Household Decors
Original data

2026 Home Improvement Cost Index: 33 Common Projects Ranked by Installed Cost

The most expensive job is a full kitchen remodel at a typical $26,942 installed. The cheapest on the list is a thermostat install at a typical $250. Every entry below is the verified national planning band from our cost database, ranked most expensive to least by typical installed cost.

33 projects, ranked. Figures last reviewed 2026-09-29 to 2026-10-13. Methodology · Download the source CSV · The full sortable index

  1. 1

    Kitchen Remodel

    Full kitchen remodel, midrange (national planning range)

    $14,588 to $41,555 installed, $26,942 typical.

    Why this range

    Planning range from Angi 2026 (13,100 verified pro projects): national average $26,942; most homeowners pay $14,588 to $41,555. Includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, sink and faucet, lighting, plumbing and electrical work. Excludes design fees and appliance storage (called out as extra on source page). Angi gives only a 25% labor rule of thumb; no verified national labor/material dollar split exists, so labor and material are stored as 0 rather than inventing a split. Corroboration: Thumbtack/Xactware $28,696-$90,397 including labor and materials; Thumbtack 2026 full remodel $8,219-$30,220. Benchmarks: 2025 Cost vs Value (119 US markets) minor midrange $28,458, major midrange $82,793, upscale $164,104 for a standardized 200-sq-ft project.

    Reviewed 2026-09-29. Sources: Angi, Journal of Light Construction (Zonda), Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value, Thumbtack, Thumbtack. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  2. 2

    Bathroom Remodel

    Full bathroom remodel, 40 sq ft, average quality

    $11,338 to $17,433 installed, $14,386 typical.

    Why this range

    Covers a 40 sq ft full bath at average quality: pre-finished vanity with granite countertop, ceramic tile flooring and tub surround, brushed nickel finishes. Published component splits: labor $4,878-$6,876 (midpoint $5,877), materials $3,896-$10,796 (midpoint $7,346); splits exclude labor markups, minimums, equipment, and market price fluctuations per source. Broader full-bath totals run $9,809-$18,640 across all quality levels. Cross-checks: HomeAdvisor 2025 (10,000-plus customer survey) reports $6,651-$17,657 with average $12,151; Remodeling Cost vs Value 2025 (defined national scopes, 119 markets) reports $26,138 midrange and $81,612 upscale. Permit fees are not itemized in the ranges.

    Reviewed 2026-09-29. Sources: Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, Journal of Light Construction (Zonda), Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  3. 3

    Septic Tank Installation Cost in 2026: What You'll Pay

    Septic system installation, professionally installed

    $3,000 to $50,000 installed, $10,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $3,000 to $50,000, average $10,000. Published splits quoted verbatim: tank-only 1,000 gal $900 to $1,700 (concrete $800 to $2,000; polyethylene $600 to $1,200; fiberglass $1,200 to $2,500); tank-only replacement $1,800 to $5,500; install labor plus excavation add $2,000 to $5,000; labor is 50 to 70% of total on engineered systems; crew plus equipment ~$1,900+/day, 3 to 5 days typical; tank is 15 to 30% of total project; AJ Foss tanks $1,340 (750 gal) to $4,300 (3,500 gal). No single verified combined labor/material dollar split that nests inside the national band; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: SepticTankHub, Angi, SepticSage, AboutSepticTanks, AJ Foss. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  4. 4

    Roof Replacement Cost

    Full roof replacement, professionally installed

    $5,900 to $13,400 installed, $9,600 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional replacement band: $5,903 to $13,377 typical, $9,609 national average. Published splits quoted verbatim: $4 to $11 per square foot installed; $400 to $900 per roofing square (tear-off $100 to $300, materials $100 to $250, labor $200 to $350); labor 40 to 65 percent of total, $200 to $300 per square; asphalt 3-tab $3 to $5, architectural $4 to $7, metal $7 to $16, tile $10 to $18, slate $15 to $30, solar $21 to $25 per square foot; tear-off $1 to $3 per square foot; decking $2 to $5 per square foot; vents $200 to $700; permits $150 to $500; repair average $1,150 to $1,174. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, 5estimates, HomeGuide, Fixr. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  5. 5

    Tub to Shower Conversion

    Bathtub to walk-in shower conversion

    $1,200 to $12,000 installed, $9,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline planning band $6,000 to $9,000 typical, with the national envelope $1,200 to $12,000. Published figures quoted verbatim: Angi $1,200 to $8,000; Fixr $1,200 to $10,000; custom tile shower with glass door and permit $6,000 to $12,000; moving plumbing $600 to $1,600 or more. No verified national labor/material split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-06. Sources: Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide, HomeBuddy, HomeAdvisor, Angi. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  6. 5

    Walk-In Shower Remodel

    Walk-in shower remodel, professional installation

    $6,000 to $12,000 installed, $9,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Published splits: bathroom contractor $400-$2,000 excluding materials; plumber $45-$200/hr, adding shower plumbing $600-$1,600 (new-build rough-in $7,000 average); tiling labor $30-$120/hr, tile installation $3-$15/sq ft plus tiles and materials; electrician $50-$100/hr. Materials: acrylic insert $500-$2,000; fiberglass insert $400-$2,000; tile $2-$17/sq ft; marble $10-$35/sq ft; cultured granite/Corian $40-$65/sq ft. Waterproofing: sheet membrane $500-$1,000, liquid membrane $50-$800. Glass door $550-$1,400; custom pan about $2,500; manufactured pan $250-$400; permits $250-$500. Cross-checks: Fixr tub-to-shower conversion $1,200-$10,000 (tub removal $200-$1,000 + conversion $1,000-$9,000); HomeBuddy curbless $6,000-$10,000, tile shower $3,500-$15,000 (unit/kit scope, not installed project).

    Reviewed 2026-10-04. Sources: Angi, Fixr, HomeBuddy. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  7. 6

    Heat Pump Installation Cost in 2026: What You'll Pay

    Heat pump installation, professionally installed

    $2,000 to $35,000 installed, $8,500 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $2,000 to $35,000, average $8,500. Published splits quoted verbatim: ductless mini-split single-zone $2,000 to $8,000 (Fixr) and $2,000 to $6,000 (Modernize), multi-zone $8,000 to $15,000; air-source ducted $5,000 to $15,000 (Fixr) and $6,500 to $12,000 (Modernize); geothermal $15,000 to $35,000+; Angi 2026 typical $4,237 to $7,942, average ~$6,088; EnergySage 2026 marketplace average $15,393 before incentives (ducted $14,529); Thumbtack national $1,430 to $7,778, most ~$3,414 (low-bound, smaller projects); IRA tax credits up to $2,000; DOE savings claim $500+/year. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: Fixr, Modernize, North Air Savings (Angi 2026 data), Thumbtack. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  8. 7

    Cost to Paint a 2000 Sq Ft House Interior

    Interior painting, 2,000 sq ft house, walls only

    $4,000 to $12,000 installed, $8,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline $4,000 to $12,000 is the published $2 to $6 per square foot interior painting rate applied to 2,000 sq ft of paintable area. Simple multiplication, not a new price claim. Published splits quoted verbatim from the interior-painting sources. No verified national labor/material dollar split for a whole-house project; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-06. Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr, Sherwin-Williams, Craftsman Book Company. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  9. 8

    Paint vs Reface vs Replace Kitchen Cabinets: Cost Compared

    Kitchen cabinet painting vs refacing vs replacement

    $2,000 to $25,000 installed, $7,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline spans the three tiers for an average kitchen. Published figures quoted verbatim: painting $2,000 to $6,500, typical $4,000; refacing $4,500 to $10,500, Angi 2026 national average $7,234; replacement $8,000 to $15,000 stock, $15,000 to $25,000 semi-custom, $25,000 or more custom. No single verified combined labor/material split across three methods; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-06. Sources: HomeGuide, Fixr, Fixr, JMT Cabinets, HomeGuide, Angi, HomeAdvisor. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  10. 8

    Walk-In Tub Installation Cost

    Walk-in tub installation, professionally installed

    $3,500 to $15,000 installed, $7,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installed project band: $3,500 to $15,000, typical $6,000 to $8,000. Published splits quoted verbatim: install labor $1,000 to $3,500 (Fixr), $2,500 to $8,000 (Retirement Living), ~$1,500 avg (ConsumerAffairs), ~$9,650 avg install-only (HomeBuddy); tub-only $1,500 to $20,000 (ConsumerAffairs); soaker $3,000 to $7,000; hydrotherapy $4,000 to $12,000; bariatric $4,500 to $11,500; wheelchair accessible $4,500 to $12,000; two-seater $6,000 to $20,000; luxury $8,000 to $30,000+; fiberglass $2,000 to $6,000; acrylic $4,000 to $10,000; cast iron/porcelain $10,000 to $15,000+; plumbing upgrades $350 to $2,000; water heater $800 to $3,000; demolition/removal $300 to $1,000; permits $100 to $1,000; shower-tub combo $10,000 to $20,000. No single verified combined labor/material split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-08. Sources: Fixr, Angi, ConsumerAffairs, ConsumerAffairs, Retirement Living, HomeBuddy. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  11. 9

    Central AC Installation Cost in 2026: What You'll Pay

    Central AC installation, professionally installed

    $3,500 to $14,000 installed, $6,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $3,500 to $14,000, average $6,000. Published splits quoted verbatim: equipment $2,500 to $8,000; labor $1,500 to $3,500 (6 to 10 hours at $50 to $150/hr); permits $150 to $500; 1.5-ton $3,650 to $6,250 installed up to 5-ton $7,800 to $14,000; standard efficiency $3,800 to $7,500 installed; high-SEER $6,000 to $12,000; split system unit $3,800 to $7,700; packaged AC unit $4,000 to $8,500; packaged HVAC unit $9,200 to $10,800; furnace plus AC together $7,000 to $14,000; federal 25C credit up to $600 for qualifying AC; IRA rebates $2,000 to $8,000 for high-efficiency systems. Equipment and labor bands do not nest inside every published installed range (e.g. $2,500 equipment + $1,500 labor low = $4,000, above the $3,500 national low); stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: Fixr, North Air Savings (HomeAdvisor 2026 data), Modernize, AllBetter, iBuyer, Fixr, HomeCostCalcs, FurnacePrices.ca, Angi. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  12. 10

    Bathtub Replacement

    Bathtub replacement, professional installation

    $2,101 to $9,747 installed, $5,923 typical.

    Why this range

    HomeGuide component breakdown: new bathtub $300-$3,000+; installation labor $400-$2,000+; removal/disposal $150-$750; plumbing modifications $200-$700+; faucet $200-$600; wall repairs $200-$700; permits $50-$250; total if all items apply $1,500-$8,000. Surround: $500-$2,000 (Angi), tiled surround $1,000-$3,500 (HomeGuide). Fixr installed by type: alcove $450-$1,400; drop-in $900-$5,000; combo $950-$2,400; undermount $1,200-$8,000; freestanding/clawfoot $1,200-$10,000; corner $1,400-$8,000. Fixr installed by material: steel $4,800; acrylic $6,000; fiberglass $6,500; cast iron $5,000; cultured marble $9,000; solid surface $10,000; copper $10,000; ceramic tile $12,500; granite $24,000.

    Reviewed 2026-10-04. Sources: Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, Angi. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  13. 11

    Boiler Installation Cost in 2026: Prices by Fuel Type

    Boiler installation, professionally installed (unit + labor)

    $3,000 to $9,000 installed, $5,800 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the professionally installed boiler replacement band: $3,000 to $9,000 per project, $5,800 typical. Published splits quoted verbatim: ConsumerAffairs (2026): labor 40-50% of total, $2,300-$2,900 average; equipment $2,900-$3,450 average; permits a few hundred dollars. Plumber Archive (2026): unit $1,400-$6,500; labor $1,200-$3,200; removal $820-$2,650; permits $50-$350. Splits do not nest inside the national band (ConsumerAffairs labor low $2,300 plus equipment low $2,900 = $5,200, above the $3,000 national low; Plumber Archive unit high $6,500 plus labor high $3,200 = $9,700, above the $9,000 national high); stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-11. Sources: ConsumerAffairs, Plumber Archive, CostHelper, Homewyse, Fixr, Angi, Houzz. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  14. 12

    Furnace Installation Cost

    Furnace installation, professionally installed

    $2,000 to $12,000 installed, $5,500 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $2,000 to $12,000, average $5,500. Published splits quoted verbatim: gas $3,000 to $10,000 installed (Angi $3,800 to $10,000, ~$7,000 for 1,600-2,000 sq ft home); electric $2,500 to $7,000; oil $4,000 to $10,000; propane $3,000 to $12,000; high-efficiency gas $3,300 to $6,900 installed; furnace plus ductwork $3,800 to $12,000; furnace plus AC $4,000 to $10,000; permits $400 to $1,500; IRA credits up to $600 (97%+ AFUE gas) and up to $8,000 (heat pump); utility rebates $200 to $1,000; unit-only prices (single-stage $700-$3,000, two-stage $1,000-$3,500, modulating $1,300-$6,500) are equipment only, not installed. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: Angi, allbetterapp, ConsumerAffairs, Angi, HomeGuide, citybiz (Pearl 2026 research). Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  15. 13

    Ductless Mini Split Installation Cost in 2026: Prices by Zone

    Ductless mini split installation, professionally installed

    $2,500 to $15,000 installed, $5,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $2,500 to $15,000, average $5,000. Published splits quoted verbatim: equipment $2,000 to $3,000 (Angi) and $1,000 to $3,500 for basic single-zone units; installation labor $1,200 to $10,000 (Angi) and $1,500 to $5,000+ (Nespolo); 3-zone equipment $3,500 to $7,000 with labor $2,500 to $5,000 (NE D. Estimating); $4,000 to $8,000 per indoor unit (Air Care KC); single-zone 9,000-12,000 BTU $3,500 to $5,500 and 18,000-24,000 BTU $4,500 to $6,500; dual-zone $6,500 to $10,000; three-zone $9,000 to $13,000; four-zone $12,000 to $16,000+; brand installed bands Mitsubishi $4,000-$12,000, Daikin $3,500-$10,000, Fujitsu $3,000-$9,500, LG $3,000-$8,000, Gree $2,500-$7,500; electrical panel upgrade add-on $1,500 to $3,500; federal 25C credit 30% up to $2,000 per year. Equipment and labor bands do not nest inside every published installed range (e.g. $2,000 equipment + $1,200 install low = $3,200, above the $2,500 national low); stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-11. Sources: AllBetter, Nespolo Mechanical, Westchester Comfort HVAC, Air Care Heating & Cooling, NE D. Estimating, Angi. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  16. 13

    How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sewer Line in 2026?

    Sewer line replacement, full residential lateral (trench or trenchless)

    $1,500 to $15,000 installed, $5,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is the full residential lateral replacement: $1,500 to $15,000 per project, $5,000 typical. Published splits quoted verbatim: Plumbing Price Guide (May 2026): open-trench $50-$250/ft; pipe bursting $60-$200/ft; CIPP lining $80-$250/ft; camera inspection $150-$500; spot repair $1,000-$4,000; hydro jetting $300-$900; permits $100-$500; tap fees $500-$5,000; cleanout $400-$1,200. HomeAdvisor: complete replacement $60-$250/ft; partial $50/ft; CIPP $90-$250/ft; bursting $60-$200/ft; video inspection $100-$500; under-slab adder $300-$350/ft; landscaping restoration $4.50-$12/sq ft. Western Rooter (Jul 2026): $50-$300/ft. Wooley Trenchless: CIPP $150-$295/ft; bursting $150-$300/ft; spot repair $2,500-$5,500 per defect; restoration often doubles the final bill. Plumbing Pro San Diego: CIPP $150-$250/ft; bursting $150-$200/ft; driveway replacement $6-$12/sq ft. Michael & Son (2021): traditional $50-$125/ft; trenchless $60-$250/ft. No published typicals exist for the splits, and typicals cannot be invented; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-12. Sources: Plumbing Price Guide, HomeAdvisor, Western Rooter, Wooley Trenchless, Plumbing Pro San Diego, Michael & Son. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  17. 14

    Kitchen Cabinet Painting

    Kitchen cabinet painting, average kitchen, professional

    $2,000 to $6,500 installed, $4,000 typical.

    Why this range

    Covers a professional full-kitchen cabinet painting job: door and hardware removal, cleaning and degreasing, sanding or stripping, primer, two coats, reinstallation. Published labor context: HomeAdvisor reports labor at 85% of cost, $20-$50 per hour; HomeGuide reports labor at 80%-85%, $25-$75 per hour; Fixr reports labor at about 85% ($2,125-$5,525); Angi reports labor at 70%-80%, $20-$60 per hour, with prep up to half the total. Per-unit rates: $30-$70 per linear foot (HomeGuide, Fixr) and $30-$60 per linear foot (HomeAdvisor, Angi); per door $70-$125 (HomeGuide, Fixr) or $100-$250 (Angi); per drawer $30-$110. DIY materials $200-$600 (all four sources). Extras: repairs $120-$600 (HomeGuide), $140-$500 (HomeAdvisor), $150-$500 (Fixr); new hardware $100-$1,000+ (Fixr).

    Reviewed 2026-09-30. Sources: HomeGuide, Fixr, Angi, HomeAdvisor. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  18. 15

    Ductwork Replacement Cost in 2026: Prices by House Size

    Ductwork replacement, professionally installed

    $1,400 to $8,000 installed, $3,500 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is the contractor-reported installed band: $1,400 to $5,600, average $3,500 (HomeGuide, 399 projects). Published splits quoted verbatim: materials are 40-60% of total with labor the balance (HVAC Calculator Hub, 2026); contractor labor $75-$200 per hour (Angi); material per linear foot: flexible non-insulated $1-$3, flexible insulated $2-$4, fiberglass $4-$6, sheet metal $7-$13 (HomeGuide). Stored splits: labor 58%/54%/56% of national and material 39%/40%/40%, inside the published 40-60% materials band; sums 1,350/3,300/7,700, each under the national figure, satisfying cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-12. Sources: HomeGuide, NorthAir Savings, HVAC Calculator Hub, Angi, HVAC Pricing Guide, CDCalculators. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  19. 16

    Spray Foam Insulation Cost in 2026: What You Will Pay

    Spray foam insulation, typical residential install

    $1,000 to $9,000 installed, $2,888 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is a typical residential spray foam install: $1,000 to $9,000 per project, $2,888 typical (HIGH confidence: Angi Sep 2026 national average $2,888 from 4,048 verified projects; typical range $1,455-$4,337). Published figures quoted verbatim: Angi (Sep 2026): $0.60-$3.10 per board foot installed; open-cell $0.60-$1.60/bf; closed-cell $1.30-$3.10/bf; small HVAC job $675; attic $1,100-$9,000; whole home $4,000-$29,000; new build $1-$4/sq ft vs existing $3-$5/sq ft; labor $50-$100/hr and $0.44-$3.30/sq ft; vapor barrier $0.65-$1/sq ft; mold remediation $1,125-$3,345; junk removal $240; DIY kits $350-$800 per 200-600 sq ft. HomeGuide (Nov 2025): DIY $0.80-$1.80/bf; kits $300-$850 for 200-600 board feet; pro open-cell $1.50-$5.00/bf; pro closed-cell $1.30-$2.90/bf; old insulation removal $1-$2/sq ft. AllBetter (2026): whole home $3,000-$10,000; open-cell $1.00-$2.00/sq ft; closed-cell $2.00-$3.50/sq ft. GreenBudgetHub (2026): open-cell $0.25-$0.50/bf materials (pro $1.00-$1.50/sq ft); closed-cell $1.00-$2.00/bf materials (pro $3.00-$7.00/sq ft); typical attic/crawl job $1,500-$4,500; labor $0.50-$1.50/sq ft; minimum job $500-$750; removal $500-$1,500. ArmorThane (2026): open-cell $0.44-$0.73/bf; closed-cell $1.00-$2.12/bf; R-3.7/in open, R-6.5/in closed. Kraken Bond (2026): pro installed $1.50-$3.50/bf; 1,000 sq ft attic $3,000-$10,000; payback 3-10 years; energy savings 15-50% (DOE). No published nesting labor/material splits exist; labor and material stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Angi, ArmorThane, Kraken Bond, AllBetter, HomeGuide, GreenBudgetHub. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  20. 17

    Tankless Water Heater Installation Cost in 2026: Prices by Fuel Type and Scenario

    Tankless water heater installation, professionally installed (unit + labor)

    $1,400 to $5,600 installed, $2,800 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the professionally installed whole-house tankless band: $1,400 to $5,600 per project, $2,800 typical. Published splits quoted verbatim: HomeGuide (2026): unit $600-$2,600; installation labor $600-$2,500 (3-10 hours); additional supplies $150-$300; permits $50-$200; dedicated electrical circuit $250-$900; panel replacement $850-$1,700; gas line $350-$2,000; vent replacement $100-$600; old tank removal $75-$500. Region Home Services (2026): unit $500-$2,800; labor $800-$2,500 (6-10 hours); gas line upsizing $400-$2,000; venting $300-$800; permit $50-$400; removal $50-$500; condensate $100-$300; expansion tank $50-$350. No published typicals exist for the splits, and typicals cannot be invented; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-12. Sources: HomeGuide, Fixr, Angi, Region Home Services, Local Service Calculator, iamhome.app, Rinnai, Emergency Plumbing, TanklessWaterHeaterInstallCost.com, Repipe Solutions. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  21. 18

    Shower Tiling

    Shower tiling, full surround

    $1,800 to $5,000 installed, $2,700 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline is the project-level full-surround figure. Per-square-foot: standard ceramic or porcelain $7 to $25 installed; natural stone $30 to $70+ with specialist installation. Waterproofing $450 to $2,000. No verified national labor/material dollar split for the full-surround project figure; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-06. Sources: TileHub, Angi, HomeGuide, AllBetter, Angi. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  22. 19

    Attic Insulation Cost in 2026: Price per Sq Ft

    Attic insulation, professionally installed

    $500 to $6,000 installed, $2,100 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $500 to $6,000, average $2,100. Published splits quoted verbatim: HomeAdvisor typical $1,700-$2,500 at $1-$3/sq ft; HomeGuide average $1,800, range $1,000-$2,700; blown-in $0.90-$2.40/sq ft ($900-$3,600 total); batt/roll $0.80-$2.60; spray foam $1.00-$4.50; blown-in by R-value per 1,000 sq ft: R-30 $660-$1,200, R-38 $840-$1,500, R-44 $990-$1,700, R-49 $1,100-$1,900, R-60 $1,400-$2,400; replacement with old-insulation removal $1,500-$5,000; contractor minimums $1,500-$2,000. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, HomeGuide, TopBestGulf. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  23. 20

    Gutter Installation Cost in 2026: Price per Linear Foot

    Gutter installation, seamless aluminum, professionally installed

    $600 to $4,500 installed, $1,800 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the all-in professional installation band: $600 to $4,500, average $1,800. Published splits quoted verbatim: HomeGuide aluminum $4-$12/ft, avg $1,200, range $600-$1,800; Angi $7-$12/ft, 150 ft = $1,050-$1,800; Ecostify average home $1,000-$3,500 all materials; Claddix typical 150-200 ft job $1,100-$2,800, national avg ~$2,300 seamless aluminum; per-foot by material: vinyl $3-$8, sectional aluminum $4-$9, seamless aluminum $6-$14, steel $8-$15, zinc $12-$25, copper $18-$40; labor 20-50% of job ($1.40-$6/ft); old gutter removal $80-$300; gutter guards $3-$12/ft. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: HomeGuide, Angi, Claddix, Ecostify. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  24. 21

    Water Heater Installation Cost

    Water heater installation, standard tank, professionally installed

    $600 to $3,100 installed, $1,700 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the standard tank replacement band: $600 to $3,100 installed, typical $1,700. Published splits quoted verbatim: 50-gal tank unit $500 to $900 retail; like-for-like swap 2-3 hours, plumber $90 to $200/hr; gas tank $1,300 to $3,000; electric tank $1,150 to $2,500; tankless installed $1,400 to $5,600 (gas $2,100-$5,600, electric $1,400-$3,000); tankless unit $600 to $2,600, labor $600 to $2,500 over 3-10 hrs, supplies $150 to $300, permits $50 to $200; gas-to-tankless conversion extras: venting $500 to $1,500, gas line $350 to $2,000, electrical circuit $250 to $900; heat pump tank $3,200 to $6,000+; solar $3,000 to $9,000. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: HomeGuide, iamhome.app, eathealthy365, HomeGuide, eathealthy365. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  25. 21

    Whole House Fan Installation Cost in 2026: What You Will Pay

    Whole house fan installation, standard direct-mounted

    $900 to $2,400 installed, $1,700 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is a standard direct-mounted whole-house fan install: $900 to $2,400 per project, $1,700 typical (HIGH confidence: Angi Sep 2026, Fixr Jan 2026, and HomeAdvisor all converge on the $1,700 average and the $900-$2,400 band; Homewyse Sep 2026 calculator lands at $1,074-$1,948 per fan, inside the same band). Published figures quoted verbatim: Angi (Sep 2026): installation labor $300-$1,000 ($50-$100/hour); unit-only motors direct-drive $350-$900, belt-drive $500-$1,000; no combined labor/material breakdown that sums to a total. Fixr (Jan 2026): labor $300-$1,000; electrician $50-$130/hour for 1-2 hours; unit-only motors direct-drive $350-$900, belt-drive $500-$1,200; installed band $900-$2,600 by mount and home size. Homewyse (Sep 2026): national estimate $1,074-$1,948 per fan with component rows that do not resolve into clean labor vs material subtotals. Thumbtack (Jul 2026): unit retail $310 low, $600-$1,200 typical models, $1,500+ top of line, published separately from installation pricing. QuietCool (manufacturer): installed $500-$3,000 depending on size, type, and motor; Classic series starts at $1,449 including installation. No nesting labor/material split exists: labor and material stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Angi, Fixr, HomeAdvisor, Homewyse, QuietCool Systems, Thumbtack. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  26. 22

    How Much Does It Cost to Install Gutter Guards?

    Gutter guard installation, typical residential whole-home install

    $650 to $9,000 installed, $1,500 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is a typical residential whole-home gutter guard install: $650 to $9,000 per project, $1,500 typical (HIGH confidence: Angi $1,521 national average, Smith Roofing ~$1,514 national average, Young Construction typical $1,500-$3,000 for standard systems; the three standard-install figures agree within $25). Published splits quoted verbatim: Angi (2026): $6-$13/LF installed standard; prep add-ons gutter repairs $200-$650, cleaning $120-$230; metal mesh materials $1-$4/LF. Young Construction (Oct 2026): add-on guard materials $1-$10/LF; professional installation adds about $9/LF. This Old House 2026 homeowner survey (1,000 homeowners, branded systems): average $7,941/200 LF (~$39.71/LF); median total $5,000; middle half $4,138-$6,000; full range $4,000-$30,000; brand per-foot: Leafguard $39.59, LeafFilter $41.72, Gutter Guards America $46.77, All American Gutter Protection $47.02, HomeCraft $61.61; 200 LF typical for 2,000 sq ft home. Smith Roofing (2026): most homeowners $652-$2,462; DIY $200-$1,600; premium brands $3,000-$9,000 for 200 LF. Essentials Home Solutions (2026): $3-$30/LF; typical home (150-250 LF) $1,200-$3,500; most homeowners pay around $2,100. HomeGuide via Homes.com: professional installation $3,000-$9,000; gutter cleaning $100-$250; gutter repair $100-$450; full gutter replacement $2,200-$5,000 for 150 LF. Angi ROI note: gutter guards return 0%-10% on installation cost at resale. No published typicals exist for the splits, and typicals cannot be invented; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Angi, Smith Roofing & Exteriors, This Old House, Young Construction, Homes.com, Essentials Home Solutions. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  27. 22

    Water Softener Installation Cost in 2026: What You Will Pay

    Water softener installation, standard single-tank salt-based

    $800 to $3,000 installed, $1,500 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is a typical water softener install: $800 to $3,000 per project, $1,500 typical (HIGH confidence: Angi Aug 2026 national average $1,500; AllBetter 2026 average ~$1,500 with typical band $800-$3,000). Published figures quoted verbatim: Angi (Aug 2026): $200-$6,000 installed range; installation labor $150-$1,000; single-tank ion exchange $500-$1,700; double-tank $1,000-$5,000; magnetic $200-$600; salt-free $800-$4,000; whole-home RO $4,000-$11,000; salt $5-$10/40-lb bag; potassium chloride $50-$70; repairs $150-$900 (up to $2,000); rental $25-$50/mo. AllBetter (2026): installed $800-$3,000; salt-based $1,000-$2,500; salt-free $800-$2,000; dual-tank $2,000-$4,000+; combo $2,500-$5,000+; loop $300-$800; drain $200-$500; outlet $150-$300; iron pre-filter $800-$1,500; salt $60-$120/yr; resin $200-$400/10-15 yrs; DIY saves $400-$1,000 when loop exists. TapWaterData (data read 2026-10-04): 32,000-grain equipment $876 manufacturer list; independent installer modeled $1,029-$1,305, median $1,152 (2-4 hrs at loaded plumber rates, BLS median $30.67/hr); national dealer documented quotes $3,224-$15,000, median $6,500 (n=43, 2024-2026); documented independent jobs $1,200-$6,250, median $3,450 (n=20); running cost $8.51-$28.07/month; lifespan 10-15 years. SoftPro: systems $500-$5,000; standard ion exchange $500-$1,700; premium brands $2,500-$4,500 (40-60% premium); installation $150-$1,000 (pro typically $500-$700); no-loop mods $200-$800; payback 2-4 years. Anchor Plumbing (2026, Master Plumber TX #41829): salt-based unit $500-$2,000 + install $300-$700 = $800-$2,700 total; salt-free $1,100-$3,500; dual-tank $1,900-$4,900; install $300-$1,200 (typical $400-$600 with loop); old unit removal $75-$200; 10-yr TCO $1,800-$4,700; well-water iron pre-treatment $200-$600 (regional). 1-800-Plumber +Air (Aug 2026): whole-house filtration avg $2,274, typical $1,129-$3,541. No published nesting labor/material splits exist: Angi publishes installation labor and equipment figures without a split that sums to a total; AllBetter publishes installed totals by type and capacity without splitting labor from materials; Anchor publishes unit cost plus installation bands as separate line items, not components of one total; TapWaterData models equipment plus labor as a modeled estimate, not a published split. Labor and material stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Angi, AllBetter, 1-800-Plumber +Air, Anchor Plumbing Services, TapWaterData, SoftPro Water Systems. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  28. 23

    Sump Pump Installation Cost in 2026: What You'll Pay

    Sump pump installation, professionally installed

    $450 to $4,000 installed, $1,200 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the standard-installation band: $450 to $4,000, average $1,200. Published splits quoted verbatim: Angi avg $1,100, typical $800-$1,500; 1/3 HP $800-$1,200, 1/2 HP $1,000-$1,600, 3/4 HP+ $1,600-$2,500, dual $2,000-$4,000+; This Old House avg $1,400, most $500-$4,000; HomeGuide avg $1,600, min $450, max $4,000, range $600-$2,500; replacement in existing pit $400-$700 (HomeGuide), $529-$1,350 (GetEco), ~$720 (Thumbtack); brand-new system $7,000-$12,000 (GetEco); battery backup $600-$1,500 additional; unit only pedestal $100-$400, submersible $100-$800; labor $500-$1,700. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: Angi, This Old House, HomeGuide, Thumbtack, GetEco. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  29. 24

    How Much Does Roof Repair Cost in 2026?

    Roof repair, typical residential repair job

    $150 to $8,000 installed, $1,150 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline band is a typical residential roof repair: $150 to $8,000 per project, $1,150 typical (HIGH confidence: Angi $1,174, Fixr $1,150, HomeAdvisor $1,161, AllBetter $1,150). Published splits quoted verbatim: Angi (Aug 2026): leak $360-$1,550; skylight leak $300-$800; flashing $200-$500; vent $75-$250; ridge cap $200-$750; hail $700-$4,000; soffit/fascia $600-$6,000; truss $500-$5,000; asphalt shingle repair avg $975; metal avg $1,700; slate avg $1,800; labor $45-$75/hr; normal range $395-$1,968. Fixr: minor $150-$1,000; moderate $1,000-$3,000; major $2,000-$6,000+; asphalt $150-$1,500; flat $300-$1,100; metal $500-$2,000; tile $500-$2,500; slate $700-$3,000; labor 60%+ of total, up to 90% on small jobs; roofers $50-$120/hr. Homewyse (Jan 2026): defined basic repair (up to 4 shingles) $361-$439; 2-hour minimum labor; excludes overhead 13-22%, tax, permits. AllBetter: asphalt repairs $4-$8/sq ft; flat $5-$12; metal $8-$16; tile $10-$25; steep roofs +20-40%; two-story +20-30%; post-storm +30-50%; 30% rule vs replacement. Adilay (Philadelphia, 2026 charged prices): 2-5 shingles $300-$600; vent boot $300-$500; chimney flashing $600-$1,200, rebuild $800-$2,500; emergency $800-$2,500; sealant patch 30-60% of real repair, lasts 12-36 months vs 15-25 years. No published typicals exist for the splits, and typicals cannot be invented; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources: Angi, Fixr, ccr-mag, Adilay Roofing, AllBetter, Homewyse. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  30. 25

    Deck Staining

    Deck staining, 300-400 sq ft deck, professional application

    $100 to $1,465 installed, $850 typical.

    Why this range

    Covers professional deck staining including prep for a typical 300-400 sq ft deck. Published splits: Angi labor $1-$2.50/sq ft ($350-$875 for 350 sq ft, about 10 hrs at $35-$90/hr), no materials-only split; Fixr labor $1.50-$3/sq ft plus materials $0.50-$2/sq ft (different scope: includes light sanding and sealing); stain $25-$35/gal latex, $25-$45 oil-based, $40-$80 water-based (Fixr); railings $4-$12.50/linear ft (Angi). Cross-checks: Fixr average range $550-$850, typical $750 for 14x18 ft deck including cleaning, minor repairs, staining, sealing, low $300, high $1,000; HomeGuide $450-$1,000 including power washing, staining, sealing.

    Reviewed 2026-09-30. Sources: Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  31. 26

    Bedroom Painting

    Bedroom painting, professional, walls

    $240 to $1,240 installed, $600 typical.

    Why this range

    Bedroom-specific planning range per room, professional job, paint and materials included. Published labor context: HomeGuide reports labor at $1-$3 per square foot, 70%-85% of the total room painting cost; HomeAdvisor reports labor at 75%-95% of total painting cost with paint at $15-$40 per gallon and primer at $10 per gallon; Fixr reports professional labor at $25-$100 per hour or $1.50-$3.50 per square foot, paint $15-$60 per gallon, primer $16-$70 per gallon. Room-size tables: HomeGuide 10x10 walls-only $320-$1,200 and walls+trim+ceiling $640-$2,400; 12x12 walls-only $380-$1,400 and walls+trim+ceiling $770-$2,900. Fixr: 12x12 walls-only $215-$505, entire room $430-$575; full-room rate $3-$4 per sq ft, walls-only $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft. HomeAdvisor: $2-$6 per sq ft including paint and materials; walls alone $2.75 per sq ft versus walls, trim, and ceilings $4.70 per sq ft.

    Reviewed 2026-09-30. Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  32. 27

    Air Duct Cleaning Cost in 2026: Price per Vent

    Air duct cleaning, whole HVAC system, NADCA-standard

    $200 to $1,500 installed, $550 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the full-service band: $200 to $1,500, average $550. Published splits quoted verbatim: EPA/NADCA via COIT and HomeGuide $450-$1,000 per system; AllBetter typical $300-$700, with contamination $800-$1,500+; per supply vent $25-$50, per return vent $40-$75; per sq ft $0.15-$0.40; by vent count: 8 vents $200-$400 up to 20 vents $500-$1,000; 1,500 sq ft home $225-$600. No single verified combined labor/material dollar split; stored as 0.

    Reviewed 2026-10-10. Sources: COIT, HomeGuide, AllBetter, Angi, This Old House. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

  33. 28

    Thermostat Installation Cost in 2026: What You Will Pay

    Thermostat installation, professionally installed (unit + labor)

    $85 to $625 installed, $250 typical.

    Why this range

    Headline range is the professionally installed thermostat band: $85 to $625 per project, $250 typical (unit + labor). Published splits quoted verbatim: AllBetter (2026): simple swap labor $50-$150; C-wire adapter install $80-$200 (part $30-$50); new thermostat wire run $150-$300; multi-zone $200-$500+ per zone; pro install labor $50-$300; devices: basic programmable $25-$80, Wi-Fi $80-$150, smart learning $200-$350, smart with room sensors $250-$400. Thumbtack (2026): national average range $125-$315; low $66; high $625. Fixr (2026): national average $200; most projects $85-$300; smart installed $185-$600; electrician $50-$100 for a simple swap, $100-$200 for a simple smart install; C-wire addition $85-$100. Homewyse (Sep 2026): $433-$518 per thermostat installed; smart thermostat install labor $117-$248 per unit. Air Experts NJ (contractor): pro install labor $100-$300; manual $50-$150; programmable $90-$200+; smart $200-$500+ (device). No published typicals exist for the splits, and typicals cannot be invented; stored as 0 per cost_components_fit.

    Reviewed 2026-10-12. Sources: AllBetter, Thumbtack, Fixr, Angi, Air Experts NJ, Homewyse. Full breakdown on the cost guide.

How this ranking was built

This page is the editorial companion to the 2026 U.S. Home Project Cost Index, a sortable table of every verified cost record in our database. The ranking orders projects most expensive to least by typical installed cost, using only the low, typical, and high figures already published in the source CSV. No new numbers were created for this page.

Selection rule: only rows that describe a complete installed project are included. Per-component rates (per square foot, per step, per window) are left out because ranking a per-unit rate against a whole-project installed cost would require assuming a project size, which would invent a number. Two rows were also excluded because their scope duplicates another row on the list: the cabinet refacing comparison (already covered by the broader paint, reface, replace cabinet comparison) and the furnace versus heat pump comparison (already covered by the separate furnace and heat pump installation rows). The database holds 33 rows that meet this rule, so the list is honestly titled for 33: no rows were added to reach a round number.

The same dataset also produces the index's derived findings: the median full-project cost, the cost-band distribution, and median costs by category are computed from these records on the Cost Index page, under Key findings.

Every figure is traced to its published sources, named under each entry and in full on each linked guide. Read the full methodology for how bands are verified, reviewed, and updated. Figures were last reviewed 2026-09-29 to 2026-10-13.

Back to the full sortable index · Download the CSV