Construction Costs in Ellsworth, ME 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Ellsworth. Local labor rates average $41.04/hr with a material cost index of 106.

$41.04

Avg Labor Rate/hr

106

Material Cost Index

$249,000

Avg Home Price

106.1

Cost of Living Index

Ellsworth Overview

Population

8,399

Climate Zone

Cold (Zone 6)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$54,200

Ellsworth Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$22,260
Labor$21,067
Permits (4%)$1,733

Estimated Total Cost

$45,060

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel — 280 sq ft in Ellsworth

Materials

$22,260

49% of total

Labor

$21,067

47% of total

Permits

$1,733

~$1,072 avg

20% Above National Average

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

View Maine Statewide Costs

Compare Ellsworth costs with the Maine state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Ellsworth vs National Average

Project TypeEllsworth AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$49,694$35,000+42%
Bathroom Remodel$18,694$18,000+4%
Roof Replacement$15,488$15,000+3%
Whole House Paint$4,622$3,800+22%
Flooring Install$6,183$7,000-12%
Deck Build$10,305$12,000-14%

Material Prices in Ellsworth

Concrete

$153 /cubic yard

$5 above the estimated Maine average of $148/yd³

Lumber

$5.12 /board foot

$0.71 below the estimated Maine average of $5.83/BF

Popular Projects in Ellsworth

🔨

#1 Insulation Upgrade

Among the most requested projects by Ellsworth homeowners

🔨

#2 Heating System

Among the most requested projects by Ellsworth homeowners

🪵

#3 Deck Build

Among the most requested projects by Ellsworth homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Ellsworth, ME

Construction and renovation costs in Ellsworth, ME reflect the city's cost of living index of 106.1 and a material cost index of 106 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $41.04 per hour and a median home price of $249,000, homeowners in Ellsworth should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Ellsworth 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 $54,200 in Ellsworth means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $49,694 represents approximately 92% of annual household income.

Building permits in Ellsworth average $1,072, 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

Methodology & Construction Data Sources

How we calculate Ellsworth construction costs: Our cost estimates integrate federal labor and materials data with Ellsworth-specific cost indexes. All figures represent 2026 market conditions using the methodology below.

  1. Labor rates sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for construction and extraction occupations in the Maine metro area.
  2. Materials pricing based on BLS Producer Price Index (PPI) for Construction Materials, tracking lumber, concrete, steel, and roofing material costs quarterly.
  3. Building permit costs estimated using HUD Affordable Housing Resources and local jurisdiction fee schedules for Ellsworth.
  4. Regional cost adjustment uses RSMeans 2026 City Cost Indexes, calibrated to the Maine labor and materials market.
  5. Building codes and standards cross-referenced with EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rules and OSHA Construction Safety Standards.

Authoritative construction cost data sources:

Cost Disclaimer: Estimates represent typical ranges for Ellsworth based on 2026 market data. Actual project costs depend on site conditions, design complexity, contractor availability, material grades, and permitting timelines. Always obtain 3+ contractor bids before committing to any project. Prices can vary ±20–35% from estimates.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS PPI & RSMeans data current as of latest annual release

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Ellsworth, ME?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Ellsworth, ME costs approximately $49,694 on average. Budget renovations start around $34,786, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $74,541 or more. Labor rates in Ellsworth average $41.04/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Ellsworth?
Construction labor in Ellsworth, ME averages $41.04 per hour. This is 20% 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 Ellsworth?
Most significant renovations in Ellsworth, ME require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,072 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 Ellsworth's cost of living affect construction costs?
Ellsworth has a cost of living index of 106.1 (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 Ellsworth is 106, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Ellsworth?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Ellsworth, ME include Insulation Upgrade, Heating System, Deck Build. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Ellsworth at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Ellsworth homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators