Home Improvement Costs for 2006

The following costs are intended as ballpark estimates for repairs and improvements to a typical three bedroom home. The costs are based on information obtained in the east-central area of Ontario. Our experience has shown that actual contractor quotations can vary by as much as 300%. It is advisable to obtain estimates from more than one contractor.

Roofing/Flashings/Chimneys

Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles $1.25-$2.00 per sq.ft.
\r Strip and reshingle on medium sloped roof $2.50-$3.50 per sq.ft.
\r Strip and reshingle on steep, high or complex roof $4.00-$6.00 per sq.ft.
\r Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles $5.00-$9.00 per sq.ft.
\r Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof $5.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000)
\r Strip and replace single-ply membrane $5.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $750)
\r Reflash typical skylight or chimney $300.00-$500.00
\r Rebuild typical chimney above roof line $100.00-$200.00 per lin.ft. (min. $300)
\r Repoint typical chimney above roof line $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $250)

Exterior

Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts $4.00-$5.00 per lin.ft. (min. $500)
\r Install aluminum soffits and fascia $8.00-$12.00 per lin.ft.
\r Install aluminum or vinyl siding $3.50-$5.00 per sq.ft.
\r Repoint exterior wall (soft mortar) $3.00-4.50 per sq.ft. (min. $200)
\r Repoint exterior wall (hard mortar) $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft. (min. $200)
\r Parge foundation walls $3.00-$4.00 per sq.ft.
\r Dampproof foundation walls and install weeping tile $100.00-$150.00 per lin.ft. (min. $1000)
\r Install a deck $18.00-$25.00 per sq.ft. (min. $1000)
\r Resurface existing asphalt driveway $2.50-$4.00 per sq.ft.
\r Install interlocking brick driveway $6.00-$8.00 per sq.ft.
\r Rebuild exterior basement stairwell $3500.00-$5000.00
\r Build detached garage (single) $8000.00 and up
\r Build detached garage (double) $12000.00 and up
\r Build retaining wall (wood) $20.00-$25.00 per sq.ft. (min. $500)
\r Build retaining wall (concrete) $30.00-$40.00 per sq.ft. (min $500)
\r Painting (trim only) $1500.00-$2500.00
\r Painting (trim and wall surfaces) $3000.00 and up

Structure

Underpin one corner of house $3500.00 and up
\r Underpin or add foundations $300.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $3000)
\r Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings $150.00-$300.00 per lin.ft. (min. $5000)
\r Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete $60.00 and up per lin.ft. (min. $500)
\r Install basement support post with proper foundation $300.00-$400.00
\r Perform chemical treatment for termites $1300.00 and up
\r Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation $400.00-$800.00

Electrical

Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (including new panel) $1000.00-$1300.00
\r Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps (if new panel not required) $500.00-$700.00
\r Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps $1800.00-$2200.00
\r Install new circuit breaker panel $500.00-$700.00
\r Replace circuit breaker (20 amp or less) $50.00-$100.00
\r Add 120 volt circuit $150.00-$250.00
\r Add 240 volt circuit $250.00-$350.00
\r Add conventional receptacle $75.00-$150.00
\r Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault circuit receptacle $60.00-$90.00
\r Replace conventional receptacle with aluminum compatible type (CO/ALR)(assuming several are required) $10.00-$15.00 ea.
\r Upgrade entire house with aluminum compatible receptacles, connectors, etc. $500.00-$700.00
\r Rewire outlet with reversed polarity (assuming electrician already there) $5.00-$10.00 ea.

Heating

Install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace $1700.00-$2500.00
\r Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace $3000.00-$4000.00
\r Install humidifier $200.00-$400.00
\r Install electronic air filter $500.00-$800.00
\r Install mid-efficiency boiler $2500.00-$4000.00
\r Install high-efficiency boiler $5000.00-$9000.00
\r Rebuild firepot (refractory) on boiler $500.00-$800.00
\r Install circulating pump $400.00-$600.00
\r Install chimney liner for gas appliance $300.00-$700.00
\r Install chimney liner for oil appliance $700.00-$1800.00
\r Install programmable thermostat $200.00-$300.00
\r Remove oil tank from basement $400.00 and up
\r Remove abandoned underground oil tank $3000.00 and up
\r Replace radiator valve $75.00-$150.00
\r Add electric baseboard heater $250.00-$350.00
\r Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (bungalow) $8000.00-$10000.00
\r Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two storey) $15000.00-$20000.00
\r Clean ductwork $250.00 and up

Cooling/Heat Pumps

Add central air conditioning on existing forced-air system $2000.00-$3000.00
\r Add heat pump to forced-air system $4000.00-$5000.00
\r Replace heat pump or air conditioning condenser $1200.00-$2000.00
\r Install independant air conditioning system $8000.00-$15000.00

Insulation

Insulate open attic to modern standards $0.50-$1.25 per sq.ft.
\r Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity $2.00-$3.50 per sq.ft.
\r Improve attic ventilation $40.00-$50.00 per vent

Plumbing

Replace galvanized piping with copper (2 story with one bathroom) $2000.00-$2500.00
\r Replace water line to house $1500.00-$3500.00
\r Replace toilet $300.00 and up
\r Replace basin, including faucets $350.00 and up
\r Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile and faucets $2000.00 and u
\r Install whirlpool bath, including faucets $3000.00 and up
\r Retile bathtub enclosure $800.00-$1200.00
\r Replace leaking shower stall pan $1000.00-$1600.00
\r Rebuild tile shower stall $1500.00-$2500.00
\r Replace laundry tubs $250.00-$500.00
\r Remodel four-piece bathroom completely $6000.00 and up
\r Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers $3000.00 and up
\r Install submersible pump $800.00 and up
\r Install suction or jet pump $400.00-$600.00
\r Install modest basement bathroom $4000.00 and up

Interior

Add drywall over plaster $1.50-$2.50 per sq.ft.
\r Sand and refinish hardwood floors $1.50-$3.00 per sq.ft.
\r Install replacement windows $30.00-$50.00 per sq.ft.
\r Install storm window $100.00-$200.00
\r Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed-in) $2000.00 and up
\r Install zero-clearance firelace (including chimney) $3000.00 and up
\r Install glass doors on fireplace $300.00 and up
\r Install skylight $1500.00-$3000.00
\r Remodel kitchen completely $10,000.00 and up
\r Install conventional alarm system $1000.00 and up

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

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