Side by side
Cost comparisons
The material and design decisions that move your budget most, compared on price, lifespan, and value with 2026 estimates.
- Roofing
Metal roof vs Asphalt shingles
Metal roof vs asphalt shingles cost in 2026: metal runs about $10 to $24 per sq ft, asphalt $4.50 to $11. Compare upfront price, lifespan, and lifetime value.
Compare costs - HVAC
Heat pump vs Gas furnace + AC
Heat pump vs furnace cost in 2026: a heat pump runs $6,000 to $18,000 installed, a gas furnace plus AC $7,000 to $15,000. Compare install and operating costs by climate.
Compare costs - Siding
Vinyl siding vs Fiber cement (Hardie)
Vinyl vs fiber cement siding cost in 2026: vinyl runs $4 to $9 per sq ft, fiber cement (James Hardie) $6 to $14. Compare price, durability, and resale value.
Compare costs - Kitchen
Quartz vs Granite
Quartz vs granite countertops cost in 2026: quartz runs $50 to $120 per sq ft installed, granite $40 to $100. Compare price, maintenance, and durability.
Compare costs - Bathroom
Walk-in shower vs Bathtub
Walk-in shower vs bathtub cost in 2026: a walk-in shower runs $3,500 to $15,000 installed, a bathtub $1,500 to $8,000. Compare price, resale, and accessibility.
Compare costs - Windows
Vinyl windows vs Fiberglass windows
Vinyl vs fiberglass windows cost in 2026: vinyl runs $450 to $1,000 per window installed, fiberglass $650 to $1,500. Compare price, durability, and efficiency.
Compare costs - Decking
Composite decking vs Pressure-treated wood
Composite vs wood decking cost in 2026: composite runs $25 to $50 per sq ft installed, pressure-treated wood $15 to $30. Compare upfront price, upkeep, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Fencing
Vinyl fence vs Wood fence
Wood vs vinyl fence cost in 2026: wood runs $18 to $45 per linear foot installed, vinyl $25 to $60. Compare upfront price, maintenance, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Flooring
Hardwood vs Laminate
Hardwood vs laminate flooring cost in 2026: solid hardwood runs $8 to $22 per sq ft installed, laminate $3 to $8. Compare price, durability, and resale value.
Compare costs - Water heater
Tankless vs Tank
Tankless vs tank water heater cost in 2026: tankless runs $2,500 to $6,000 installed, a standard tank $1,200 to $3,500. Compare upfront cost, lifespan, and savings.
Compare costs - Driveway
Concrete vs Asphalt
Asphalt vs concrete driveway cost in 2026: concrete runs $6 to $14 per sq ft, asphalt $5 to $12. Compare upfront price, lifespan, and maintenance.
Compare costs - Water heater
Gas vs Electric
Gas vs electric water heater cost in 2026: a gas tank runs $1,200 to $3,500 installed, electric $1,000 to $2,800. Compare install and running costs.
Compare costs - Flooring
Hardwood vs Carpet
Carpet vs hardwood flooring cost in 2026: hardwood runs $8 to $22 per sq ft installed, carpet $3 to $9. Compare price, lifespan, and resale value.
Compare costs - Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank vs Laminate
LVP vs laminate flooring cost in 2026: vinyl plank runs $4 to $12 per sq ft installed, laminate $3 to $9. Compare water resistance, wear layer, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Flooring
Tile vs Luxury vinyl plank
Tile vs LVP cost in 2026: tile runs $10 to $30 per sq ft installed, luxury vinyl plank $4 to $12. Compare labor, subfloor prep, comfort, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Kitchen
Refacing vs Full replacement
Cabinet refacing vs replacement cost in 2026: refacing runs $4,000 to $12,000, new cabinets $8,000 to $30,000. Compare scope, disruption, and when refacing is a waste.
Compare costs - Countertops
Quartz vs Laminate
Laminate vs quartz countertop cost in 2026: quartz runs $60 to $150 per sq ft installed, laminate $20 to $60. Compare durability, seams, and resale value.
Compare costs - HVAC
Mini split vs Central air
Mini split vs central air cost in 2026: a ductless system runs $3,000 to $12,000 installed, central air $5,000 to $14,000. Compare ductwork, zoning, and efficiency.
Compare costs - Water heater
Heat pump water heater vs Gas tank
Heat pump vs gas water heater cost in 2026: a hybrid unit runs $1,800 to $4,500 installed, gas $1,200 to $3,500. Compare running cost, space needs, and rebates.
Compare costs - Insulation
Spray foam vs Fiberglass
Spray foam vs fiberglass insulation cost in 2026: foam runs $1.50 to $5 per sq ft, fiberglass $0.50 to $2. Compare R-value, air sealing, and installation risks.
Compare costs - Insulation
Blown-in vs Batts
Blown-in vs batt insulation cost in 2026: blown-in runs $1 to $3 per sq ft installed, batts $0.50 to $2. Compare coverage, attic access, and real world R-value.
Compare costs - Roofing
Tile roof vs Asphalt shingles
Tile roof vs asphalt shingles cost in 2026: tile runs $12 to $30 per sq ft installed, asphalt $4.50 to $11. Compare weight, lifespan, and structural requirements.
Compare costs - Roofing
Repair vs Full replacement
Roof repair vs replacement cost in 2026: repairs run $400 to $2,500, a full replacement $8,000 to $25,000. How to tell which one your roof actually needs.
Compare costs - Gutters
Gutter guards vs Regular cleaning
Gutter guards vs cleaning cost in 2026: guards run $800 to $4,000 installed, cleaning $120 to $350 per visit. When guards pay back and when they do not.
Compare costs - Fencing
Chain link vs Wood
Chain link vs wood fence cost in 2026: chain link runs $10 to $25 per linear ft installed, wood $20 to $50. Compare privacy, maintenance, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Patio
Pavers vs Poured concrete
Paver vs concrete patio cost in 2026: pavers run $12 to $30 per sq ft installed, poured concrete $8 to $18. Compare cracking, repairs, and lifespan.
Compare costs - Outdoor living
Deck vs Patio
Deck vs patio cost in 2026: a deck runs $25 to $60 per sq ft installed, a patio $8 to $30. Compare site slope, permits, maintenance, and resale.
Compare costs - Outdoor living
Pergola vs Gazebo
Pergola vs gazebo cost in 2026: a pergola runs $3,000 to $10,000 installed, a gazebo $6,000 to $25,000. Compare shade, rain protection, and permits.
Compare costs - Ceilings
Removal vs Cover over
Popcorn ceiling removal vs covering cost in 2026: scraping runs $1 to $3 per sq ft, covering $2 to $5. Plus the asbestos test that comes before either.
Compare costs - Additions
Sunroom vs Screened porch
Sunroom vs screened porch cost in 2026: a sunroom runs $20,000 to $80,000, a screened porch $8,000 to $30,000. Compare year-round use, permits, and value.
Compare costs - Waterproofing
French drain vs Sump pump
French drain vs sump pump cost in 2026: a drain runs $3,000 to $12,000, a sump pump $1,200 to $4,000 installed. Which one your water problem actually needs.
Compare costs - Waterproofing
Full encapsulation vs Vapor barrier only
Crawl space encapsulation vs vapor barrier cost in 2026: full encapsulation runs $5,000 to $15,000, a vapor barrier $1,200 to $4,000. What each actually includes.
Compare costs - Garage
Polyaspartic vs Epoxy
Epoxy vs polyaspartic garage floor cost in 2026: polyaspartic runs $5 to $12 per sq ft installed, epoxy $3 to $8. Compare cure time, UV stability, and prep.
Compare costs - Doors
Fiberglass vs Steel
Steel vs fiberglass entry door cost in 2026: fiberglass runs $800 to $4,000 installed, steel $600 to $2,500. Compare dents, insulation, and security.
Compare costs