The Estimated Costs of Home Improvements:

Our Complete Guide

Are you planning some home improvements this year? If so, read on for our handy guide to estimated costs of home improvements. From refinishing floors to removing popcorn ceilings (and everything in between) we have you covered. With these estimated costs of home improvements, you’ll be able to budget and plan to get your home looking just the way you want it while adding tremendous value.

Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

Average cost per cabinet is between $260-$455

New cabinets, solid wood framing, basic labor to install cabinets with favorable conditions, creating plumbing ccutouts securing vanity to the wall, assembling drawers, plus the cost of materials and removing and disposing of the old pieces.

Painting Cabinets

Average cost per square foot is between $3-$8

Paint and primer, basic labor, masking areas, caulk gaps and prime, two coats of paint, set up and clean up, plus the cost of materials and equipment.

Replacing Kitchen Countertops – Granite

Average cost per square foot is between $63-$95

Granite slab, basic labor to install with basic edge, adding one sink and faucet cut out, securing the countertop, as well as materials and clean up.

Replacing Kitchen Countertops – Quartz

Average cost per square foot is between $80-$110

The quartz countertop, a 15-year warranty, basic labor to install, adding one sink and faucet cut out, securing countertop, and cost of materials and supplies.

Replacing a Kitchen Backsplash

Average cost is between $20-$37 per square foot

Tile, basic labor to install measuring and securing board, materials, and equipment.

Installing hardwood floors

(to replace carpet or old hardwood)

Average cost per square foot is $8-$17

Removing the old flooring, new wood flooring, basic labor, installation of a clean subfloor, cut and bend flooring, protecting the area, and materials.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Average cost per square foot is between $4-$6

A gloss or satin finish, basic labor to refinish, removing finish with a sanding machine, set up, supplies, and materials.

Basic Bathroom Remodel

Costs between $5,000-$8,000 for average bathroom

Can vary widely depending on finishes. Includes basic materials, fixtures, labor, and supplies.

Painting an Interior Room

Average cost per square foot is $0.50-$2.00

Paint, primer, basic labor, two coats of paint, cut in at trim molding, equipment, cleaning, and supplies.

Painting the Exterior of a Home

Average cost per square foot is between $1.00-$2.50

Paint and primer, basic labor, spot prime, caulking edges and gaps, materials, area prep, setup, and cleanup.

Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Average cost per square foot is between $3.75-$7.00

Removing existing roof, debris disposal, cost of shingles (with a 30-year warranty), basic labor to install shingles, install, trim, secure shingles, materials, equipment, and clean up.

Removing Popcorn Ceiling

Average cost per square foot is between $0.60-$1.00

Basic labor to remove texture with favorable site conditions (free of asbestos), scraping texture, disposing of scrapings, planning, equipment, preparation, and cleanup.

Replacing Drywall

Average cost per square foot is between $3.50-$4.50

New drywall boards, basic labor, removing existing drywall surface, materials required to replace drywall, equipment, clearing waste.

Replacing Windows

Average cost is between $500-$800 per window

Double pane window frame, basic labor to install, insulating perimeter, setting jamb edges, shimming to achieve level placement, repairing

surfaces if needed, planning, materials, removal of old windows, and disposal of waste.

Laying Sod

Average cost is between $2.50-$5.50 per square foot

A blend of sod, basic labor to install sod, planning, materials, supplies, cost to remove lawn, and disposal of debris.

Installing Picket Fence

Average cost is between $25-$38 per linear foot

Fence boards (top and bottom), basic labor to install, layout of post locations, digging holes 3’ deep, setting wood posts in concrete,

planning, equipment, materials, set up and clean up.

Installing a Flagstone Patio

Average cost is between $15-$20 per square foot

Pattern stone, basic labor to install patio, layout, mark and excavate area to be paved, add edging and bedding sand, set and level stone,

planning, equipment, supplies to install stone and clean up.

Adding Recessed Lighting

Average cost per light is between $240-$350

Lighting fixture with basic trim, basic labor, layout location and cutting mounting hole, modifying wires from existing switch,

securing and wiring fixture, testing, planning, materials, supplies, and clean up.

Adding Crown Molding

Average cost per linear foot is between $6-$10

The molding, basic labor to install, measuring cornice, finishing nail molding, patching and smoothing holes, caulking edge gaps,  supplies, materials, and clean up.

Replacing a Bathroom Vanity

Average cost per vanity is between $320-$500

Base, sides, shelves, drawers, basic labor to install, plumbing cutouts, securing vanity to the wall, apply molding to edge,

installing the drawers and hardware, and clean up.

Waterproofing a Basement

Average cost to waterproof a basement is between $8-$10 per square foot

Patching wall cracks, applying one coat of waterproof cement to basement wall inside surface, diverting runoff away from foundation, planning,

equipment, materials, supplies, and clean up.

Finishing a Basement

Average cost is between $25-$90 to per square foot

Basic labor, plumbing, electrical, flooring, drywall, paint, structural changes to allow for proper egress, materials, and finishes.

Installing an Air Conditioning Unit

Average cost is $5,200 – $6,200

Three-ton 18 SEER heat pump condenser with 10-year warranty. Basic labor to add new split AC system to existing central heating system, install

dedicated 240V 20A circuit, install mounting pad and secure condenser to it. Also installing heat exchanger, sealing existing duct joints, replacing blower

motor, connecting and insulating lines between condenser and heat exchanger. Connecting to control panel/existing thermostat and condenser to power.

Powering unit and verify cycling and temperature control. Includes planning, equipment and materials.

Installing an Electric Fireplace

Average cost is between $1,400- $1,750

Wall-mounted electric fireplace with a fire glass or stone bed and 5,000 BTU output. Basic labor including framing, levelings, and securing the unit to

the frame, installing weather tight venting fixture, connecting and routing exhaust ducting and electrical supply. Also inspecting and securing permit. Includes

planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.

Installing a Vent Hood

Average cost is between $375 – $700

A 50 CFM, three-speed range hood with a one-year limited warranty. Basic labor to install vent hood including measuring and mounting hardware, connect

the hood to existing utility connections and verifying operation. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition such as connectors and fittings,

area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.

Installing a Gas Cooktop

Cost ranges from $1,000 – $2,100

Stainless steel, four burner gas cooktop with an 18,000 BTU burner with a one year warranty. Basic labor including installing mounting hardware,

connecting the cooktop to existing utility connections, securing and verifying operation. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition, area

preparation and protection, setup and cleanup, including removal of old appliance.

Installing a New Refrigerator

Average cost ranges from $1,000 – $2,200

A 26-cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator and freezer with an ice maker. Basic labor including connecting to existing utility connections, installing

and verifying operation. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the estimated costs of home improvements vary widely. Your final cost will depend on where you live, the

products and finishes you choose, and your square footage. Be sure to get at least two estimates before you begin any work.

 

If you’re looking to add maximum value to your home, be sure to read our related post.

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