Construction Costs in Virginia Beach, VA 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Virginia Beach. Local labor rates average $33.82/hr with a material cost index of 107.

$33.82

Avg Labor Rate/hr

107

Material Cost Index

$289,769

Avg Home Price

111

Cost of Living Index

Virginia Beach Overview

Population

459,470

Climate Zone

Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry (Zone 4)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$56,270

Virginia Beach Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$12,038
Labor$9,301
Permits (4%)$854

Estimated Total Cost

$22,193

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel150 sq ft in Virginia Beach

Materials

$12,038

54% of total

Labor

$9,301

42% of total

Permits

$854

~$840 avg

10% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $20,085. Virginia Beach has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View Virginia Statewide Costs

Compare Virginia Beach costs with the Virginia state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Virginia Beach vs National Average

Project TypeVirginia Beach AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$38,500$35,000+10%
Bathroom Remodel$20,000$18,000+11%
Roof Replacement$16,500$15,000+10%
Whole House Paint$4,200$3,800+11%
Flooring Install$7,500$7,000+7%
Deck Build$13,000$12,000+8%

Material Prices in Virginia Beach

Concrete

$150 /cubic yard

At the estimated Virginia average of $150/yd³

Lumber

$5.46 /board foot

$0.43 below the estimated Virginia average of $5.89/BF

Popular Projects in Virginia Beach

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Virginia Beach homeowners

🪵

#2 Deck Build

Among the most requested projects by Virginia Beach homeowners

🧱

#3 Siding Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Virginia Beach homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Virginia Beach, VA

Construction and renovation costs in Virginia Beach, VA reflect the city's cost of living index of 111 and a material cost index of 107 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $33.82 per hour and a median home price of $289,769, homeowners in Virginia Beach should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Virginia Beach sits in IECC Climate Zone 4 (Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry), 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 $56,270 in Virginia Beach means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $38,500 represents approximately 68% of annual household income.

Building permits in Virginia Beach average $840, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Virginia jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Virginia Beach, VA?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Virginia Beach, VA costs approximately $38,500 on average. Budget renovations start around $26,950, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $57,750 or more. Labor rates in Virginia Beach average $33.82/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Virginia Beach?
Construction labor in Virginia Beach, VA averages $33.82 per hour. This is 10% 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 Virginia Beach?
Most significant renovations in Virginia Beach, VA require building permits. Permit costs average around $840 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 Virginia Beach's cost of living affect construction costs?
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 111 (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 Virginia Beach is 107, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Virginia Beach?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Virginia Beach, VA include Kitchen Remodel, Deck Build, Siding Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Virginia Beach at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Virginia Beach homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators