When homeowners ask “how much to install a dryer vent,” they usually expect a single dollar figure. In reality, the cost range depends on location, wall construction, vent run length, and whether you integrate energy-saving backdraft dampers. At CountBricks, we streamline every variable into a clear, AI-generated estimate so you can present clients with confidence.
Most Boston-area projects land between $225 and $650, but the national spread can be broader. CountBricks aggregates live material pricing and local labor rates every morning. That means your quote reflects:
• Current duct, hood, clamp, and exterior cap pricing
• Localized carpenter and HVAC labor averages
• Region-specific permit fees
1. Vent Path Length & Complexity
Short, straight runs of rigid metal duct keep budgets tight. Each additional elbow or foot of duct adds both material and labor.
2. Exterior Wall Composition
Brick veneer or stacked stone demands masonry coring, driving tool time and disposal costs higher than vinyl siding penetrations.
3. Attic, Crawlspace, or Basement Access
Finished spaces require clean demolition and repair allowances. Unfinished basements mean less patching and lower totals.
4. Energy & Code Upgrades
Insulated duct sections, fire collars, or powered vents raise material costs but deliver safety and utility-bill savings.
CountBricks’ voice-to-estimate platform turns field conversations into detailed line items before you leave the driveway.
• Speak dimensions, material choices, and client preferences
• Review AI-generated costs on your tablet in seconds
• Export a branded PDF quote or invoice instantly
1. Site Protection & Set-Up – $40 to $75
2. Core Drilling or Siding Cut-Out – $60 to $150
3. 4-Inch Rigid Metal Duct (per foot) – $3 to $7
4. Elbows & Clamps – $15 to $35
5. Exterior Vent Cap – $20 to $45
6. Labor, 2-Person Crew (2-4 hrs) – $90 to $300
7. Patch & Paint, if required – $30 to $80
8. Permit & Inspection – $25 to $60
• Automated takeoffs from blueprints prevent missed elbows or collars
• Live pricing guards against supply-chain swings
• Task-based labor allowances reflect union vs. non-union rates automatically
• Change-order tracking ensures you’re paid for scope creep
1. Evaluate route and code requirements using CountBricks checklists
2. Protect floors and appliances with drop cloths
3. Mark and drill pilot hole from interior
4. Core exterior wall or cut siding to full 4-inch opening
5. Run rigid metal duct with minimal elbows, sealing joints with foil tape
6. Secure exterior cap with corrosion-resistant screws and sealant
7. Connect dryer with UL-rated flex transition, clamp firmly
8. Test airflow, install backdraft damper, and photograph for client record
Is flexible foil duct allowed?
Many jurisdictions ban foil because it traps lint. CountBricks defaults to code-approved rigid metal and warns you if you select non-compliant materials.
Do I need a permit?
In most municipalities, penetrating an exterior wall or roof requires a minor mechanical permit. CountBricks’ permit database adds the correct fee automatically.
Can the vent terminate in the attic?
Absolutely not. Moisture and lint create fire and mold hazards. Our AI prompts users whenever an unsafe termination is detected in the notes.
• Voice-driven field capture reduces admin time by up to 70%
• Realtime collaboration lets office staff adjust mark-ups while crews are onsite
• Instant invoices improve cash flow and enhance customer satisfaction
Ready to quote your next dryer vent job accurately? Visit CountBricks.com/services to start a free trial, or request a live demo at CountBricks.com/consultation. In under ten minutes, you’ll know exactly how much to install a dryer vent—and you’ll never second-guess your pricing again.
A Boston remodeler needed a dryer vent routed 28 feet through triple-wythe brick in a historic Beacon Hill brownstone. Hand calculations led three subcontractors to quote wildly different figures—$1,100, $2,000, and even $3,400. The GC opened CountBricks, dictated site details, and let our AI handle the math.
• Core 4-inch hole through brick and fieldstone foundation
• Run 28 linear feet of 26-gauge rigid duct with three 90° elbows
• Add fire-rated collar at penetration per Boston code
• Patch interior plaster, prime, and finish coat
The CountBricks estimate landed at $1,645 with a 22% contingency built in for unforeseen masonry conditions. When the crew uncovered an extra joist bay, they logged a change order on their phone; the platform updated totals to $1,782 and issued a revised PDF instantly to the homeowner. Final profit margin: 34%—a full 9% higher than the GC’s average on similar retrofits.
• Live material feeds saved the GC $87 when duct pricing dropped mid-week
• Automated code prompts prevented a costly re-inspection
• Job photos, linked to each line item, simplified close-out documentation
Your next residential project—whether a simple first-floor vent or a multi-story chase—can benefit from the same precision. Open CountBricks.com/portfolio to explore additional success stories, or schedule hands-on training at CountBricks.com/consultation. Knowing exactly how much to install a dryer vent is just the beginning; with CountBricks, every scope line becomes a profit opportunity.
