Home Improvement Costs - Why are prices & advice all over the charts?

This is one of the true mysteries with home improvement posts & articles. There is such a giant variance in price that the high end seems insane & the low end seems too reasonable.

They're smokin' something I'm afraid ....

Here's a case in point ... every year Remodeling Magazine puts out a Cost vs. Value Report that is very flashy & thorough. Prices are insane in this guide! Everyone usually goes off of this report (as the gospel) but what if you personally think it's complete nonsense based on your own experience?

What I've tried to compile is some reasonable cost sites that might be a little more help. What I've heard & seen to be costs for normal everyday home repairs.

The infographic lists some basic repairs or remodeling that one would do around the average house. These prices seem spot on plus or minus a few dollars from the 2015 prices listed.

 

Home Advisor's has a True Cost Guide that might be of more help offering local & national prices. Below is the Chicago Average Costs to install new siding.

And don't forget that you will not get every dime you put into your house no matter what the guys at Home Depot say. You have to keep your 'investment' in good repair beyond adding value like we are discussing here.

Install Siding Project Cost

View more Siding cost guides or View all home projects