The 27 Statistics, Categorized
Sourced from Joint Center for Housing Studies, Mass DOER, U.S. Census, Mass Save annual report, AHRI, BPI, Insurance Information Institute, plus Pro Build's 2024-2026 invoice data. Where source is Pro Build proprietary, noted explicitly.
- 01
$8.4 billion: aggregate MA residential remodel spend (2025)
Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, Improving America's Housing Report 2025. Includes single-family + multi-family. Up 6% from 2024.
- 02
340,000+: Mass Save rebate filings (2025)
Across all program categories: HEA, insulation, heat pump, HPWH, EV charger, panel upgrade. Source: Mass DOER 2025 Annual Mass Save Report.
- 03
62,000: heat pump installs in MA (2025)
Up 72% from 2024. Driven by Mass Save $10K rebate cap increase + federal IRA 25C credit. Source: AHRI MA-region shipment data + Mass Save filings.
- 04
$58,000: median MA kitchen remodel (mid-range tier)
Pro Build invoice data, Q1 2025 - Q1 2026. Range: $42,000 essential, $118,000 premium, $220,000+ luxe.
- 05
260+: MA municipalities with stretch code adoption
78% of state population covered. Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Worcester, Springfield all stretch-adopted. 40+ specialized stretch code adoptions (newer, tighter standard).
- 06
$10,000: standard Mass Save heat pump rebate cap (2026)
Up to $16,000 income-eligible enhanced tier. Single largest residential energy efficiency rebate in MA program history.
- 07
$24,000-$38,000: typical full Mass Save rebate stack achievable
Across HEA + envelope + panel + heat pump + HPWH + induction. $24K standard tier; $38K income-eligible enhanced. Source: Mass DOER program structure.
- 08
9°F: Massachusetts heating design temperature (Boston/Worcester)
Per ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals 99% percentile. 5°F in Berkshires/Western MA hill towns. The temperature heat pumps must perform at to be sized correctly.
- 09
50 PSF: MA ground snow load (most of state)
Per ASCE 7-22. Drives roof framing requirements + deck design + structural reinforcement on heavy material installs (slate, metal). 40 PSF on parts of Cape Cod/South Coast; 60 PSF some Western MA hill towns.
- 10
48": MA frost depth (per IRC R403.1.4.1)
Footings for any structure attached to the dwelling must extend below 48". Drives excavation cost on decks, additions, sewer line replacement.
- 11
$15,000-$28,000: typical burst pipe damage cost in MA
Per Insurance Information Institute MA claims data. Largest source: frozen pipe → burst → 2-6 hours unrestricted flow before discovery.
- 12
8°F: outdoor temperature where MA pipes start freezing
Sustained 6+ hours below this threshold = active freeze risk for any pipe in exterior wall, garage, or unheated basement. Source: American Society of Plumbing Engineers MA-region data.
- 13
$285-$1,650: MA building permit fees (kitchen remodel range by city)
Worcester low end ($285); Boston high end ($1,650 with Inspectional Services valuation fees). Per municipal building department fee schedules 2026.
- 14
97%: Massachusetts homes where heat pump beats furnace on 10-yr TCO
When 2026 Mass Save rebate stack is applied + AC bundling considered. Source: Pro Build's 2024-2026 customer 10-year TCO modeling.
- 15
$11,000-$28,000: typical heat pump install cost in MA (before rebate)
Range covers ducted ASHP, multi-zone ductless, and geothermal alternatives. Mass Save rebate brings net cost to $1,000-$18,000 (standard tier) or $0-$12,000 (income-eligible enhanced).
- 16
60-80: freeze-thaw cycles per MA winter
Drives material durability requirements: sealants, mortar, asphalt shingles, paint. Worse near coast (Cape Cod) due to higher humidity; less severe in Western MA inland.
- 17
$10,000: Mass Home Improvement Guaranty Fund maximum claim
Per registered HIC claim. Covers unfinished work, defective work, contractor disappearance with deposit. MA Office of Consumer Affairs administered.
- 18
1/3: MA legal deposit cap (or special-order materials cost, whichever greater)
Per MGL c. 142A. Contractors asking 50%+ upfront violate state law. Standard MA practice: 1/3 deposit, 1/3 midpoint, 1/3 completion.
- 19
3 business days: MA home improvement contract cancellation right
Per MGL c. 93 §48 for contracts signed at home (not at contractor's office). Contract MUST include Notice of Cancellation form.
- 20
$700: Mass Save EV charger rebate
Plus $50/year + $200/year summer demand response from Eversource Connected Solutions. Federal IRA 30C: 30% up to $1,000 additional credit.
- 21
22-30 years: typical asphalt shingle roof lifespan in MA
Climate-shortened from manufacturer 30-50 year ratings (designed for milder climates). Premium architectural lasts longer; 3-tab basic shorter.
- 22
50+ years: standing-seam metal roof lifespan in MA
Galvalume steel or aluminum. Manufacturer warranty typically 30-50 years; field-observed performance exceeds warranty by 20-50%.
- 23
$8.50-$48 per sq ft: MA roof replacement cost (material spread)
Asphalt 3-tab low end; natural slate high end. Architectural asphalt $11-$20/sq ft; standing-seam metal $18-$32/sq ft.
- 24
5-7 years: cedar siding stain cycle in MA freeze-thaw climate
Vs 8-12 years in milder climates. The single biggest hidden cost of cedar siding in MA — $4,500-$6,000 per stain cycle on a typical 1,800 sq ft home.
- 25
12-18 years: MA pressure-treated lumber lifespan (deck framing)
Modern ACQ/MCA/Copper Azole treatment. Direct ground contact: 12-15 years; above grade: 18-25 years. PT shorter than cedar (20-30 yr) or composite (25-30 yr) but cheaper.
- 26
$4,000: Mass Save panel upgrade rebate (when paired with electrification)
Standalone panel upgrades don't qualify. Must be filed with heat pump or HPWH or EV charger install. Effectively zeros out 200A panel upgrade cost on most MA homes.
- 27
30%: federal IRA 25C residential energy efficient home credit (current)
Annual caps: $1,200 envelope, $2,000 heat pumps, $600 windows, $250 doors. Authorized through 2032. Spread projects across tax years to maximize.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Three patterns from the data above:
- MA is electrifying faster than national average. 72% YoY heat pump growth + 340K Mass Save filings indicates the rebate stack is working. The $24K-$38K achievable rebate puts whole-home electrification within reach for middle-income households.
- Stretch code is now the default. 78% of state population in stretch-adopted municipalities means new construction defaults to U-0.27 windows + R-49 attic + tighter envelope. Older homes have a clear upgrade path via Mass Save.
- Climate-specific costs run 30-60% above national averages. 50 PSF snow load + 48" frost depth + 60-80 freeze-thaw cycles drive material specs higher and labor costs longer. National-average remodel cost calculators consistently underestimate MA costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Pro Build source proprietary data referenced in this article?
How current are the Mass Save rebate amounts cited?
Is the 97% heat-pump-beats-furnace stat conservative?
Are the freeze-thaw cycle counts the same across MA?
Why is asphalt shingle MA lifespan shorter than manufacturer warranty?
How does the 50 PSF snow load affect typical project budgets?
Are MA permit fees deductible at sale?
What's the future trajectory of these numbers?
References & Sources
- Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/improving-americas-housing
- Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-energy-resources
- Mass Save 2025 Annual Report. https://www.masssave.com/about/program-administrators
- Insurance Information Institute — MA water damage statistics. https://www.iii.org/article/spotlight-on-water-damage
- AHRI — Industry shipment data. https://www.ahrinet.org/
