costs

Compare Cape Elizabeth costs with the Maine state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Cape Elizabeth vs National Average

Project TypeCape Elizabeth AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$48,059$35,000+37%
Bathroom Remodel$18,243$18,000+1%
Roof Replacement$15,120$15,000+1%
Whole House Paint$4,530$3,800+19%
Flooring Install$6,045$7,000-14%
Deck Build$10,075$12,000-16%

Material Prices in Cape Elizabeth

Concrete

$151 /cubic yard

$10 above the estimated Maine average of $141/yd³

Lumber

$5.03 /board foot

$0.52 below the estimated Maine average of $5.55/BF

Popular Projects in Cape Elizabeth

🔨

#1 Insulation Upgrade

Among the most requested projects by Cape Elizabeth homeowners

🔨

#2 Heating System

Among the most requested projects by Cape Elizabeth homeowners

🏠

#3 Roof Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Cape Elizabeth homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Cape Elizabeth, ME

Construction and renovation costs in Cape Elizabeth, ME reflect the city's cost of living index of 101.5 and a material cost index of 101 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $40.37 per hour and a median home price of $266,000, homeowners in Cape Elizabeth should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Cape Elizabeth 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 $55,300 in Cape Elizabeth means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $48,059 represents approximately 87% of annual household income.

Building permits in Cape Elizabeth average $1,054, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Maine jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Cape Elizabeth, ME costs approximately $48,059 on average. Budget renovations start around $33,641, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $72,089 or more. Labor rates in Cape Elizabeth average $40.37/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Cape Elizabeth?
Construction labor in Cape Elizabeth, ME averages $40.37 per hour. This is 16% 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 Cape Elizabeth?
Most significant renovations in Cape Elizabeth, ME require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,054 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 Cape Elizabeth's cost of living affect construction costs?
Cape Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 101.5 (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 Cape Elizabeth is 101, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Cape Elizabeth?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Cape Elizabeth, ME include Insulation Upgrade, Heating System, Roof Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Cape Elizabeth at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Cape Elizabeth homeowners looking to increase property value.

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