The 7 renovation costs to start saving for now
BY DEVORE DESIGN, NOVEMBER 14, 2017
Before the excitement sets in, making a big purchase for your house—or, let’s be honest, making any big purchase, period—has the tendency to cause a wave of stress-induced nausea and thoughts like, Am I really doing this right now? It turns out, we’ve been experiencing this post-spending anxiety more than usual. Earlier this year, HomeAdvisor published their True Cost Report, in which its chief economist Brad Hunter announced, “the average homeowner has spent nearly 60 percent more on home projects over the past 12 months than in the 12 months prior.” But knowledge is power, people. Knowing how much something is going to cost, planning for it in advance, and doing some deep breathing will help you keep calm and reno on. HomeAdvisor also happened to put together the cost of 57 home improvement projects—here are the most expensive ones:
1. Kitchen and bath renovations
Unsurprisingly, given their complicated, drawn-out nature, gut remodels of these two spaces top the list with national average costs of $19,920 and $9,274, respectively.
2. Building a deck
Sure, that surface you’re dreaming of BBQing on seems like it’s just some slabs of wood slapped together, but don’t let that fool you. The average cost for the project is $6,919.
3. Giving your cabinets a makeover
Keeping the bones of your kitchen intact and just investing in new cabinet fronts costs, on average, $6,692. However, that’s less than half what a whole kitchen renovation would cost (see #1), so give yourself a pat on the back if you go this route.
4. Getting a new roof
You’ll be spending around $6,626, but at least you only have to do that once every few decades or so. (Just keep repeating this to yourself.)
5. Adding central A/C
It’s going to cost you $5,233 on average to say goodbye to window units, but if you’re anything like us, it’s probably been your dream for years.
6. Installing new windows
Shiny, draft-free windows equal around $4,745. It’s a lot, but then again, properly sealed windows could save you money on your energy bill.
7. Putting in a generator
For about $3,065, you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck without electricity again.
Source: Architectural Digest - Tampa & Orlando Real Estate Photography Blog - DeVore Design offers real estate photography and digital media. We encourage you to share our content.