Home Improvement Cost Guide — 120+ Project Cost Estimates

Real cost data for every major home improvement and construction project. Each guide includes low/mid/high estimates, ROI data, DIY difficulty ratings, typical timelines, and an interactive cost estimator.

Showing the highest-demand projects per category first so the guide loads quickly. Core project guides and locally researched cost pages are submitted for indexing; the broader estimator library remains available for users.

207

Projects Covered

7

Categories

56%

Average ROI

110%

Best ROI Project

Local quote checklists

City-specific project estimates with permit notes

These local pages go beyond national averages with city labor, material index, permit responsibility, and contractor-scope details.

Mooresville, NC construction cost checks

Lake Norman garage, roof, deck, addition, drainage, HOA, town permit, and contractor bid assumptions.

Chesterfield, MO remodel and permit checks

West St. Louis County labor, roofing, basement, deck, stormwater, subdivision, and city permit planning notes.

Kennewick, WA construction bid checks

Tri-Cities labor, Washington energy-code notes, roof, garage, addition, HVAC, permit, and inspection planning.

Fireplace services estimate in Kettering, OH

Cleaning, inspection, repair, gas conversion, installation, permit checks, and contractor quote line items for Kettering homeowners.

ADU construction cost in Bonita Springs, FL

Accessory apartment zoning, site-plan, utility, flood exposure, permit, and builder quote checks for Bonita Springs ADU projects.

Window estimates in Cleveland, OH

Insert vs full-frame replacement, permit responsibility, lead-safe work, frame material, glass package, and contractor scope review.

Screened porch estimate in Metairie, LA

Mosquito screening, slab/pier conditions, roof tie-in, storm exposure, permit checks, and contractor scope for Jefferson Parish porch projects.

Spray foam insulation in Killeen, TX

Open-cell vs closed-cell foam, attic access, HVAC ventilation, military-area labor assumptions, and bid checklist for Central Texas homes.

Waterfall installer estimate in Madison, AL

Pondless waterfall, pump sizing, stone allowance, GFCI electrical work, drainage, permit checks, startup, and warranty scope.

Whole house generator cost in Kokomo, IN

Standby generator sizing, transfer switch, fuel line, concrete pad, electrical permit, utility coordination, and contractor quote checks.

Garage conversion cost in Bowling Green, KY

Living-space conversion scope, insulation, HVAC, electrical, egress, moisture control, permits, and quote comparison.

Garage conversion cost in Hawthorne, CA

California garage conversion planning with shell upgrades, conditioned-space scope, egress, electrical, HVAC, and permit checks.

Garage conversion cost in Pawtucket, RI

Garage-to-living-space budget checks for insulation, heating, fire separation, moisture, egress, and contractor scope.

Retaining wall cost in Lafayette, LA

Wall height, drainage, base prep, geogrid, soil haul-off, engineering triggers, permit responsibility, and bid checks.

Smart home system cost in Santa Fe, NM

Device count, hub choice, Wi-Fi coverage, low-voltage wiring, cameras, privacy controls, subscriptions, and handoff planning.

Spray foam insulation cost in Baltimore, MD

Open-cell vs closed-cell foam, attic or rim-joist scope, old insulation, moisture checks, ignition barriers, and permits.

Spray foam insulation cost in Stamford, CT

Foam type, R-value target, prep, moisture control, ventilation, ignition barriers, cleanup, and contractor bid review.

Inground pool cost in Huntsville, AL

Pool shell, excavation, decking, fencing, equipment, electrical, drainage, permits, startup, and warranty scope.

Inground pool cost in Wheaton, MD

Pool type, access, soil, equipment, barrier, electrical, deck, drainage, permit drawings, and quote normalization.

Pool renovation cost in Bethesda, MD

Resurfacing, tile, coping, equipment, leak repair, deck transitions, electrical upgrades, startup, and warranty checks.

Whole house painting cost in Frederick, MD

Walls, ceilings, trim, doors, patching, primer, paint grade, high walls, furniture protection, and touch-up policy.

Whole house painting cost in Peoria, IL

Room-by-room interior painting scope with prep level, finish schedule, coats, color changes, cleanup, and warranty.

Whole house painting cost in Summerville, SC

Interior painting budget checks for drywall repair, stain blocking, trim, doors, ceilings, paint line, and walkthrough.

Specialized project guides

High-variance projects that need their own budget check

These guides cover projects where scope, permits, financing, engineering, or equipment choices can swing the budget quickly.

Bathroom addition cost

Full bath vs half bath scope, plumbing rough-in, permits, ventilation, fixture allowances, and resale planning.

Dormer addition cost

Shed vs gable dormers, roof framing, flashing, egress windows, insulation, and attic headroom tradeoffs.

Swimming pool cost

Inground and above-ground pool budgets, excavation, decking, pumps, finishes, maintenance, and ROI limits.

Inground pool cost

Concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pool costs with excavation, equipment, fencing, permits, and utility work.

Pool renovation cost

Resurfacing, tile, coping, pumps, lighting, automation, leak repair, and upgrade sequencing for older pools.

Wine cellar construction cost

Cooling systems, vapor barriers, insulation, racking, electrical, humidity control, and finish-grade choices.

Renovation loan comparison

FHA 203k, HomeStyle, VA renovation, construction loans, and HELOC tradeoffs for financed project budgets.

Smart home energy savings ROI

Thermostat, LED, water-heater, appliance, and utility rebate payback math for energy-efficiency upgrades.

Kitchen & Bath

25 projects

Kitchen Remodel

Hard
$42,000avg
$15,000 – $100,000
72% ROI
4-8 weeks

Bathroom Remodel

Medium
$18,000avg
$6,000 – $50,000
68% ROI
2-4 weeks

Master Bathroom Remodel

Hard
$28,000avg
$10,000 – $75,000
65% ROI
3-6 weeks

Half Bath Addition

Hard
$12,000avg
$5,000 – $25,000
60% ROI
1-2 weeks

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Medium
$9,500avg
$4,000 – $18,000
55% ROI
3-5 days

Countertop Replacement

Medium
$4,500avg
$1,500 – $12,000
50% ROI
2-3 days

Kitchen Island Installation

Medium
$8,000avg
$3,000 – $20,000
48% ROI
1-2 weeks

Bathroom Tile Installation

Medium
$3,500avg
$1,200 – $9,000
55% ROI
3-7 days

Shower Replacement

Hard
$7,500avg
$2,500 – $20,000
60% ROI
3-5 days

Bathtub Replacement

Hard
$5,500avg
$1,500 – $15,000
50% ROI
2-4 days
View all 25 kitchen & bath project estimators.

Exterior & Roofing

62 projects

Roof Replacement

Hard
$18,000avg
$8,000 – $45,000
68% ROI
2-5 days

Siding Replacement

Hard
$18,000avg
$8,000 – $45,000
76% ROI
1-2 weeks

Window Replacement

Medium
$10,000avg
$3,000 – $30,000
68% ROI
1-3 days

Door Replacement

Medium
$3,500avg
$1,000 – $10,000
75% ROI
1-2 days

Deck Addition

Hard
$20,000avg
$7,000 – $55,000
65% ROI
1-3 weeks

Patio Installation

Medium
$10,000avg
$3,000 – $30,000
55% ROI
3-7 days

Driveway Replacement

Hard
$8,000avg
$3,000 – $25,000
60% ROI
2-3 days

Garage Door Replacement

Medium
$2,500avg
$700 – $8,000
94% ROI
4-8 hours

Gutter Replacement

Medium
$2,500avg
$1,000 – $7,000
45% ROI
1-2 days

Exterior Painting

Medium
$6,000avg
$2,000 – $18,000
55% ROI
3-7 days
View all 62 exterior & roofing project estimators.

Interior

59 projects

Interior Painting

Easy
$4,000avg
$1,000 – $12,000
107% ROI
2-5 days

Closet Organizer Installation

Easy
$1,500avg
$300 – $5,000
45% ROI
1-2 days

Staircase Remodel

Hard
$7,500avg
$2,000 – $25,000
58% ROI
3-7 days

Fireplace Installation

Hard
$8,000avg
$2,500 – $30,000
80% ROI
3-7 days

Attic Conversion

Hard
$55,000avg
$25,000 – $100,000
64% ROI
6-12 weeks

Home Office Build-Out

Medium
$10,000avg
$3,000 – $30,000
60% ROI
1-3 weeks

Whole House Interior Painting

Easy
$12,000avg
$5,000 – $30,000
100% ROI
5-10 days

Wainscoting Installation

Medium
$3,000avg
$1,000 – $8,000
48% ROI
2-4 days

Recessed Lighting Installation

Medium
$2,500avg
$800 – $7,000
50% ROI
1-2 days

Interior Door Replacement

Easy
$800avg
$200 – $3,000
45% ROI
2-4 hours
View all 59 interior project estimators.

Flooring

7 projects

Tile Floor Installation

Medium
$4,500avg
$1,500 – $12,000
60% ROI
2-5 days

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Installation

Easy
$5,500avg
$2,000 – $14,000
65% ROI
2-4 days

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hard
$3,500avg
$1,500 – $8,000
78% ROI
3-5 days

Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

Medium
$3,500avg
$1,000 – $8,000
50% ROI
2-3 days

Cork Flooring Installation

Medium
$4,000avg
$1,500 – $9,000
45% ROI
2-3 days

Concrete Floor Staining

Medium
$2,500avg
$800 – $7,000
55% ROI
2-4 days

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Installation

Easy
$4,500avg
$1,800 – $11,000
60% ROI
2-3 days

HVAC & Utilities

20 projects

HVAC System Replacement

Hard
$12,000avg
$5,000 – $28,000
50% ROI
1-3 days

Water Heater Installation

Medium
$1,800avg
$800 – $4,500
40% ROI
2-4 hours

Electrical Panel Upgrade

Hard
$4,000avg
$1,500 – $9,000
45% ROI
1-2 days

Insulation Upgrade

Medium
$6,000avg
$2,000 – $18,000
55% ROI
1-3 days

Whole House Generator Installation

Hard
$15,000avg
$5,000 – $35,000
55% ROI
1-3 days

Smart Home System Installation

Easy
$5,000avg
$1,000 – $20,000
35% ROI
1-3 days

Whole House Plumbing Repiping

Hard
$10,000avg
$4,000 – $25,000
45% ROI
3-7 days

Central Vacuum System Installation

Hard
$3,000avg
$1,200 – $7,000
30% ROI
1-2 days

Whole House Fan Installation

Medium
$2,000avg
$700 – $5,000
38% ROI
4-8 hours

Ductwork Replacement

Hard
$6,000avg
$2,000 – $15,000
42% ROI
1-3 days
View all 20 hvac & utilities project estimators.

Additions & Structures

17 projects

Room Addition

Hard
$90,000avg
$35,000 – $200,000
55% ROI
3-6 months

Sunroom Addition

Hard
$40,000avg
$15,000 – $100,000
48% ROI
2-6 weeks

Garage Conversion to Living Space

Hard
$35,000avg
$15,000 – $75,000
62% ROI
4-8 weeks

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

Hard
$150,000avg
$60,000 – $350,000
80% ROI
6-18 months

Swimming Pool Installation

Hard
$65,000avg
$30,000 – $150,000
40% ROI
6-12 weeks

Screened Porch Addition

Hard
$22,000avg
$8,000 – $55,000
62% ROI
2-4 weeks

Pergola Installation

Medium
$9,000avg
$3,000 – $25,000
50% ROI
1-3 days

Carport Addition

Hard
$10,000avg
$4,000 – $25,000
55% ROI
1-2 weeks

Garage Addition

Hard
$55,000avg
$25,000 – $130,000
65% ROI
4-8 weeks

Garage Build (New Construction)

Hard
$48,000avg
$22,000 – $95,000
75% ROI
6-10 weeks
View all 17 additions & structures project estimators.

Landscaping

17 projects

Sod Installation

Easy
$5,000avg
$1,500 – $15,000
50% ROI
1-3 days

Irrigation System Installation

Hard
$6,000avg
$2,500 – $15,000
55% ROI
1-3 days

Landscape Lighting Installation

Easy
$5,000avg
$1,500 – $15,000
60% ROI
1-2 days

Tree Removal

Hard
$1,200avg
$300 – $5,000
30% ROI
4-8 hours

Garden Bed Installation

Easy
$2,500avg
$500 – $8,000
45% ROI
1-3 days

Outdoor Security Lighting

Easy
$1,500avg
$400 – $5,000
40% ROI
4-8 hours

Fire Pit Installation

Easy
$3,000avg
$500 – $10,000
45% ROI
1-3 days

Deck and Pergola Combination

Hard
$35,000avg
$12,000 – $80,000
60% ROI
2-4 weeks

Artificial Turf Installation

Hard
$15,000avg
$5,000 – $40,000
45% ROI
2-4 days

Rain Garden Installation

Medium
$5,000avg
$1,500 – $15,000
30% ROI
2-4 days
View all 17 landscaping project estimators.

Understanding Home Improvement Costs in 2026

Home improvement costs in 2026 are influenced by ongoing labor shortages in the skilled trades, stabilizing (but still elevated) material prices, and increasing demand for energy-efficient upgrades. According to industry data, homeowners spend an average of $15,000 per year on home improvement projects, with kitchen and bathroom remodels consistently ranking as the most popular major renovations.

Understanding return on investment (ROI) is essential when prioritizing home improvement projects. Garage door replacement consistently earns the highest ROI at around 94%, followed by siding replacement (76%), and entry door replacement (75%). Interior painting offers the best bang for the buck for smaller budgets, often returning more than 100% of cost in perceived value during a home sale.

The biggest cost drivers across all project types are labor rates (which vary 50-100% between low-cost and high-cost markets), material quality tier, project complexity, and permit requirements. Always get at least three competitive bids for any project over $5,000, and verify that contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured before signing a contract.

How to Use These Cost Estimates

The cost ranges on each project page represent national averages compiled from contractor quotes, industry reports, and homeowner data. The low estimate reflects budget-conscious projects with standard materials in lower-cost markets. The mid-range estimate is most representative of what the average homeowner pays. The high estimate represents premium materials, high-cost markets, or complex project conditions.

Use our construction costs by state page to adjust these estimates for your location, or explore our material calculators to estimate exactly how much concrete, lumber, tile, or paint your project needs.