Construction Costs in Keene, NH 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Keene. Local labor rates average $40.72/hr with a material cost index of 102.

$40.72

Avg Labor Rate/hr

102

Material Cost Index

$265,000

Avg Home Price

102.5

Cost of Living Index

Keene Overview

Population

23,048

Climate Zone

Cold (Zone 6)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$48,000

Keene Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$21,420
Labor$20,903
Permits (4%)$1,693

Estimated Total Cost

$44,016

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Keene

Materials

$21,420

49% of total

Labor

$20,903

47% of total

Permits

$1,693

~$1,128 avg

17% Above National Average

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

View New Hampshire Statewide Costs

Compare Keene costs with the New Hampshire state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Keene vs National Average

Project TypeKeene AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$48,507$35,000+39%
Bathroom Remodel$18,480$18,000+3%
Roof Replacement$15,200$15,000+1%
Whole House Paint$4,550$3,800+20%
Flooring Install$6,075$7,000-13%
Deck Build$10,125$12,000-16%

Material Prices in Keene

Concrete

$151 /cubic yard

$8 above the estimated New Hampshire average of $143/yd³

Lumber

$5.05 /board foot

$0.56 below the estimated New Hampshire average of $5.61/BF

Popular Projects in Keene

🔨

#1 Insulation Upgrade

Among the most requested projects by Keene homeowners

🔨

#2 Heating System

Among the most requested projects by Keene homeowners

🏠

#3 Roof Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Keene homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Keene, NH

Construction and renovation costs in Keene, NH reflect the city's cost of living index of 102.5 and a material cost index of 102 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $40.72 per hour and a median home price of $265,000, homeowners in Keene should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Keene 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 $48,000 in Keene means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $48,507 represents approximately 101% of annual household income.

Building permits in Keene average $1,128, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all New Hampshire jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in New Hampshire

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Keene, NH?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Keene, NH costs approximately $48,507 on average. Budget renovations start around $33,955, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $72,761 or more. Labor rates in Keene average $40.72/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Keene?
Construction labor in Keene, NH averages $40.72 per hour. This is 17% 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 Keene?
Most significant renovations in Keene, NH require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,128 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 Keene's cost of living affect construction costs?
Keene has a cost of living index of 102.5 (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 Keene is 102, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Keene?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Keene, NH include Insulation Upgrade, Heating System, Roof Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Keene at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Keene homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators