Dallas Cost Overview
Dallas-Fort Worth offers home improvement costs close to the national average, making it one of the more affordable major metros for renovations.
Dallas Cost Index: 98 (National average = 100)Why DFW Is Affordable
- No state income tax - Lower business costs
- Strong contractor competition - Large market
- Lower labor costs - Right-to-work state
- Land availability - Lower overhead
- Steady construction market - Good labor supply
| Project | National Avg | Dallas Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement | $10,000 | $9,500-$11,000 |
| HVAC System | $7,500 | $7,000-$8,500 |
| Fence (6' wood) | $4,000 | $3,500-$4,500 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $25,000 | $24,000-$28,000 |
Popular Dallas Projects
Roofing
Texas storms mean roofing is a top concern:- Hail damage very common
- Insurance claims frequent
- Impact-resistant shingles worth considering
- Average replacement: $8,500-$13,000
HVAC
Hot Texas summers make AC essential:- High-efficiency units pay back in 3-5 years
- Heat pump works well (mild winters)
- Average replacement: $6,500-$9,500
- Zoned systems popular in larger homes
Fencing
DFW yards need fences:- Wood privacy fence: $3,000-$6,000
- Composite: $5,000-$10,000
- Chain link: $1,500-$3,500
- HOA requirements common
Swimming Pools
Popular despite maintenance:- Gunite pool: $45,000-$85,000
- Fiberglass: $35,000-$65,000
- High summer demand
Texas Weather Considerations
Hail & Storm Damage
North Texas is "Hail Alley":- Annual hail storms likely
- Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4) save insurance
- Consider 10-15% insurance savings
- Document existing conditions
Roofing for Texas
Best choices:- Impact-resistant asphalt (good value)
- Metal roofing (hail resistant, hot climates)
- Tile (premium, durable)
Foundation Concerns
Texas clay soil causes issues:- Common across DFW
- Get inspection before buying
- Watering foundation helps
- Repair: $4,000-$10,000 typical
Summer Heat
Design for Texas heat:- Attic insulation critical (R-38 minimum)
- Radiant barriers reduce AC load
- Light-colored roofing preferred
- Proper ventilation essential
Costs by DFW Area
Premium Areas (15-25% above DFW average)
- Highland Park/University Park
- Southlake
- Westlake
- Preston Hollow
- Frisco (some areas)
Mid-Range (DFW average)
- Plano
- Frisco
- Allen
- McKinney
- Richardson
- Arlington
More Affordable (10-15% below DFW average)
- Fort Worth suburbs
- Garland
- Mesquite
- Grand Prairie
- Denton
City of Dallas vs Suburbs
- Dallas proper: Slightly higher labor, more permit requirements
- Suburbs: Often faster permits, competitive pricing
- Unincorporated: Fewest requirements
Dallas Resources
Key Takeaways
- DFW costs close to national average—good value
- Hail damage common—plan for it
- HVAC is critical investment in Texas heat
- Foundation issues widespread—inspect before buying
- Many HOAs—check requirements before projects