The 2018 Cost vs. Value report compared average remodeling costs with estimated resale value for common U.S. projects. In that report, a garage door replacement averaged $3,470, while a midrange major kitchen remodel averaged $64,743; returns varied substantially by project and location.
These are historical national averages, not current contractor quotes or guaranteed resale proceeds. Project size, material choices, labor rates, and local housing markets all affect the final cost and value.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | $3,000 | $3,470 | $4,000 | 2018 national average cost; about 98% recouped |
| Manufactured stone veneer | $7,000 | $8,221 | $10,000 | 2018 national average; about 97% recouped |
| Minor midrange kitchen remodel | $18,000 | $21,198 | $25,000 | 2018 national average; about 81% recouped |
| Major midrange kitchen remodel | $55,000 | $64,743 | $75,000 | 2018 national average; about 65% recouped |
| Midrange bathroom remodel | $16,000 | $19,134 | $23,000 | 2018 national average; about 70% recouped |
What the 2018 Cost vs Value figures actually measure
The report compares modeled project cost with estimated resale value, not the amount a homeowner is certain to recover. Its cost estimates represented typical project scopes and professional work in surveyed markets. The value figure estimated how much the improvement might contribute to resale, rather than a cash refund or appraisal guarantee.
For example, the report’s garage door project cost $3,470 on average and had an estimated resale value of $3,411, or roughly 98.3% of its cost. That does not mean every door sold for the same price or that a homeowner automatically received the full amount at closing.
Assumptions: 2018 report averages, representative project specifications, and professional installation; actual local quotes can differ.
How garage doors, kitchens, and baths compare by project scope
Smaller exterior upgrades led the report’s return rankings. Manufactured stone veneer averaged $8,221 in project cost and $7,986 in estimated resale value, a 97.1% cost recouped. A steel entry-door replacement averaged $1,471 and returned an estimated $1,344, or about 91.3%.
Interior remodels had larger budgets and lower estimated recovery rates. A minor midrange kitchen remodel averaged $21,198, with an estimated $17,193 in resale value. The major midrange kitchen remodel averaged $64,743 and an estimated $41,827. A midrange bathroom remodel averaged $19,134, with an estimated $13,422 in resale value.
Among these examples, the garage door required the least capital while the major kitchen remodel carried the largest potential unrecovered amount. Resale value is only one consideration; a homeowner may also value comfort, function, or years of use.
Which labor and material charges shape a remodeling quote
The report’s total costs combine multiple parts of a project. In a current estimate, labor, materials, disposal, and any necessary code work should be shown separately. The table below gives practical planning ranges for comparable work today, not 2018 report line items; local bids and specifications determine actual prices.
| Project cost component | Typical range | What changes the charge | Pricing unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage door and hardware | $800-$2,500 | Steel gauge, insulation, style, opener | Per door |
| Kitchen cabinets and counters | $5,000-$25,000 | Refacing versus replacement, material grade | Per project |
| Bathroom fixtures and tile | $2,000-$10,000 | Tile area, fixture quality, plumbing changes | Per project |
| Installation labor | $50-$125 per hour | Trade, region, demolition, access | Per hour |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$2,000 | Debris volume and hauling distance | Per project |
Labor estimate example: 24-40 hours × $50-$125 per hour equals $1,200-$5,000 before materials and disposal.
Why a 2018 project return changed from one market to another
Regional differences were substantial because the report collected market-level estimates rather than applying one national contractor rate everywhere. Local labor costs, material availability, buyer demand, and home prices influenced the relationship between project cost and resale value. A strong percentage return in one city should not be assumed in another.
Project specifications also matter. A garage opening with standard dimensions and clear access may cost less than one requiring framing changes. A kitchen that keeps its existing layout generally avoids some plumbing and electrical expense, while relocating appliances or walls expands the scope. The report’s averages describe defined projects, not every version of a remodel.
For a useful comparison, request bids for the same materials, dimensions, demolition, and finish level. Ask contractors to identify exclusions, such as permits, damaged framing, or electrical upgrades, since those can shift the final total.
How much return did the 2018 report assign to each upgrade
The report’s recovery percentage is estimated resale value divided by project cost. Applied to its national averages, the major midrange kitchen remodel’s $41,827 resale estimate against a $64,743 cost equals about 64.6%. The midrange bathroom remodel’s $13,422 against $19,134 equals about 70.1%.
These percentages describe modeled averages, not guaranteed investment returns. They exclude many ownership costs and do not account for a homeowner’s personal use of the renovated space. They also do not mean that a home’s sale price rises dollar-for-dollar by the report’s resale estimate.
What a current quote may add beyond the 2018 project price
Today’s quote may be higher than a 2018 estimate because wages, products, transport, and code requirements change over time. The figures in the opening table are useful for comparing the report’s projects with each other, but they should not be used as a present-day budget without updated bids.
Possible extras include permits, electrical or plumbing work, structural repairs, delivery, and disposal. For planning, obtain a written scope and ask whether the price includes taxes, finishing materials, and cleanup. A contingency of 10%-20% can help cover concealed conditions, especially in older kitchens and bathrooms.
Which scope choices can keep kitchen and bath prices down
Keeping the existing kitchen footprint can avoid costly utility relocations. Standard cabinet sizes, midrange fixtures, and durable rather than premium finishes can also limit material expense. For a bathroom, retaining the tub or shower location may reduce plumbing labor; replacing worn components instead of moving them can keep a project smaller.
Compare at least three itemized estimates using identical specifications. Separate essential repairs from optional upgrades, and check whether a lower bid omits demolition, disposal, or finish work. For a garage door, compare insulation, hardware, and opener scope rather than judging bids by the door price alone.
The most controllable savings usually come from limiting scope and comparing complete, equivalent quotes. The 2018 Cost vs. Value figures can show historical relative performance, but current local pricing and the home’s market are more relevant when setting a budget.