These updates cost between $5,000 to $15,000 on average. Here are some of the most popular exterior remodels and their average cost:
House Entryway
The entrance is more than just your front door. Your walkways, landscaping, lighting, and front porch are all part of that first impression. They can make a huge impact without breaking the bank. For a small entryway, you’ll spend about $1,030 to $1,250, and for a medium one, it’ll be about $2,570 and $3,120. For a large foyer remodel, the price tag is anywhere from $8,880 to $10,780 or more.
Other Home Renovation Cost Factors
When you get estimates from potential contractors, it's important to discuss all the potential extras that could contribute to the project's overall price. Here are some things to consider:
Labor
Labor costs for house renovation range widely from $20 to $150 per hour or more. You’ll also need to know the following pro rates:
Permits
For small projects in a bathroom or kitchen, a permit could range between $50 and $300. Meanwhile, building permits cost between $400 to $1,800. You’ll need to check with your local authorities prior to starting a house remodeling project to determine which permits you’ll need. Most authorities will require one to make sure everything is done according to building codes. You’ll often need a permit for:
Home Additions
Building a home addition costs $22,500 to $80,100 on average but can range anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000, with homeowners spending an average of $49,600. This depends on the extent of the addition and the finish materials you choose. Different rooms may require different materials or components, making rooms with plumbing more expensive to add compared to a primary bedroom or sunroom.
Changing a Floor Plan
If your house renovation plans include an addition, changing stairs, or knocking down a load-bearing wall, consult a local structural engineer. Structural engineers cost between $350 to $750 and can ensure your plans are safely and securely completed.
Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
There are many options available when choosing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. HVAC units are between $500 to $7,200 or more. The more popular brands include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Coleman, and Lennox and will cost anywhere from $1,900 to $4,900. Other common tasks and average costs associated with your in-home climate control options are as follows:
Central air installation costs: $3,800–$7,600
Furnace installation costs: $2,800–$6,800
Heat pump installation costs: $4,200–$7,500
Insulation installation costs: $1,400–$6,300
Replacing ducts and vents costs: $500–$2,100
Solar panel installation costs: $18,000–$34,500
Updating Appliances
Appliances cost anywhere from $200 to $10,000 or more. When it comes to appliances, you have a lot to consider. While the prices can easily skyrocket, limiting your options to bare-bone basics can be counterproductive. For example, if you love to cook, splurging on a six-burner stove will enhance your enjoyment and the functionality of your kitchen. Likewise, opting for pricier Energy Star appliances can ultimately save you money on your energy bills.
Stainless steel remains popular amongst homeowners, and other stainless-finish options include smudge-resistant slate, black, white, and ivory. If you’re looking for a kitchen to pop, consider adding an appliance in a fun color. The following list includes estimated prices based on appliance categories:
Basic/discount: $100–$2,000, depending on the number of features
High-end store-bought: $300–$5,000
Energy Star: $200–$3,500
Custom built-in: $1,000–$10,000
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Hire a local general contractor for certain projects because of how complicated those tasks are and how costly mistakes can be. Hiring a pro for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects is also advisable unless you have expertise in these areas yourself. However, there are some updates most DIY enthusiasts can tackle, including updating flooring with laminate or vinyl or painting, to save some costs.