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