Home Improvement Cost Statistics 2026: 59 Data Points

$80–$125 per sq ft

Budget kitchen refresh — same layout, cosmetic updates only (paint, hardware, fixtures).

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (angi.com, homeadvisor.com, fixr.com)

$160–$240 per sq ft

Mid-range full kitchen remodel, existing layout — cabinets, counters, appliances included.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (angi.com, homeadvisor.com, fixr.com)

$320–$480 per sq ft

High-end kitchen renovation with premium finishes and pro-grade appliances.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (angi.com, homeadvisor.com, fixr.com)

$19,200–$28,800

Total for a 120 sq ft kitchen at mid-range finishes with no layout change.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$90–$130 per sq ft

Budget bathroom refresh — same layout, new fixtures and finishes.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$150–$220 per sq ft

Mid-range full bathroom remodel — new tile, vanity, plumbing fixtures.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$250–$350 per sq ft

High-end bathroom renovation — stone, custom glass, premium fixtures.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$7,500–$11,000

Total for a 50 sq ft full bath at mid-range finishes, no layout change.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$3.50–$5.00 per sq ft

3-tab asphalt shingles installed, including tear-off of one layer.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$4.50–$7.00 per sq ft

Architectural (dimensional) shingles — the most common US replacement choice.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$9.00–$14.00 per sq ft

Metal roofing and premium materials (tile / slate look).

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$9,000–$14,000

Total for a 2,000 sq ft roof with architectural shingles, one layer tear-off.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$5,500–$7,700

Single-stage 14 SEER system — complete replacement for a 2,000 sq ft home.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$8,000–$10,400

Two-stage 16 SEER system — quieter, more efficient than single-stage.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$12,400–$15,800

Variable-speed / heat pump system — top efficiency tier.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$7,000–$12,000

Ducted air-source heat pump installed (cold-climate models $8,000–$13,000).

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (energy.gov)

$4,000–$6,500

95% AFUE gas furnace installed — cheaper upfront than a heat pump.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$2,000

Federal 25C tax credit for qualifying heat pumps ended Dec 31, 2025.

Source: energy.gov

$1.90–$2.50 per watt

Value-tier panels — lowest upfront cost per watt installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$2.40–$3.10 per watt

Tier-1 panels — the mainstream residential choice.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$3.00–$3.80 per watt

Premium high-efficiency panels.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$19,200–$24,800

Total for an 8 kW tier-1 system on a simple roof, before incentives.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

7–9 years

Typical US residential solar payback period at 2026 costs and rates.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (solar-payback model)

$1.50–$2.50 per sq ft

Blown fiberglass to DOE-recommended R-38, installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1.75–$2.75 per sq ft

Blown cellulose — slightly denser, better air-sealing than fiberglass.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$3.50–$6.00 per sq ft

Spray foam — highest R-value per inch, roughly 2–3x blown options.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$4–$8 per sq ft

Laminate and luxury vinyl plank installed — the budget-friendly workhorses.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (houzz.com)

$8–$15 per sq ft

Engineered hardwood installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (houzz.com)

$12–$25 per sq ft

Solid hardwood and tile installed — premium tier.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$2.00–$6.00 per sq ft

Interior wall painting, basic to premium two-coat professional job.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1.50–$4.50 per sq ft

Exterior siding painting, basic to premium.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$350–$550 per window

Vinyl single-hung replacement window, installed (retrofit).

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$450–$750 per window

Vinyl double-hung — the most popular US replacement window.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$800–$1,300 per window

Fiberglass or wood-clad windows — premium tier.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$800–$1,300

Electric tank water heater (50 gal), like-for-like replacement installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (angi.com)

$1,300–$2,000

Gas tank water heater (50 gal) installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$2,500–$4,200

Whole-home tankless water heater installed — 2–3x a tank unit.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1,200–$2,100

100-amp panel upgrade installed, including permit and inspection.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1,800–$3,500

200-amp panel — the modern residential standard.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$25–$40 per sq ft

Pressure-treated wood deck, turnkey installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$35–$55 per sq ft

Composite decking — low maintenance, mid-range price.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$13–$25 per linear ft

Chain-link fence installed — the budget option.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$25–$50 per linear ft

Wood privacy fence installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$7–$13 per sq ft

Asphalt driveway installed, including base prep.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$8.50–$14.50 per sq ft

Concrete driveway installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$28–$45 per sq ft

Basic basement finish — framing, drywall, flooring, paint.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$45–$68 per sq ft

Mid-range finish with better flooring and fixtures.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$75–$120 per sq ft

Premium finish — home theater, wet bar, custom built-ins territory.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$4.50–$8 per sq ft

Landscape refresh — mulch, plants, edging.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$7–$12 per sq ft

Full redesign — new beds, sod, plantings.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$250–$600

Small tree under 30 ft — cut down, hauled away, site cleaned.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$600–$1,200

Medium tree, 30–60 ft.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1,400–$1,800

Steel non-insulated double door (16×7), installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data (angi.com)

$700–$1,200

NEMA 14-50 outlet for Level 2 charging, installed with permit.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1,200–$1,900

Hardwired 40A EV charger installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$1.50–$2.00 per sq ft

Level 2 finish — basic tape, for garages and utility spaces.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$2.00–$2.75 per sq ft

Level 4 finish — standard smooth, paint-ready.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$3,000–$4,600

Single-zone standard mini-split installed.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

$3,900–$5,900

Single-zone high-efficiency model.

Source: NOVORY 2026 cost data

What is the average cost of a home remodel in 2026?

It depends on scope: a mid-range kitchen remodel runs $160–$240 per sq ft ($19,200–$28,800 for a 120 sq ft kitchen), a mid-range bathroom $150–$220 per sq ft, and a full basement finish $45–$68 per sq ft — according to NOVORY's 2026 US cost data.

Which home improvement project costs the most?

Among common projects, high-end kitchen renovations top the list at $320–$480 per sq ft, followed by premium basement finishes at $75–$120 per sq ft. A full HVAC replacement ($5,500–$15,800) and roof replacement ($9,000–$14,000 for 2,000 sq ft) are the biggest single-system spends.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in 2026?

Residential solar costs $1.90–$3.80 per watt installed depending on panel tier — $19,200–$24,800 for a typical 8 kW tier-1 system before incentives. The typical payback period is 7–9 years at 2026 electricity rates.

Is a heat pump cheaper than a furnace?

Upfront, no: a heat pump costs $7,000–$12,000 installed versus $4,000–$6,500 for a 95% AFUE gas furnace. Over 15 years, the heat pump usually wins on operating cost thanks to ~320% efficiency (COP 3.2) versus 95% AFUE — plus, for systems completed in 2025 only, a $2,000 federal tax credit claimable on the 2025 return.

Where do these cost statistics come from?

Every figure on this page is drawn from NOVORY's 2026 US cost dataset — the same installed-cost ranges powering our free calculators — cross-checked against public sources including angi.com, homeadvisor.com, fixr.com, houzz.com, and energy.gov. Figures are national averages; local labor rates move them ±20–30%.

Can I cite these statistics?

Yes — that's what this page is for. Please link back to this page and credit "NOVORY 2026 cost data" so readers can verify the numbers and run their own estimates with our free calculators.