National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
4.8
8
Cost:
$ 411
$ 225
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 79% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.
The average price to Build in a Wall Niche noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
What’s the cost to install a wall niche? The contractor cost to install a wall niche is $411 compared with doing it yourself for $225 and saving 45 percent.
A wall niche isn’t for everyone, but when installed in a room, foyer or stair landing, it becomes the focal point and provides a showcase for a favorite art object. In many old, elaborate homes, niches were made of heavy plaster molding and woodwork. Today, niches are made of lightweight urethane and come as complete units ready to install into a wall. There are also styles that mount flush on the wall and don’t require any wall modification.
A carpenter will charge $411 to install a 42-by-20 inch niche that fits in a 14 1/2-inch opening, a standard space between wall studs. This includes the labor and material. A handy homeowner with carpentry skills and tools can make the installation for $225 – the cost of the niche and a tube of construction adhesive – and save 45 percent.
Needless to say, if you’re remodeling a room and building new walls, it’s easier to install a niche in the exposed framing. If you’re cutting an opening into existing walls for a niche use an electronic stud finder to make sure it’s a hollow cavity.
Designers tell us a good location for a wall niche is where it’s a focal point like at the top of a stairs or in a hallway where it’s clearly visible. Paint the wall niche in a faux finish that compliments the wall cover and you’ve created an instant heirloom in your house that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Make a small inspection hole in the area behind the niche to avoid cutting electrical wires, plumbing pipes or heating ducts.
See a selection of niches at Inviting Home Wall Niches.
Wrapping up, given the average cost to build a wall niche you can compare the price of a contractor’s bid with doing it yourself.
