Costs for Popular Improvements in San Antonio

Though you'll never forget the Alamo, you're probably ready to put the holiday season behind you. Even those of us who love the holiday season can get overwhelmed between the long shopping lines and the drain on the wallet or purse. Now that you've had a chance to recover from the retail grind and can see the light at the end of the credit card tunnel, it's time to look at your home and think about indulging yourself.

Here's a look at some of the common home improvement projects in San Antonio. Maybe you already know where your home needs the most attention, maybe you're looking for a project within a specific price range. The best projects increase the enjoyment of your home, the general functionality and condition of your home, and ideally the property value of the home itself.

Kitchen, Bathroom, and other Major Home Remodels
Of all the home improvement projects that stand to increase your property value, kitchen and bathroom remodels are the most popular, and publicized, projects. It's not difficult to understand why. No other areas of the home play such an integral role in our day-to-day life. The luxury and convenience that goes with increased property value makes these projects mainstays of the home improvement industry. Don't get carried away thinking that additional property value will allow these projects to pay for themselves; but it should cushion any sticker shock and tends to make getting financing for these projects a breeze.

If you've been dreaming of having a luxury bathroom or kitchen, this can be the year you make it happen. Whether you want a stone counter, vessel sink, and whirlpool tub or a wall oven, hardwood flooring, and new kitchen cabinets, your dream bathroom or kitchen is well within your reach.

Cost of a Major Kitchen Remodel
National Average: $54,250
San Antonio Average: $51,200

Cost of a Full Bathroom Remodel
National Average: $12,900
San Antonio Average: $11,800

New Asphalt Roofing and Replacement Windows
Of course, the cost of a kitchen or bathroom remodel might be easier to handle, not to mention next year's gift shopping, if your utility bills weren't so high. To cut down on your energy costs, and do the environment a favor at the same time, look to your roof and windows. These areas are significantly more responsible for heat loss during the winter, and heat gain during the summer, than any other areas of the home. So long as you do your homework and find an honest contractor, you really can't go wrong with replacement windows or a new roof installation or roof insulation.

Cost of New Asphalt Roofing
National Average: $8,100
San Antonio Average: $8,700

Cost of Replacement Windows
National Average: $9,600
San Antonio Average: $9,900

New Vinyl Siding and Exterior House Painting
If you're the type of conscientious homeowner who keeps up on their home improvement, you may have a home in generally good condition. What you may want to look at, however, is your home's curb appeal. The Texas sun can be absolutely brutal on vinyl siding. With enough years under its belt, fading is inevitable and cracking isn't out of the question. Depending on how your siding has aged, it may time to have it replaced. However, simple fading may be a signal that an exterior house painting is in order. Painting will help protect your siding and give a vibrant look to your home. At the very least, you'll want to have a handyman swing by with a commercial pressure washer if you haven't had your siding cleaned in the last year.

Cost of New Vinyl Siding
National Average: $7,600
San Antonio Average: $6,900

Cost of Exterior House Painting
National Average: $3,000
San Antonio Average: $2,400

Install a New Deck
While kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most common home improvement projects, the argument could be made that a deck installation is more valuable to a home in a hot, dry climate like San Antonio. As great as a new bath or kitchen is, a deck will add new living space that essentially increases the square footage of your home. Particularly, homeowners who install outdoor misting systems and/or deck heaters will find their decks can be invaluable areas of entertainment and relaxation. Deck covers and lighting can make your deck a round-the-clock, round-the-calendar place that provides your home an area with an environment unlike any of your home's interior.

Cost of Installing a New Deck
National Average: $7,700
San Antonio Average: $8,100