How much does it really cost?
Know what it costs before you call a contractor. Real low-to-high price ranges for 70+ home projects — roofs, kitchens, solar, HVAC — updated for 2026.
Browse by category
09 sectionsSolar & Energy
Panels, batteries, EV chargers & generators
Heating & Cooling
Furnaces, AC, heat pumps & water heaters
Plumbing
Repipes, sewer lines & water systems
Electrical
Panels, rewiring & lighting
Roofing
Replacement, repairs & premium materials
Remodeling
Kitchens, baths, basements & additions
Windows & Exterior
Windows, siding & foundations
Insulation
Attic, spray foam & blown-in
Outdoor & Landscaping
Decks, fences, driveways & patios
Costs where you live
Adjusted for local laborCost by state
Every project's price tuned to your state's construction-labor rates — all 50 states, from BLS wage data.
Cost by city
Local cost ranges for 44 major metros, plus what the trades earn in your area.
The 2026 data
Our original research: a decade of material-price trends and construction wages, from federal sources.
Most-researched projects
What readers are pricing right nowHow Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
An outdoor kitchen costs $6,000 to $35,000 in 2026 (avg ~$16,000). See cost by tier, the appliance and counter breakdown, and what drives the price.
$6,000 – $35,000 remodelingHow Much Does It Cost to Epoxy a Garage Floor?
An epoxy garage floor costs $1,500 to $3,500 for a 2-car garage in 2026 (about $3–$12 per sq ft). See cost by coating type, the full breakdown, and DIY vs. pro.
$1,500 – $3,500 insulationHow Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?
Crawl space encapsulation costs $3,000 to $8,000 in 2026 (about $3–$7 per sq ft). See the full breakdown, what a dehumidifier and drainage add, and what's worth it.
$3,000 – $8,000 remodelingHow Much Does a Home Addition Cost?
A home addition costs $22,000 to $100,000+ in 2026 (avg ~$51,000), or $80–$500 per sq ft. See cost by addition type and why building up costs more than out.
$22,000 – $100,000 roofingHow Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight?
Skylight installation costs $1,200 to $4,200 per skylight in 2026 (avg ~$2,500). Compare fixed, vented, and tubular options and what drives the price.
$1,200 – $4,200 hvacHow Much Does It Cost to Replace a Central AC Unit?
Central AC replacement costs $4,000 to $12,000 in 2026 (avg ~$6,500). See cost by size and efficiency, the full breakdown, and how to avoid overpaying.
$4,000 – $12,000 exteriorHow Much Does It Cost to Stucco a House?
Stucco siding costs $8,000 to $30,000 for an average home in 2026, or $7–$17 per sq ft. Compare traditional vs. synthetic (EIFS) and what drives the price.
$8,000 – $30,000 outdoorHow Much Does a Pergola Cost?
A pergola costs $2,000 to $8,000 installed in 2026 (avg ~$4,000), or $20–$60 per square foot. Compare wood, vinyl, aluminum, and louvered options.
$2,000 – $8,000 remodelingHow Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot in 2026 (avg ~$2.50), including hanging, taping, and finishing. See cost by scope and what drives it.
$1.50 – $3.50 / sq ftWhy Project Cost Range
Editorial standardsReal ranges, not guesses
The low end, the high end, and what most people actually pay — broken down by the parts that move the price.
We show our work
Every figure is cross-checked against current 2026 industry data, with the exact sources listed at the bottom of each guide.
We're independent
We're not a contractor and we don't sell your details. The site runs on ads, not your project — so the numbers stay honest.