Construction Costs in Highland, CA 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Highland. Local labor rates average $48.18/hr with a material cost index of 149.

$48.18

Avg Labor Rate/hr

149

Material Cost Index

$739,000

Avg Home Price

148.9

Cost of Living Index

Highland Overview

Population

56,533

Climate Zone

Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry (Zone 3)

Seismic Risk

high

Median Household Income

$80,200

Highland Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$31,290
Labor$24,732
Permits (4%)$2,241

Estimated Total Cost

$58,263

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Highland

Materials

$31,290

54% of total

Labor

$24,732

42% of total

Permits

$2,241

~$1,527 avg

55% Above National Average

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

View California Statewide Costs

Compare Highland costs with the California state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Highland vs National Average

Project TypeHighland AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$64,529$35,000+84%
Bathroom Remodel$23,455$18,000+30%
Roof Replacement$18,912$15,000+26%
Whole House Paint$5,478$3,800+44%
Flooring Install$7,467$7,000+7%
Deck Build$12,445$12,000+4%

Material Prices in Highland

Concrete

$174 /cubic yard

$35 below the estimated California average of $209/yd³

Lumber

$5.98 /board foot

$2.22 below the estimated California average of $8.20/BF

Popular Projects in Highland

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Highland homeowners

🔨

#2 Outdoor Living Space

Among the most requested projects by Highland homeowners

🏠

#3 Roof Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Highland homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Highland, CA

Construction and renovation costs in Highland, CA reflect the city's cost of living index of 148.9 and a material cost index of 149 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $48.18 per hour and a median home price of $739,000, homeowners in Highland should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Highland sits in IECC Climate Zone 3 (Warm-Humid / Warm-Dry), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. High seismic risk — earthquake-resistant construction required. The median household income of $80,200 in Highland means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $64,529 represents approximately 80% of annual household income.

Building permits in Highland average $1,527, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all California jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in California

Methodology & Construction Data Sources

How we calculate Highland construction costs: Our cost estimates integrate federal labor and materials data with Highland-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 California 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 Highland.
  4. Regional cost adjustment uses RSMeans 2026 City Cost Indexes, calibrated to the California 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 Highland 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 Highland, CA?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Highland, CA costs approximately $64,529 on average. Budget renovations start around $45,170, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $96,794 or more. Labor rates in Highland average $48.18/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Highland?
Construction labor in Highland, CA averages $48.18 per hour. This is 55% 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 Highland?
Most significant renovations in Highland, CA require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,527 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 Highland's cost of living affect construction costs?
Highland has a cost of living index of 148.9 (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 Highland is 149, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Highland?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Highland, CA include Kitchen Remodel, Outdoor Living Space, Roof Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Highland at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Highland homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators