Cost to Repair Guides:
Search for a Specific Cost / Repair Guide

The following costs are intended as general cost estimates for repairs and/or improvements to a typical three bedroom home.  The scope and size of a project will dramatically affect actual costs. Costs also vary based on the part of the country the property is located. Also the quality and price of materials used varies widely. The information listed below should be used for basic planning and exploratory purposes.
For an, Up To Date cost of repair guide we recommend one of the following books or view the older estimates below.

Roofing - Flashings - Chimneys

Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles $1.25 - $2 / sq. ft.
Strip and re-shingle with conventional shingles $2 - $3 / sq. ft
Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles $5 - $7 per sq. ft.
Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof $4 - $6 / sq. ft.
Strip and replace single-ply membrane $4 - 6 / sq. ft.
Reflash typical chimney $300 - $500
Reflash typical skylight $300 - $500
Rebuild typical chimney above roof line $100-$200 / lin. ft.
Repoint typical chimney above roof line $20-$30 / row
Exterior Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts $3 - $5 / lin. ft.
Soffits - Fascias - Repointing - Water Proofing Back to the top of the page
Install aluminum soffits and fascia $8 - $12 / lin. ft
Install aluminum or vinyl siding $3 - $4.50 / sq. ft.
Repoint exterior wall (soft mortar) $3 - 4.50 / sq. ft
Repoint exterior wall (hard mortar) $6 - $8 / sq. ft.
Parge foundation walls $3 - $4 / sq. ft.
Damp proof foundation walls and install weeping tile $60-$120 / lin. ft.
Garages - Decks - Retaining Walls - Foundation Back to the top of the page
Install a deck $12- $20 / sq. ft.
Rebuild exterior basement stairwell $3500 - $5000
Build detached garage(single) $8000 and up
Build detached garage (double) $12000 and up
Build retaining wall (wood) $20 - $25 /sq. ft.
Build retaining wall (concrete) $30 - $40 / sq. ft.
Structure Underpin one corner of house $3500 and up
Underpin or add foundations $300 + /lin. ft.
Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings $150-$300 / lin. ft.
Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete $60 and up/ lin. ft.
Install basement support post with proper foundation $200 - $400
Perform chemical treatment for termites $500 and up
Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation $400 - $800
Electric Repairs - Upgrades Back to the top of the page
Electrical Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps $1200-1800
Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps $1500 - $2000
Install new circuit breaker panel $500 - $700
Add 120 volt circuit $150 - $250
Add 240 volt circuit $250 - $350
Add conventional receptacle $75 - $150
Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault circuit receptacle $60 - $90
Rewire electrical outlet with reversed polarity
(assuming electrician already there)
$5 - $10 ea.
Install conventional alarm system fire- burg $1000 and up
Heating Systems - Air Conditioning Back to the top of the page
Heating install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace $1700 - $2500
Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace $2500 - $3500
Install drum-type humidifier $200 - $300
Install electronic air filter $500 - $800
Install mid-efficiency boiler $2500 - $4000
Install high-efficiency boiler $5000 - $9000
Rebuild firepot (refractory) on boiler $500 - $800
Install circulating pump $400 - $600
Install chimney liner $300 - $700
Install set-back thermostat $100 - $300
Remove oil tank from basement $200 - $400
Remove abandoned underground oil tank $3500 and up
Replace radiator valve $75 - $150
Add electric baseboard heater $150 - $250
Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (cape) $8000 - $10000
Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two story) $15000 - $20000
Clean ductwork $250 and up
Cooling/Heat Pumps Add central air conditioning on existing forced-air system $2000-$3000
Add heat pump to forced-air system $3000-$4000
Replace heat pump or air conditioning compressor $800 - $1400
Install independent air conditioning system $8000 - $15000
Insulation Back to the top of the page
Insulation Insulate open attic to modern standards $1 - $1.50 / sq. ft.
Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity $2 - $3.50 /sq. ft.
Improve attic ventilation $40 - $50 per vent
Plumbing Back to the top of the page
Plumbing Replace galvanized piping with copper (2 story with one bathroom) $2000 - $2500
Replace water line to house $1500 - $3500
Replace toilet $300 and up
Replace basin $200 and up
Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile $1500 and up
Install whirlpool bath $3000 and up
Retile bathtub enclosure $800 - $1200
Replace leaking shower stall pan $1000 - $1600
Rebuild tile shower stall $1500 - $2500
Replace laundry tubs $250 - $500
Remodel four-piece bathroom completely $6000 and up
Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers $3000 and up
Install submersible pump $800 and up
Install suction or jet pump $400 - $600
Install modest basement bathroom $4000 and up
Carpentry - Finish Work Back to the top of the page
Sand and refinish hardwood floors $1.50 - $3 /sq. ft.
Interior add drywall over plaster $1.50-$2.50 /sq. ft
Install replacement windows $200 - $400 ea
Install storm windows $75 - $200 ea.
Install skylight $500 and up
Remodel kitchen completely $8000 and up
Painting (trim only) $1500 - $2500
Painting (trim and wall surfaces) $3000 and up
Fireplaces - Stoves Back to the top of the page
Repoint chimney (2 story) $700 and up
Convert coal-burning fireplace to wood-burning unit $800 and up
Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed - in ) $2000 and up
Install zero-clearance fireplace (including chimney) $2500 and up
Install glass doors on fireplace $300 and up
Install gas Insert into existing fireplace $2500 and up
For an, Up To Date cost of repair guide we recommend one of the following books.

"Home Repair" - Google News

"Home Repair" - Google News

Google News


07/28/2010 04:04 AM
Got flood damage? Watch out for home repair scams - Chicago Sun-Times


Got flood damage? Watch out for home repair scams
Chicago Sun-Times
Illinois law requires a written contract listing all costs for home repair or remodeling work over $1000. • Be wary of contractors who demand full payment ...

and more »

07/29/2010 12:01 AM
Got flood damage? Watch out for home repair scams - The Courier News


Got flood damage? Watch out for home repair scams
The Courier News
Illinois law requires a written contract listing all costs for home repair or remodeling work over $1000. • Be wary of contractors who demand full payment ...

and more »

07/28/2010 06:23 PM
Chemung seniors can apply for home repair grants - Elmira Star-Gazette


Chemung seniors can apply for home repair grants
Elmira Star-Gazette
Community Progress Inc. has emergency housing repair funds available for Chemung County senior homeowners, outside of the city of Elmira, who are age 60 or ...

and more »

07/28/2010 05:04 PM
Home Repair With Roger Faris - KUOW NPR


KUOW NPR

Home Repair With Roger Faris
KUOW NPR
When it comes to home repair, there can be unexpected complications. How do you finish roofing a house when it's pouring rain? How can you safely paint your ...


07/29/2010 09:42 AM
Good Neighbors work camp has volunteers sweating - southern chester county weeklies


Good Neighbors work camp has volunteers sweating
southern chester county weeklies
... at the pool and playing xBox to help a group of growing volunteers for Good Neighbors Home Repair Ministry patch up houses in desperate need of work. ...

and more »

07/28/2010 05:00 PM
"Honey-Do" Home Repair Program - KOLO


"Honey-Do" Home Repair Program
KOLO
CARSON CITY, NV - Carson City Resident Christina Slade can get in and out of her side gate a lot easier these days. But a little less than a year ago, ...


07/28/2010 07:50 AM
Grant will help repair homes of low-income residents - Hamilton Journal News (subscription)


Grant will help repair homes of low-income residents
Hamilton Journal News (subscription)
HAMILTON — People Working Cooperatively, a local nonprofit organization that provides critical home repair to help residents stay safely in their homes, ...

and more »

07/27/2010 09:22 AM
ETCOG seeks funding to repair homes of elderly - News-Journal.com


ETCOG seeks funding to repair homes of elderly
News-Journal.com
A Dallas-based home repair program has dissolved, forcing nearly five dozen East Texas elderly homeowners to wait indefinitely for assistance. ...
57 low-income elders left hanging by program closureKilgore News Herald

all 2 news articles »

07/26/2010 05:45 PM
City Warns Flood Victims of Home Repair Scams - MyFox Chicago


City Warns Flood Victims of Home Repair Scams
MyFox Chicago
Chicago - Chicago is warning flood victims to watch out for fraudulent home repair companies that may try to prey upon residents affected by severe weekend ...

and more »

07/29/2010 05:15 PM
Senior Connections Welcomes New Board and Staff Members - Citybizlist (press release)


Senior Connections Welcomes New Board and Staff Members
Citybizlist (press release)
ATLANTA (July 29, 2010) Today, Debra Furtado, CEO of Senior Connections, the nonprofit agency that provides Meals on Wheels, home repair, in-home care and ...


"Home Maintenance" - Google News

"Home Maintenance" - Google News

Google News


07/30/2010 12:12 AM
Extension workshop will discuss home maintenance - East Dubuque Register


Extension workshop will discuss home maintenance
East Dubuque Register
With the recent events in our economy, it is more important than ever to take care of your biggest investment - your home. University of Illinois Extension ...


07/29/2010 12:26 PM
Applications sought for Habitat for Humanity home ownership in White County - Carmi Times


Applications sought for Habitat for Humanity home ownership in White County
Carmi Times
... their own home or help other families build theirs; and attend home ownership classes to learn skills in home maintenance and financial management. ...

and more »

07/29/2010 07:31 AM
Home and garden news and notes - Kansas City Star


Home and garden news and notes
Kansas City Star
(Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries ...

and more »

07/27/2010 02:49 PM
Council nixes property maintenance code change - Tri-Town News


Council nixes property maintenance code change
Tri-Town News
The purpose of the home maintenance sections are to maintain public health, safety and welfare, according to the ordinance, but several council members were ...


07/29/2010 08:04 AM
The 'Eyes' Have It: Look Three Ways to Prepare for Severe-Weather Events - Insurance News Net (press release)


The 'Eyes' Have It: Look Three Ways to Prepare for Severe-Weather Events
Insurance News Net (press release)
“These tips are useful not only in preparing for severe weather, but also for general home maintenance between seasons,” said Wilcox. ...

and more »

07/29/2010 02:17 AM
Loudoun County news in brief - Washington Post


Loudoun County news in brief
Washington Post
The quarterly seminars, which will be administered by the Department of Family Services, will cover subjects such as budgeting, home maintenance, ...


07/19/2010 11:27 PM
Basic Home Maintenance course offered in Asheville - Asheville Citizen-Times


Basic Home Maintenance course offered in Asheville
Asheville Citizen-Times
The Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center is offering a five-series Basic Home Maintenance Course from 5:30-7:30 pm Mondays August 2-30. ...

and more »

07/26/2010 08:02 PM
20 quick maintenance chores - AZ Central.com


20 quick maintenance chores
AZ Central.com
26, 2010 05:36 PM Not every home-maintenance chore takes a lot of time and money. Here are 20 worthwhile tasks that will take you 20 minutes or less and ...

and more »

07/29/2010 06:45 PM
Burnie Brae helps pensioners - Northside Chronicle


Northside Chronicle

Burnie Brae helps pensioners
Northside Chronicle
Burnie Brae home maintenance co-ordinator Bruce McCaig said it was the perfect time to check the condition of appliances, all for a fraction of the normally ...


07/29/2010 02:03 AM
Philip's 'Phixers' repair, teach how to get things done - Arizona Daily Star


Philip's 'Phixers' repair, teach how to get things done
Arizona Daily Star
They also host Phixers Phorums, free monthly workshops on general home-maintenance topics held at 12:30 pm the fourth Sunday of each month at St. Philip's, ...


Electrical OR Plumbing OR Roof OR HVAC OR Fireplace OR Chimney location:usa - Google News

Electrical OR Plumbing OR Roof OR HVAC OR Fireplace OR Chimney location:usa - Google News

Google News


07/29/2010 09:23 PM
NFL raising the roof on noise meter at stadiums this season - USA Today


NFL raising the roof on noise meter at stadiums this season
USA Today
and "Raise the Roof!" while the visiting team's call plays. Clubs must cease when the play clock hits 15 seconds. As before, fans can't use noisemakers (no ...


07/29/2010 10:05 PM
Brooklyn Plumber Is Killed at Home - Wall Street Journal


New York Daily News

Brooklyn Plumber Is Killed at Home
Wall Street Journal
A 60-year-old man who owned a plumbing business was shot and killed Thursday by at least two men who forced their ...
Beloved Brooklyn grandfather shot dead in Canarsie home by two thugs in ...New York Daily News

all 7 news articles »

07/29/2010 07:32 PM
Marion County Miner Killed In Roof Fall - West Virginia MetroNews


RTT News

Marion County Miner Killed In Roof Fall
West Virginia MetroNews
A coal miner is dead following a Thursday morning roof fall at Consolidation Coal's Loveridge Mine near Fairview in Marion County. ...
More bad news: Another W.Va. coal miner killedCharleston Gazette (blog)
Miner fatally injured at Consol Energy's Loveridge MineWest Virginia Public Broadcasting
Miner killed in accident at mineHuntington Herald Dispatch

all 264 news articles »

07/29/2010 07:42 PM
Electrical fire displaces two people from Forest Grove home - OregonLive.com


Electrical fire displaces two people from Forest Grove home
OregonLive.com
"It appears to be electrical at this time," Johnston said. Initial reports just before 1 pm Thursday described smoke coming out of the roof of a home on Sky ...

and more »

07/30/2010 12:15 AM
Wet streaks on the roof could be algae taking root - The Detroit News


Wet streaks on the roof could be algae taking root
The Detroit News
Drive through any neighborhood and you are likely to see homes with dark roof streaks. From a distance it looks like the roof shingles are wet, ...


07/29/2010 01:03 PM
Pr. Geo's house fire after return of power - Washington Post (blog)


Pr. Geo's house fire after return of power
Washington Post (blog)
Prince George's Fire and EMS are warning residents who may still be without power following Sunday's thunderstorms to unplug all electrical power following ...
House Fire Starts After Power RestoredNBC Washington

all 3 news articles »

07/29/2010 11:16 PM
Haymarket Theatre, businesses below flooded after roof buckles - Lincoln Journal Star


Haymarket Theatre, businesses below flooded after roof buckles
Lincoln Journal Star
Lincoln fire fighters raise a ladder to the roof of 801 Q Street to inspect damage at the Haymarket Theatre on Thursday, July 29, 2010. ...

and more »

07/29/2010 10:11 AM
NJR Clean Energy Ventures and CertainTeed Corporation Announce New Rooftop ... - MarketWatch (press release)


CNET

NJR Clean Energy Ventures and CertainTeed Corporation Announce New Rooftop ...
MarketWatch (press release)
NJRCEV will lease more than 300000 square feet of roof space from CertainTeed for a period of 20 years and has entered into a concurrent Power Purchase ...
NJR Resources signs solar deal with Saint-Gobain subsidiary CertainTeedThe Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Rep. Inslee Proposes Shared Fee on Electric Bills for Clean EnergySolveClimate (blog)
Companies, schools are seeing the light and going solar for energyNorthJersey.com
Washington City Paper (blog)
all 79 news articles »

07/29/2010 04:34 PM
A $3M Clinton wedding? Not out of the question - WYTV


The Guardian (blog)

A $3M Clinton wedding? Not out of the question
WYTV
Hillary Rodham Clinton at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 11 Electrical Training Institute on January 11, 2008 in the City ...
Clinton Vineyards for a Clinton WeddingWine Spectator

all 2,813 news articles »

07/29/2010 07:26 PM
The fire burned a hole in the roof, but didn't appear to spread to the rest of ... - KDKA


The fire burned a hole in the roof, but didn't appear to spread to the rest of ...
KDKA
"My parents and I went outside cause we actually thought it was in our yard, and we looked up the hill and saw the roof on fire. ...
Lightning Strike Leaves Hole In Roof Of Marshall Township HomeWTAE Pittsburgh
House fire remains under investigationistockAnalyst.com (press release)

all 4 news articles »

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InspectionNews - Home Inspection

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07/29/2010 01:42 PM
high efficiency furnace venting thru chimney

I recently purchased a house with a Carrier WeatherMaker 9200 Ultra Efficient furnace. Both the exhaust and air intake pvc pipes run together up the same chimney flue. I have multiple questions about this arrangement and changes I'd like to make. -I've been told that my wood burning fireplace, using the same chimney but different flue, is not to be used because of the furnace venting (assuming that comment refers to the possiblity of the intake sucking in smoke/etc from the burning fireplace?) -With that in mind, I'd like to remove the air intake pvc pipe and simply allow the furnace to draw it's air intake from the basement. The furnace shares an approximately 12x15 room with an older water heater that vents with galvanized pipe thru a third flue in the chimney. The only other itmes in the room are the gas meter and the water meter. This room also has a louvered door leading to the rest of the basement. Would this be an acceptable solution? -Is it safe/correct to have just the exhaust left in the chimeny and use my wood burning fireplace? Also, is it possible to download from somewhere the installation instructions for my Carrier furnace? So far, all I've found is owner's manuals.

07/29/2010 10:23 AM
Thanks

I wanted to thank everyone for all the useful info and help. I post a lot of questions and the responses save a ton of time and are very helpful. Thanks Mat

07/28/2010 02:31 PM
Deck structure questions

I often see 4x4 deck supports and almost always when they are tall supports, they are twisted. Is this acceptable or are 6x6 posts required? Also, I often see undersized joist hangers. The hangers should be the same size as the joist correct?

07/28/2010 10:38 AM
Working w/concrete

Florida location: Never done any concrete work but have done everything else. I'll be building footers and block piers for a stilt home. My Question is: is it feasible to use a small mixer and buy mortar mix in bags for setting block and also using bags for footers (for piers). For footers, what PSI is required. I will not have any help with this and was wondering if I could save money by doing this stage w/o the use of a contractor. Thanks, Mark

07/28/2010 09:37 AM
Help

[ATTACH]18967

07/28/2010 05:01 AM
Newbie

Hi from Auckland, New Zealand

07/27/2010 11:20 PM
Power for AC condensers

150 amp service and the AC condensers were installed in 03. There are fuses in the disconnect. The feeders have been tapped then spliced. Could not find specific literature in the IRC. Jerry any thoughts;) No tape this time.

07/27/2010 09:00 PM
Wood frame for Mobile Home Skirting

Hello. I just inspected my first mobile home and it had untreated 2x2 wood supporting the vinyl skirting around the exterior. Along the bottom of the skirting courses, the wood was in contact with the (commonly wet) ground. How common is this? Should I recommend it be replaced to reduce conditions conducive to WDO's? Thanks.

07/27/2010 08:16 PM
Discolored Pex

Has anyone seen this before? The Pex was only discolored (blueish) in this area. It's the cold running to the water heater and partially out to the house. The Pex further down the line and back towards the main water line were not discolored. It's Uponor AquaPEX tubing. It's a new construction home, so the plumbing is months old.

07/27/2010 07:44 PM
Are we more conflicted than the other guys?

Guys, What about the way the standards of practice and the laws prohibit an inspector from performing any repairs on the homes that they previously inspected. This language was inserted into the standards of practice and state law in order to prevent conflicts of interests for home inspectors. I submit this short sighted concept was inserted into the industry back in the mid 1970’s to give the industry an image of professionalism, but this ill conceived idea changed the nature of competitive business practice and ultimately boxed us into the discussion of unfair competition in the previous thread. It is interesting to note that while pest inspectors and appraisers work for the loan companies so they are not considered conflicted. On the other hand, home inspectors, who prepare the only purchase document specifically designed to benefit the client are considered conflicted. Accordingly we are prohibited from performing any repairs on the home. (Maybe the National Association of Realtors does not want us to have too much influence on the purchase transaction?) Who else would be more qualified to identify and repair negative conditions in a home? Allowing home inspectors to repair the homes they inspect would change the nature of the business and allow a chance to make some commensurate money. This makes sense for the industry. I understand that at this late date changing this restriction would be impossible, but understanding its impact on the industry is important if we are to understand how it changes the nature of the industry. What do you think? What other industry has similar restrictions? Brad Deal 20/20 Home Inspections

07/27/2010 06:52 PM
Moisture, Mold?

Hey Everyone! I'm doing my roofing module in school right now and was doing a field exercise and was inspecting a roof. I was in the attic looking at the underside and noticed some staining and possibly some mold not sure. So I've included some photos. Can you guys give me some feed back? I'd really appreciate it. Wondering what the pros think. Thanks!

07/27/2010 02:39 PM
Pvc for dmv drain pipe in Chicago

Sorry if this has been answered before. I have been searching. I was under the impression that in Chicago, they only allowed for pvc in residential use, 3 stories or less, and that copper, galvanized, and cast iron had to be used above grade and only cast iron below grade for non-residential use. I just came across a post on the web stating that pvc can now be used for ALL drain above and below grade, but cast iron still must be used under ground. Hopefully a licensed plumber can confirm this? Is this a recent code change(when?) and does it in fact apply to commercial properties? The plumbing union has had strong clout in Chicago and has been against pvc vs other cities, mostly due to the ease of use, less cost, and loss of business, so I am surprised if this is true. I was about to pay a very steep price to replace a very long run of drain cast iron pipes that run above basement ground, so I am praying this is true! Thanks!!!

07/27/2010 12:42 PM
ceiling access surprise

The tub trap was too low for the drywall, so they left it open and put one of those spring loaded access covers on it. Pretty lame, but there was no other access for the tub plumbing, so I guess it serves some purpose. Actually, as far as the inspection goes, you can see what other purpose it served.

07/27/2010 11:59 AM
No access to a double wide crawl space

Just finished the physical inspection of my first "double wide". All went well except when I tryed to get to the crawl space. There is a vinyl skirt with no visible access point. Much of the skirt was covered by plantings ( a lot of good looking roses with lots of thorns). I was ably to see through the plantings to the skirt and I am pretty sure the only way in is to "pop" one or two of the skirt sections. The home is 10 years old (per the Data plate) and I was afraid the sections of skirt might crack and break if I tried. Shall I report "access restricted" and suggest a professional installed inspect the crawl space or have I missed something and need to go back out there?

07/27/2010 11:34 AM
Should this area be flashed?

Hello all, In this case what is the proper way to finish this area to protect the framing & sheathing from the elements? As a home inspector do you simply recommend it be repaired or (if you know) do you suggest the proper repair? *Thank you all* :) mk

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