The Average Cost of Gutter Replacement

Sometimes we forget how important gutters are, until a torrential rain sends sheets of water flying off the roof, turning the yard into a sloshing mess for a week. If you’re looking for new gutters, your first question is probably going to be about the price.

The cost of your gutter replacement depends on the length of your gutters and the material being used. The average residential home has 120-250 feet of gutters. For vinyl gutters, you can expect to pay around $3-$5 per linear foot for installation. That comes out to anywhere from $360 to $1250 depending on how much you need.
Aluminum gutters are slightly more expensive at around $4-$9 per foot, with the downspouts costing about $8 per foot. Galvanized steel costs about the same as aluminum, so roughly anywhere from $480 to $2250 total cost. Wood gutters are also available, although these are usually only used in restoration projects and can cost $12-$20 per foot.
Stainless steel and copper gutters are two of the highest quality gutter materials. Stainless steel gutters run at about $20 a foot ($2400-$5000 for the average house). The upside to this is that stainless steel gutters are very strong, rust-free, and will remain shiny for years to come. Copper gutters cost between $15 and $20 per foot ($1800-$5000), and are also low maintenance and rust-free. Copper, however, will develop a green color from being exposed to air over a lengthy period of time.

On average, gutters can cost anywhere from $360 to $5000 depending on the size of your roof and the materials you choose. Also, expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $100 for the hauling away and disposing of your old gutters. As with any home improvement project, it’s best to shop around and get estimates before beginning.

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The Average Cost of a Basement Remodeling Job

As part of our very popular “Average Cost” series, we would like to address the question; “What is the average cost of a basement remodeling project?”

The average cost of a basement remodeling job can depend on a lot of things. The three biggest factors affecting the cost are the size of your basement, its present condition, and the desired finished product. While the average cost nationwide is $45,000, you could spend anything between $500 and $100,000 depending on what you’re going for.

The current state of your basement can have a big impact on your final cost. All finished basements need moisture-control and insulation. If this has not already been taken care of, it’s going to add to the cost. Installing plumbing and electrical wiring is another expense. Adding windows and extra lighting will up the cost as well. A basement that is partially finished may cost much less to complete than an entirely bare space.

It’s generally accepted that in newer homes, basement remodeling will cost on average $20-$25 per square foot, meaning around $30,000-$50,000 for a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot basement. It’s also possible to finish part of your basement and leave another part unfinished.

Converting a basement into a comfortable and legal renting unit usually costs between $30,000-$50,000 as a national average. This could mean adding bathrooms, kitchens, and windows if necessary.

What you want out of your basement is the ultimate factor in determining the final cost. You can finish the walls, ceilings, and floors to create usable added living space for as little as $1,000-$5,000. It’s additions such as bathrooms, wet bars, entertainment areas, elaborate moldings, heating, and additional wiring for lighting that can increase your price tremendously. It’s possible to spend upwards of $100,000 depending on the dream in mind. As with all home improvement projects, the more elaborate the plan, the higher the price tag.

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Average Cost of an Interior Paint Job

Painting is one of the fastest, most cost-efficient ways to give your home a new look. When having a professional paint your home’s interior, the cost can vary greatly depending on the size of the area being painted.

Interior paint can cost anywhere from $10-$50 per gallon, depending on the brand. Some paints are more expensive than others. This is usually due to quality, but like anything, some less expensive paints can be just as good as their highly priced alternatives. Average quality paint for a 1,500 square foot home may cost roughly $200-300.

Paint is not the only material cost to consider. There is prep work to be done, including moving objects, taping, and applying primer. A professional estimate generally includes prep work as well as 2 coats of paint. For a 12×12 room, you can expect to pay roughly $300-$400 or more. When painting an entire 1,500 square foot house, expect somewhere around $1,100-$2,000, or more. Things like painting baseboards, crown molding, or unusually high ceilings can add to the cost.

Where you live will affect the cost of the project, as the cost of living varies around the county. The national average cost of hiring an interior painter is around $2,200, but this includes all different size houses in all areas of the county. As with anything, it’s good to obtain several estimates before settling on one, as individual painters’ prices can vary considerably.

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The Average Cost of a New Fence

When choosing a fence for your home, you’ll want to choose a style that will compliment your home and your personality. Fences come in many different styles, and each one has its own advantages. If you’re thinking of building a fence around your home, you’ll want to consider the initial cost, as well as the maintenance that a fence will require. Fencing costs generally take into account the cost of materials, the perimeter of the fence, and the difficulty of the terrain (when applicable).

The cost of a new fence varies mostly depending on the cost of the materials. For example, wood rail fences often cost $9 per foot in materials, while the vinyl alternative can often cost twice as much. Ornamental steel and wrought iron fences can cost around $20-$30 per foot, and they often include stone or brick posts which add to the cost. Privacy fences in wood or vinyl generally run about $15-$20 per foot, with vinyl being more expensive.

The final cost of your fence largely depends on the size of the area you are enclosing. Building a fence around one or two acres will be more expensive than a fence around the backyard of a townhouse. Also, if your property is in the mountains, or if the terrain is steep and difficult to build on, the cost may be higher.

Related to cost, durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a fence, as certain types of fences require more maintenance than others. For example, many homeowners choose to build rail fences out of vinyl instead of wood, as vinyl doesn’t decay, though many people still prefer the classic look of real wood. Iron and steel fences are generally the most expensive to build, but they usually require very little upkeep over the years.

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The Average Cost of Cabinet Refacing

Cabinets are the most visible part of your kitchen. If your cabinets are scuffed, worn down, or just look band, your whole kitchen will look bad. Sometimes your cabinets are well built and work wonderfully, but the doors look old and beat.

Cabinet refacing (aka cabinet resurfacing) is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without going through the whole expense of a cabinet replacement project. Great looking cabinets make your whole kitchen look beautiful. Another great thing about cabinet refacing is that the work can be completed in just a few days.

If the structure of your cabinets is sound, but the cabinets need cosmetic help, cabinet refacing is a great option. The big question is, how much will it cost? Updating your existing cabinets is often much less expensive than installing new cabinets, since your existing cabinets have already been built, installed, leveled, and are already functional. On average, cabinet refacing costs between 30% and 60% less than installing new cabinets.

An average cabinet refacing project can cost roughly $7,500, but it could be considerably less (or more) depending on the size of the job. Also, different contractors can have very different prices. That’s why it’s a good idea to shop around and get a handful of estimates before settling on a single contractor.

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Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodeling Job in Texas

Many factors can impact the cost of a kitchen remodeling project in Texas. Updating floors, moving walls, changing floor plans, replacing appliances, changing lighting fixtures, replacing cabinets, installing new countertops all have an impact on the price. The quality of new appliances, countertops, cabinets, floors, etc. will also affect the price.

Because of all these variables, it’s no surprise that the cost of kitchen remodeling in Texas can range from anywhere from $10,000 all the way up to $20,000. Get estimates from several local contractors to determine a fair price for your particular needs. You’ll want a contractor who is willing to work with you to give you the kitchen you want, without any unwanted surprises.

The more things you change in your kitchen, the more the job is going to cost. Wood floor costs more than linoleum, and granite countertops cost more than corian. Moving walls in your house is going to add to the cost considerably. Getting the most expensive appliances available will certainly make your project more costly. You can save a lot when getting a new kitchen if you shop around for the best appliances for your money.

The average cost of a kitchen remodeling job in Texas can also change depending on your location within the state. Projects in Dallas/Fort Worth will generally be more expensive than more rural areas. In general, somewhere around $10,000 or $15,000 is a fair price to expect.

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Average Cost of a HVAC (Heating and A/C) Installation

Good heating and cooling systems are essential to the comfort level of any indoor space. No one wants to roast in the summer or freeze in the winter. The indoors should be a refuge from unpleasant weather. But how much does and HVAC installation cost?

The average cost of an HVAC installation depends mostly on the size of your house. The bigger your house is, the more it’s going to cost. If you’re starting fresh with a completely brand new system, it will be more expensive that if you’re reusing some old parts. HVAC installations can involve replacing air conditioning units, heating units, ducts, or even switching to a new type of system. Also, like most things, where you live affects the cost as well. Getting HVAC installed will cost more on the east and west coasts than it will in less expensive areas.

In general, an HVAC installation in a 1,300 square foot house should cost somewhere between $3,500 to $5,000. The best thing to do is to shop around and get estimates from local contractors. Once you have 4 to 5 estimates you’ll be able to get a better idea of the fair market price in your region. Usually, somewhere around $4,000 is generally a reasonable price for an HVAC installation in a medium sized home.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Siding for your Home

According to the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Remodeling report, replacing the siding on your home is the second most cost effective home remodel project you can do. This means a siding installation project can add both beauty and value to your home.

So, how can you make sure you choose the right siding for your home? Here are some tips to help get you started on the right path…

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Choosing the Right Front Door for Your Home

The front door of your home is usually the first thing visitors see. In many ways, it sends a message to the viewer. The right front door can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, making your entranceway beautiful and welcoming. But front doors aren’t just about their good looks. The best doors also insulate your home, improving its energy efficiency.

So, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right front door for your home? Here are some tips to help guide you through the process…

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3 Questions to Ask a Potential Home Remodeling Contractor

If you’re thinking of launching a home remodeling project, you have a lot of things to consider: how much can you spend?, what area of your home do you want to remodel?, how quickly do you want the project done?, and which contractor should you hire to handle the project?

As it relates to the last question, finding the right contractor for your home remodeling project can be a little tricky. For this reason, we’re providing a list of 3 questions to ask potential contractors before you decide which one to hire. With the information you receive from these questions, you should be able to make an informed decision that ultimately leads to a satisfactory outcome to your project.

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