The single biggest question homeowners ask before starting a project: how much will it cost?
The honest answer is that it depends. Material prices, labor rates, project scope, and your location all affect the final number. But having a realistic range helps you budget, spot overpriced bids, and avoid getting taken advantage of.
Here is what homeowners across the country are paying for the most common projects we cover.
Insulation costs
Most whole-home insulation projects cost between $1,500 and $8,000. The price depends on the type of insulation, the area being insulated, and your home’s size.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Blown-in attic insulation | $1,000 - $3,750 |
| Spray foam (closed-cell) | $2,500 - $8,000 |
| Spray foam (open-cell) | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Fiberglass batts | $800 - $2,500 |
| Crawl space insulation | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Wall insulation retrofit | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Basement insulation | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Garage insulation | $800 - $3,000 |
Attic insulation is the most cost-effective upgrade for most homes. You lose more heat through an under-insulated attic than through any other part of the building envelope. Spray foam costs more upfront but delivers superior air sealing and higher R-value per inch, which matters in extreme climates.
What drives insulation costs up:
- Older homes with no existing insulation (more prep work)
- Spray foam in hard-to-reach areas (crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings)
- Removing old insulation before installing new material
- Air sealing work done before insulation is added
- Homes larger than 2,000 square feet
For detailed pricing, see our blown-in insulation cost guide or compare spray foam vs fiberglass.
Concrete costs
Concrete projects range from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the scope. A simple slab is straightforward. Stamped or decorative concrete, demolition of existing surfaces, and grading work push costs higher.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Concrete driveway (2-car) | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Patio (200-400 sq ft) | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Sidewalk (50 linear ft) | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Stamped concrete | $8 - $20 per sq ft |
| Foundation repair | $2,500 - $15,000 |
| Concrete steps (front entry) | $900 - $3,000 |
| Garage floor resurfacing | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Retaining wall (25 linear ft) | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Concrete removal and haul-away | $500 - $2,500 |
Concrete pricing is heavily influenced by local material costs and the cost of removing existing surfaces. Always get quotes that break out demolition, grading, and finishing separately so you can compare bids accurately.
What drives concrete costs up:
- Removing and hauling away existing concrete
- Grading and soil preparation on uneven lots
- Decorative finishes (stamping, staining, exposed aggregate)
- Reinforcement requirements (rebar, wire mesh, fiber)
- Frost line depth in cold climates (deeper footings)
- Accessibility issues (backyard projects with no truck access)
For detailed pricing, see our driveway cost guide or patio installation guide.
Fencing costs
Most fencing projects cost between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the material, linear footage, and terrain.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence (150 ft) | $2,500 - $6,500 |
| Vinyl fence (150 ft) | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Chain link (150 ft) | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Composite fence (150 ft) | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Metal/wrought iron | $3,000 - $12,000 |
| Aluminum fence (150 ft) | $2,500 - $7,000 |
| Fence repair (per section) | $150 - $600 |
| Gate installation | $200 - $1,500 |
| Old fence removal | $300 - $1,500 |
Gates, corner posts, slopes, and removal of existing fencing all add to the cost. Wood is the most popular material for privacy fences. Vinyl costs more upfront but requires less maintenance over time.
What drives fencing costs up:
- Sloped or uneven terrain (requires stepped or racked panels)
- Rocky soil or tree roots (difficult post holes)
- Height above standard 6 feet
- Decorative tops, lattice, or custom designs
- Permit fees (required in many municipalities)
- Corner and end posts (more expensive than line posts)
- Removing and disposing of existing fencing
For detailed pricing, see our privacy fence cost guide or compare vinyl vs wood fencing.
How to read and compare contractor quotes
Getting quotes is only useful if you can actually compare them. Here is what to look for.
Make sure the scope matches
The most common reason quotes look wildly different is that contractors are bidding on different work. One quote might include removing your old driveway. Another might assume you will handle demolition yourself. Before comparing prices, line up the scope.
For every quote, confirm what is included and excluded for:
- Demolition and removal of existing materials
- Site preparation (grading, compacting, clearing)
- Materials (specific products and quantities)
- Labor (crew size, estimated days)
- Permits (who pulls them, who pays the fees)
- Cleanup and disposal of debris
- Warranty coverage and duration
Break down the numbers
Ask each contractor to itemize their quote. A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare. An itemized quote lets you see where the money goes and where one contractor might be padding.
| Line item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Materials | Same product, same quantity, same grade? |
| Labor | Similar crew size and timeline? |
| Demolition | Included or extra? |
| Permits | Included or your responsibility? |
| Disposal | Included in price or billed separately? |
| Warranty | Same coverage period and terms? |
Watch for low-ball bids
If one quote is 30% or more below the others, be cautious. Common reasons for suspiciously low bids:
- Contractor underestimated the job and will hit you with change orders
- Using cheaper materials than specified
- Skipping permits or inspections
- No insurance or workers’ comp coverage
- Subcontracting to unvetted crews
A low price is not a bargain if you end up paying more to fix problems later.
For a complete guide to the quoting process, see how to get contractor quotes.
Hidden costs and what to watch for
The quote you get is not always the final price. Here are the costs that catch homeowners by surprise.
Permits and inspections
Many projects require building permits, especially concrete work, fencing over a certain height, and insulation that changes wall assemblies. Permit fees range from $50 to $500 depending on the project and municipality. Some contractors include permits in their quote. Others expect you to handle it. Ask upfront.
Site conditions
Contractors quote based on what they can see. If they start digging and hit rock, a buried septic tank, or unexpected drainage issues, the price goes up. The best way to reduce surprise costs is to share everything you know about your property before the work starts.
Change orders
A change order is any modification to the original scope after work begins. Some are unavoidable (hidden damage, code requirements discovered mid-project). Others happen because the homeowner changes their mind. Either way, change orders cost money. Get the scope right before work starts.
Old material removal
Tearing out an old fence, breaking up an existing driveway, or removing old insulation is real work with real costs. Some quotes include removal. Others assume the site is clear. Confirm what your quote covers.
Finishing and cleanup
Some contractors leave a job site clean. Others leave you with a pile of debris and no dumpster. Make sure the quote specifies who handles cleanup, hauling, and final grading.
Code upgrades
If your home does not meet current building codes, your contractor may be required to bring things up to code as part of the project. This is most common with insulation (minimum R-value requirements) and electrical work near concrete or fencing projects.
Regional cost variations
Where you live has a major impact on what you pay. The same project can cost 30% to 50% more in a high-cost metro compared to a mid-size city.
What causes regional price differences
- Labor rates. Contractor wages vary significantly by market. A concrete crew in Phoenix charges different rates than one in Portland.
- Material transport. Distance from suppliers affects material costs, especially for concrete (which must be poured quickly after mixing).
- Cost of living. Contractors in high cost-of-living areas have higher overhead (insurance, vehicles, shop rent), which gets passed on to customers.
- Climate. Shorter building seasons in cold climates can push prices up due to compressed demand. Insulation requirements are also higher in colder regions.
- Local regulations. Permit requirements, inspection schedules, and code standards vary by municipality and affect project timelines and costs.
Cost comparison by region
These are general trends. Your actual cost depends on your specific project and local market.
| Region | Cost relative to national average |
|---|---|
| Mountain West (UT, ID, CO) | Average to 10% above |
| Pacific Northwest (OR) | 10% to 20% above average |
| Southeast (NC, TN, FL) | Average to 10% below |
| Southwest (AZ) | Average to 5% above |
| Midwest (OH) | 5% to 10% below average |
The most accurate way to understand pricing in your area is to get quotes from local contractors. National averages are a starting point, not a budget.
Tips for budgeting and saving money
Get multiple quotes
This is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying. Three quotes minimum. More is better. Our service matches you with up to three contractors for free, which saves hours of phone calls and research. Get free quotes.
Time your project
Spring and summer are peak season for contractors. If your project is not urgent, scheduling in late fall or winter can save 10% to 20% in some markets. Contractors are less busy, more available, and sometimes willing to negotiate.
Choose materials wisely
Premium materials are not always worth the extra cost. Ask your contractor to explain the trade-offs between material options. For example, open-cell spray foam costs significantly less than closed-cell and works well in many applications. Standard concrete finishes cost a fraction of stamped designs.
Do not pay too much upfront
A reasonable deposit is 10% to 30% of the total project cost. Never pay 100% before work begins. Structure payments in stages tied to project milestones. This protects you if a contractor abandons the job or does substandard work.
Combine projects
If you need multiple improvements, getting them done together can save money. A contractor already on-site with equipment may offer a better rate for additional work. Ask about package pricing.
Check for tax credits and rebates
Some projects, especially insulation, qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (up to $1,200/year for qualifying energy efficiency improvements). Many utilities also offer rebates for insulation upgrades. These do not reduce your upfront cost, but they reduce the net cost of the project. See our financing guide for details.
Do the easy parts yourself
You can often save money by handling demolition, cleanup, or site preparation yourself. Removing an old fence, clearing a patio area, or pulling out old insulation are labor-intensive but not technically difficult. Ask your contractor if self-prep will reduce the quote.
Avoid financing traps
If you need to finance the project, compare options before signing up for contractor-offered financing. A personal loan or home equity loan often has better rates than dealer financing. See our home improvement financing guide for a full comparison.
Get accurate pricing for your project
National averages give you a starting point. Real quotes from local contractors give you a budget you can act on. Describe your project, get matched with contractors in your area, and compare quotes side by side.
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