Home improvement costs are climbing again in 2026, and this time it's not just leftover pandemic pricing or random supply chain issues. The bigger driver right now is tariffs hitting the exact materials that go into the projects homeowners are pricing out every day. If you're getting quotes for electrical work, roofing, siding, windows, doors, or major remodels, you're already feeling it whether the estimate explicitly says so or not.
As a licensed electrician working in the field, copper prices are the first thing I pay attention to when material costs start moving. Every electrical project runs on copper. Panel upgrades, EV chargers, rewires, 240V circuits, service work, even basic outlet additions all depend on wire pricing staying somewhat stable. Right now, it's not stable. On the job, I'm seeing material costs quoted differently from one week to the next. Wire and conduit are some of the most volatile line items contractors are dealing with right now, especially with new tariffs pushing copper and other metals higher.
The labor side is just as important. There already weren't enough licensed electricians before costs started climbing again. The industry is projected to add tens of thousands of openings per year over the next decade, and that shortage is already visible in the field. Good contractors are booked out. Labor rates keep rising because demand keeps rising, and there simply aren't enough skilled tradespeople entering the industry fast enough to level things out.
What catches homeowners off guard is how much prices have already changed since 2020. Construction input costs are up more than 43% over the last five years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The kitchen remodel, panel upgrade, or roofing project somebody remembers costing $8,000 a few years ago may realistically quote closer to $11,000 or $12,000 today once material and labor costs get repriced.
Some trades are getting hit harder than others. Electrical projects are directly exposed to copper pricing. Roofing, siding, garage doors, and structural exterior work all feel steel and aluminum tariffs quickly. Lumber pricing has been more uneven, but it still moves around enough to affect framing, decks, and larger remodel projects pretty fast.
At this point, I wouldn't expect prices to suddenly swing back down. Between labor shortages, tariffs, aging housing stock, and continued demand for upgrades like EV chargers and electrification projects, most contractors are pricing work for continued escalation, not rollback.
That's why accurate, current cost data matters more right now than it did two years ago. The gap between what homeowners expect to pay and what contractors actually quote has never been wider.
Construction input prices rose at a 12.6% annualized rate in early 2026 — the fastest pace since 2022.
The overall PPI for final demand rose 6.0% for the 12 months ended April 2026, the largest 12-month increase since December 2022.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Residential building materials up 3.5% year over year as of February 2026.
Source: BLS PPI / Eye on Housing
Metal windows up 18.4% year over year. Metal doors and frames up 11% year over year.
Source: BLS PPI, January 2026
Construction input costs up more than 43% since 2020.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Baseline construction cost escalation projected at 4–6% for 2026, with higher increases possible in tariff-sensitive trades.
Electricians: $34.37/hr median wage. Plumbers: $34.70/hr median wage. HVAC mechanics: $68,120 mean annual wage.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 release
Q2 2026 Baseline — 91 projects across 9 categories
| Category | Projects | Avg National Avg | Avg Labor % | Avg Materials % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 15 | $4,557 | 57% | 43% |
| Exterior | 13 | $8,808 | 55% | 45% |
| HVAC | 10 | $3,265 | 52% | 48% |
| Insulation | 5 | $2,660 | 54% | 46% |
| Interior | 18 | $7,900 | 57% | 43% |
| Plumbing | 14 | $4,118 | 57% | 43% |
| Pools & Outdoor | 1 | $65,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Roofing | 7 | $10,593 | 57% | 43% |
| Windows & Doors | 8 | $1,850 | 49% | 51% |
Click National Average to sort all 91 projects high to low, again to reverse, once more to restore category grouping.
| Project | Low | National Average ↕ | High | Labor % | Materials % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | |||||
| Install an EV Charger | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Upgrade an Electrical Panel | $800 | $1,500 | $3,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Install Recessed Lighting | $125 | $250 | $500 | 60% | 40% |
| Rewire a House | $3,500 | $8,500 | $20,000 | 70% | 30% |
| Install an Electrical Outlet | $130 | $215 | $400 | 75% | 25% |
| Install a Whole House Generator | $6,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | 35% | 65% |
| Install a Ceiling Fan | $140 | $245 | $400 | 55% | 45% |
| Install Solar Panels | $12,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 | 30% | 70% |
| Install Smart Home Wiring | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Install Landscape Lighting | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Wire a Hot Tub | $800 | $1,800 | $3,500 | 70% | 30% |
| Install an Outdoor Outlet | $200 | $350 | $650 | 70% | 30% |
| Install a 240V Outlet | $400 | $800 | $1,500 | 65% | 35% |
| Install a Home Security System | $500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Home Battery Backup | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 | 35% | 65% |
| Exterior | |||||
| Install a Fence | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Paint a House Exterior | $1,800 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 70% | 30% |
| Install Siding | $6,000 | $12,000 | $22,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Build a Deck | $4,000 | $8,500 | $18,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Build a Patio | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Pour a Concrete Driveway | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Retaining Wall | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Install a Sprinkler System | $1,800 | $3,500 | $7,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Build a Pergola | $2,000 | $4,500 | $9,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Seal a Driveway | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Build a Shed | $1,500 | $4,500 | $10,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Install an Inground Pool | $28,000 | $55,000 | $100,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Install Stone Veneer | $2,500 | $5,500 | $10,000 | 55% | 45% |
| HVAC | |||||
| Install Central Air Conditioning | $3,000 | $5,500 | $12,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Install a Ductless Mini Split | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Install a Furnace | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | 40% | 60% |
| Install a Heat Pump | $3,500 | $5,800 | $10,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Install Ductwork | $2,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Replace an AC Compressor | $1,200 | $2,200 | $3,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Whole House Humidifier | $400 | $700 | $1,200 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Smart Thermostat | $150 | $300 | $500 | 50% | 50% |
| Install Radiant Floor Heating | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Install an Attic Fan | $300 | $650 | $1,200 | 55% | 45% |
| Insulation | |||||
| Insulate an Attic | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Install Spray Foam Insulation | $2,500 | $5,500 | $10,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Insulate a Garage | $800 | $1,800 | $3,500 | 50% | 50% |
| Install Weatherstripping | $100 | $300 | $600 | 60% | 40% |
| Insulate a Crawl Space | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Interior | |||||
| Finish a Basement | $15,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Remodel a Kitchen | $15,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Remodel a Bathroom | $6,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Install Hardwood Floors | $4,500 | $8,500 | $15,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Refinish Hardwood Floors | $1,500 | $2,800 | $5,000 | 75% | 25% |
| Install Tile Flooring | $1,500 | $3,200 | $6,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Paint Interior Rooms | $800 | $1,800 | $3,500 | 70% | 30% |
| Remove a Wall | $800 | $2,500 | $5,000 | 75% | 25% |
| Install Crown Molding | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | 65% | 35% |
| Install a Kitchen Backsplash | $800 | $1,800 | $3,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Install Carpet | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,500 | 45% | 55% |
| Replace Countertops | $1,500 | $4,000 | $8,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Install a Closet System | $500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | 45% | 55% |
| Install Vinyl Plank Flooring | $1,800 | $3,800 | $6,500 | 50% | 50% |
| Replace a Bathtub | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Shower Door | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | 50% | 50% |
| Install a Staircase Railing | $800 | $2,200 | $5,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Convert a Garage to Living Space | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Plumbing | |||||
| Install a Water Heater | $900 | $1,800 | $3,500 | 40% | 60% |
| Repipe a House | $4,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 | 70% | 30% |
| Install a Sump Pump | $500 | $1,100 | $2,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Water Softener | $800 | $1,500 | $3,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Replace a Toilet | $200 | $450 | $800 | 50% | 50% |
| Install a Garbage Disposal | $150 | $350 | $600 | 55% | 45% |
| Fix a Slab Leak | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 75% | 25% |
| Add a Bathroom | $12,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Install a Water Filtration System | $800 | $2,000 | $4,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Unclog a Main Sewer Line | $150 | $450 | $800 | 80% | 20% |
| Replace a Kitchen Faucet | $150 | $300 | $550 | 50% | 50% |
| Install a Tankless Water Heater | $1,500 | $3,200 | $5,500 | 45% | 55% |
| Install a French Drain | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Waterproof a Basement | $2,000 | $5,500 | $12,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Pools & Outdoor | |||||
| Install an Inground Pool | $35,000 | $65,000 | $95,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Roofing | |||||
| Replace a Roof | $5,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Install Gutters | $600 | $1,500 | $3,500 | 55% | 45% |
| Install a Metal Roof | $8,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | 55% | 45% |
| Repair a Roof | $300 | $950 | $2,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Install Skylights | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | 60% | 40% |
| Install Roof Vents | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Install a Solar Roof | $25,000 | $45,000 | $75,000 | 40% | 60% |
| Windows & Doors | |||||
| Replace Windows | $300 | $650 | $1,200 | 45% | 55% |
| Install French Doors | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Install a Garage Door | $800 | $1,500 | $3,000 | 40% | 60% |
| Replace a Front Door | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | 40% | 60% |
| Install a Sliding Glass Door | $1,200 | $2,500 | $5,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Install a Storm Door | $200 | $450 | $800 | 45% | 55% |
| Install an Egress Window | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 | 65% | 35% |
| Install a Pocket Door | $600 | $1,500 | $3,000 | 60% | 40% |
Localized costs across 289 U.S. cities using BLS wage and cost-of-living data
National average: $1,200 · localized across all 289 cities
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $1,660 | $830–$3,460 | ▲ 38% above |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $1,620 | $810–$3,370 | ▲ 35% above |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $1,610 | $800–$3,350 | ▲ 34% above |
| 4 | Honolulu, HI | $1,590 | $790–$3,300 | ▲ 32% above |
| 5 | Cambridge, MA | $1,580 | $790–$3,290 | ▲ 32% above |
| 6 | Kailua, HI | $1,580 | $790–$3,290 | ▲ 32% above |
| 7 | Irvine, CA | $1,560 | $780–$3,250 | ▲ 30% above |
| 8 | Pearl City, HI | $1,560 | $780–$3,250 | ▲ 30% above |
| 9 | Fremont, CA | $1,550 | $780–$3,240 | ▲ 29% above |
| 10 | Yonkers, NY | $1,550 | $780–$3,230 | ▲ 29% above |
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntington, WV | $1,010 | $500–$2,100 | ▼ 16% below |
| 2 | Fort Smith, AR | $1,020 | $510–$2,130 | ▼ 15% below |
| 3 | Jackson, MS | $1,020 | $510–$2,130 | ▼ 15% below |
| 4 | Charleston, WV | $1,040 | $520–$2,160 | ▼ 13% below |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $1,040 | $520–$2,160 | ▼ 13% below |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $1,040 | $520–$2,160 | ▼ 13% below |
| 7 | Gulfport, MS | $1,040 | $520–$2,160 | ▼ 13% below |
| 8 | Southaven, MS | $1,040 | $520–$2,170 | ▼ 13% below |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $1,040 | $520–$2,170 | ▼ 13% below |
| 10 | Topeka, KS | $1,040 | $520–$2,170 | ▼ 13% below |
National average: $5,500 · localized across all 289 cities
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $7,410 | $4,040–$16,160 | ▲ 35% above |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $7,240 | $3,950–$15,790 | ▲ 32% above |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $7,190 | $3,920–$15,680 | ▲ 31% above |
| 4 | Honolulu, HI | $7,110 | $3,880–$15,520 | ▲ 29% above |
| 5 | Kailua, HI | $7,090 | $3,860–$15,460 | ▲ 29% above |
| 6 | Cambridge, MA | $7,070 | $3,850–$15,420 | ▲ 29% above |
| 7 | Irvine, CA | $6,990 | $3,810–$15,260 | ▲ 27% above |
| 8 | Pearl City, HI | $6,990 | $3,810–$15,260 | ▲ 27% above |
| 9 | Fremont, CA | $6,980 | $3,800–$15,220 | ▲ 27% above |
| 10 | Yonkers, NY | $6,950 | $3,790–$15,160 | ▲ 26% above |
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntington, WV | $4,710 | $2,570–$10,270 | ▼ 14% below |
| 2 | Fort Smith, AR | $4,770 | $2,600–$10,420 | ▼ 13% below |
| 3 | Jackson, MS | $4,770 | $2,600–$10,420 | ▼ 13% below |
| 4 | Charleston, WV | $4,840 | $2,640–$10,560 | ▼ 12% below |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $4,840 | $2,640–$10,560 | ▼ 12% below |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $4,840 | $2,640–$10,560 | ▼ 12% below |
| 7 | Gulfport, MS | $4,840 | $2,640–$10,560 | ▼ 12% below |
| 8 | Southaven, MS | $4,850 | $2,650–$10,580 | ▼ 12% below |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $4,850 | $2,650–$10,580 | ▼ 12% below |
| 10 | Topeka, KS | $4,850 | $2,650–$10,580 | ▼ 12% below |
National average: $9,000 · localized across all 289 cities
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $12,620 | $7,010–$25,240 | ▲ 40% above |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $12,290 | $6,830–$24,590 | ▲ 37% above |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $12,190 | $6,770–$24,370 | ▲ 35% above |
| 4 | Honolulu, HI | $12,020 | $6,680–$24,050 | ▲ 34% above |
| 5 | Kailua, HI | $11,990 | $6,660–$23,980 | ▲ 33% above |
| 6 | Cambridge, MA | $11,970 | $6,650–$23,940 | ▲ 33% above |
| 7 | Irvine, CA | $11,810 | $6,560–$23,620 | ▲ 31% above |
| 8 | Pearl City, HI | $11,810 | $6,560–$23,620 | ▲ 31% above |
| 9 | Fremont, CA | $11,790 | $6,550–$23,570 | ▲ 31% above |
| 10 | Yonkers, NY | $11,750 | $6,530–$23,510 | ▲ 31% above |
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntington, WV | $7,470 | $4,150–$14,930 | ▼ 17% below |
| 2 | Fort Smith, AR | $7,600 | $4,220–$15,190 | ▼ 16% below |
| 3 | Jackson, MS | $7,600 | $4,220–$15,190 | ▼ 16% below |
| 4 | Charleston, WV | $7,730 | $4,290–$15,450 | ▼ 14% below |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $7,730 | $4,290–$15,450 | ▼ 14% below |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $7,730 | $4,290–$15,450 | ▼ 14% below |
| 7 | Gulfport, MS | $7,730 | $4,290–$15,450 | ▼ 14% below |
| 8 | Southaven, MS | $7,740 | $4,300–$15,470 | ▼ 14% below |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $7,740 | $4,300–$15,470 | ▼ 14% below |
| 10 | Topeka, KS | $7,740 | $4,300–$15,470 | ▼ 14% below |
National average: $12,000 · localized across all 289 cities
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $16,600 | $8,300–$34,590 | ▲ 38% above |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $16,190 | $8,100–$33,730 | ▲ 35% above |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $16,060 | $8,030–$33,460 | ▲ 34% above |
| 4 | Honolulu, HI | $15,860 | $7,930–$33,040 | ▲ 32% above |
| 5 | Kailua, HI | $15,810 | $7,910–$32,940 | ▲ 32% above |
| 6 | Cambridge, MA | $15,780 | $7,890–$32,880 | ▲ 31% above |
| 7 | Irvine, CA | $15,580 | $7,790–$32,460 | ▲ 30% above |
| 8 | Pearl City, HI | $15,580 | $7,790–$32,460 | ▲ 30% above |
| 9 | Fremont, CA | $15,550 | $7,770–$32,390 | ▲ 30% above |
| 10 | Yonkers, NY | $15,500 | $7,750–$32,290 | ▲ 29% above |
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntington, WV | $10,060 | $5,030–$20,960 | ▼ 16% below |
| 2 | Fort Smith, AR | $10,220 | $5,110–$21,300 | ▼ 15% below |
| 3 | Jackson, MS | $10,220 | $5,110–$21,300 | ▼ 15% below |
| 4 | Charleston, WV | $10,390 | $5,190–$21,640 | ▼ 13% below |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $10,390 | $5,190–$21,640 | ▼ 13% below |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $10,390 | $5,190–$21,640 | ▼ 13% below |
| 7 | Gulfport, MS | $10,390 | $5,190–$21,640 | ▼ 13% below |
| 8 | Southaven, MS | $10,400 | $5,200–$21,680 | ▼ 13% below |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $10,400 | $5,200–$21,680 | ▼ 13% below |
| 10 | Topeka, KS | $10,400 | $5,200–$21,680 | ▼ 13% below |
National average: $1,500 · localized across all 289 cities
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $2,130 | $1,140–$4,260 | ▲ 42% above |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $2,070 | $1,110–$4,150 | ▲ 38% above |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $2,050 | $1,100–$4,110 | ▲ 37% above |
| 4 | Honolulu, HI | $2,030 | $1,080–$4,050 | ▲ 35% above |
| 5 | Cambridge, MA | $2,020 | $1,080–$4,040 | ▲ 35% above |
| 6 | Kailua, HI | $2,020 | $1,080–$4,040 | ▲ 35% above |
| 7 | Fremont, CA | $1,990 | $1,060–$3,970 | ▲ 33% above |
| 8 | Irvine, CA | $1,990 | $1,060–$3,980 | ▲ 33% above |
| 9 | Pearl City, HI | $1,990 | $1,060–$3,980 | ▲ 33% above |
| 10 | Yonkers, NY | $1,980 | $1,060–$3,960 | ▲ 32% above |
| # | City | Avg | Range | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntington, WV | $1,230 | $660–$2,460 | ▼ 18% below |
| 2 | Fort Smith, AR | $1,250 | $670–$2,510 | ▼ 17% below |
| 3 | Jackson, MS | $1,250 | $670–$2,510 | ▼ 17% below |
| 4 | Charleston, WV | $1,280 | $680–$2,550 | ▼ 15% below |
| 5 | Evansville, IN | $1,280 | $680–$2,550 | ▼ 15% below |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $1,280 | $680–$2,550 | ▼ 15% below |
| 7 | Gulfport, MS | $1,280 | $680–$2,550 | ▼ 15% below |
| 8 | Southaven, MS | $1,280 | $680–$2,560 | ▼ 15% below |
| 9 | Springfield, MO | $1,280 | $680–$2,560 | ▼ 15% below |
| 10 | Topeka, KS | $1,280 | $680–$2,560 | ▼ 15% below |
Understanding where your money goes — weighted by each project's national average cost
Electrical projects split closer to even when weighted by project cost. Labor-intensive work like rewires and service upgrades is offset by equipment-heavy projects like EV chargers, solar, and generators. Licensed electrician wages and permitting requirements keep the labor share substantial across all project types.
Plumbing splits closer to even. Fixture and pipe material costs are significant, but licensed plumber labor rates keep the labor share substantial.
HVAC projects skew toward materials. Equipment — furnaces, air handlers, compressors — often represents more than half the total project cost.
Roofing is material-heavy. Shingles, underlayment, and decking dominate costs, though steep or complex roofs shift the balance toward labor.
Exterior projects vary widely. Fencing and decking are material-heavy; painting and finishing work is almost entirely labor.
Interior remodels are labor-intensive. Skilled finish work — tile, hardwood, trim — requires significant time even when material costs are modest.
Windows and doors are material-dominant. The units themselves are the primary cost driver; installation labor is comparatively straightforward.
Insulation skews toward labor for spray foam applications but is more material-balanced for traditional batt and blown-in work.
Outdoor and pool projects carry high material costs for equipment and hardscape, with labor intensive in excavation and installation phases.
Data snapshot: May 13, 2026
Next scheduled update: Q4 2026, following BLS OEWS annual release
Methodology: Costs derived from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data (OEWS) and regional cost-of-living indices. National averages represent typical total installed costs. City-level costs calculated using per-metro labor and cost-of-living multipliers.
These are modeled estimates. Get actual quotes from licensed contractors in your area before budgeting any project.
Questions about methodology? See About NailThePrice.