The study analyzed data from HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide to determine the most in-demand DIY projects with the highest average costs
A new study has revealed the most expensive DIY projects for homeowners in America, with kitchen remodeling topping the ranking.
Home warranty experts at Cinch Home Services analyzed data from HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide to determine the home improvement projects with the highest average national costs.
The study found that kitchen remodeling is the most expensive project for homeowners in America to undertake, with an average cost of $26,969. While smaller kitchen remodels, which consist of projects such as refacing cabinets and upgrading appliances, may be on the cheaper side, other projects, such as installing new surfaces, flooring, tiling, and granite counters, can rack up a significant cost.
In order to save money during kitchen remodels, home warranty experts at Cinch Home Services advise planning a thorough budget beforehand to ensure that you don’t overspend. Instead of replacing cabinets and appliances, they have also suggested painting, refacing, or refinishing them to save money. This is a simple DIY project that could save you thousands, while still giving your kitchen a new and polished feel.
According to the study, basement remodeling is the second most expensive project in America, with an average national cost of $21,600. If you’re considering a basement remodel, experts have advised planning ahead. As materials are in high demand, it’s likely that prices will fluctuate over the next few months, which is why it’s important to start budget planning as soon as possible.
It’s also advised that there are numerous projects that you can do yourself to lower the cost of a basement remodel, such as painting walls and ceilings and installing your own light fixtures. If you’re experienced in DIY, experts also suggest removing old flooring or paneling yourself to cut down on costs.
Building a patio enclosure is the third most expensive home improvement project, with an average cost of $17,837. Due to the complexity of this project, it’s often necessary to hire a professional. However, there are some tasks that you can complete yourself to lower final costs, such as removing any debris, plants, and furniture from the area and painting the wood components yourself.
It’s also recommended to invest in cost-effective materials, such as opting for polycarbonate sheets instead of aluminum.
The study found that building an outdoor kitchen is the fourth most expensive project in the ranking, with an average cost of $16,480. Outdoor kitchens are rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand home design features due to the additional entertainment space they provide. When building your outdoor kitchen, it’s advised to invest in more economically sustainable materials, such as tile instead of granite or quartz.
If you’re experienced with DIY, building your own wood frame can save you a fortune. Choosing not to install an outdoor sink and electrical appliances can also save you having to pay for plumbing or electrical installation costs.
Remodeling a bathroom appears in fifth place in the ranking, with an average cost of $12,115. There are many ways to cut down on costs during a bathroom remodel, particularly by repainting walls, ceilings, and surfaces yourself instead of hiring a professional. Removing old tiling and fixtures by hand will also help to cut down on costs.
Building a greenhouse is in sixth place, with an average national cost of $9,640. While this is a complex project that will often require the help of professionals, you can cut down on costs for this project by clearing the area yourself, ensuring to leave enough space that you can get all the way around your greenhouse from the outside for maintenance purposes.
Before constructing a greenhouse, you can lay down concrete slabs or paving stones yourself to cut down on costs. It’s also advised to invest in cost-effective materials, such as horticultural glass as opposed to expensive polycarbonate panels.
Installing a roof replacement is the seventh most expensive home improvement project, with an average national cost of $9,510. Working at heights can be dangerous, which is why it’s often necessary to hire a professional for these types of projects.
If you are planning on completing your own roofing work, you’re wearing protective clothing, such as a hard hat. Make sure that your ladder is completely secure and avoid carrying out roofing projects in unsafe conditions, such as heavy rain.
Installing a concrete wall is in eighth place, with an average cost of $8,360. While this is a costly home improvement project, it’s also possible to assemble your own concrete wall. If you are completing your own concrete wall installation, it’s important to work in manageable sections and avoid working in extreme heat, cold, or rain. It’s also necessary to check local codes before embarking on this project to ensure that you’re complying with permits and height restrictions.
The study found that installing a shower is the ninth most expensive home improvement project, with an average cost of $8,205. If you’re uncomfortable with plumbing or electrical work, then it’s always advised to hire a professional for this job. However, installing your own shower can significantly reduce costs, but it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions when preparing the pipework and installing
Building a deck is in tenth place in the ranking, with an average national cost of $8,200. While building your own decking will be costly in terms of materials, it is significantly cheaper than hiring a professional. If you are seeking assistance for deck building, cut your own deck boards using a panel saw.
Other costly home improvement projects include installing windows, with an average national cost of $7,356, and refacing cabinets, with an average cost of $7,229.
A spokesperson for Cinch Home Services commented:
“Home improvement can be a costly ordeal, which is why it’s important to look for opportunities where you can save money by completing your own DIY projects.
“Teaching yourself fundamental skills, such as tiling and painting, can save you thousands in the long run. According to the study, learning the skill of home interior painting can save you $1,988 per project.
“However, it’s important to always remember to seek out professional assistance if you’re doing roofing work.”
This information was provided by home warranty experts at Cinch Home Services.