The honest numbers
Home repair cost guides for 2026
Real price ranges, no bait pricing. Every figure in these guides is computed from the same estimator engine that powers your instant quote, so a guide and your estimate never disagree.
Trade cost guides
How Much Does a Handyman Cost? (2026)
In 2026, a handyman charges about $50–$125 per hour, blended to roughly $75 nationally, usually with a one- to two-hour minimum service charge. Most small jobs — a drywall patch, a sticking door, a TV mount, flat-pack assembly — run $150–$600, while a half- to full-day punch-list runs $500–$2,000. Many handymen quote small jobs as a flat rate rather than hourly. The biggest levers on your bill are how many tasks you bundle into one visit (spreading the trip minimum), your local labor rate, and whether the work needs a licensed trade instead.
How Much Does a Plumber Cost? (2026)
In 2026, a plumber charges about $75–$150 per hour plus a service-call fee that often covers the first hour. Simple repairs — a leak, a faucet, a running toilet — typically run $150–$500. Bigger jobs are priced by the job, not the hour: a water-heater replacement runs $1,200–$2,500, and drain or sewer work ranges from a $150 clearing to thousands for a line repair. Emergency and after-hours service carries a premium. The main levers on your bill are whether it's a repair or a replacement, the fixture quality, and how accessible the problem is.
HVAC Replacement & Repair Cost (2026)
In 2026, HVAC repairs typically run $150–$700 for common faults, while a full system replacement runs $5,000–$15,000 installed, driven mostly by home size (tonnage) and efficiency (SEER2). A ductless mini-split runs $2,000–$6,000 per zone, and a seasonal tune-up is $75–$200. The repair-versus-replace decision usually turns on age: a fix on a unit under 10 years old is worth it, while an older unit needing a compressor or coil often points to replacement. Home size, efficiency tier, and ductwork condition are the biggest levers on a replacement.
How Much Does an Electrician Cost? (2026)
In 2026, an electrician charges about $50–$130 per hour, usually with a service-call minimum, or a flat rate by job. Small jobs like adding an outlet or switch run $150–$400; installing lighting runs $150–$900; an EV charger runs $500–$1,600; and a panel upgrade to 200-amp service runs $1,300–$3,000. Anything beyond swapping a fixture or device — new circuits, panels, EV chargers, rewiring — needs a permit and a licensed electrician, not a handyman. The biggest levers are whether new wiring must be run, panel capacity, and permit and inspection requirements.
Project cost guides
Roof Replacement Cost (2026)
In 2026, a typical asphalt-shingle roof replacement runs about $9,000–$16,000, driven by roof size (measured in squares of 100 square feet), pitch, and material. Architectural asphalt is the mainstream choice; 3-tab is cheaper, while standing-seam metal runs well above asphalt and tile or slate higher still. A planned roof repair runs $400–$1,800, and an inspection $150–$400. Note the lane split: this guide covers planned, out-of-pocket roofing — storm, hail, and insurance-claim roofing is a specialist job handled by StormRepairPro, which manages emergency tarping and the adjuster process.
Water Heater Replacement Cost (2026)
In 2026, replacing a standard tank water heater runs about $1,200–$2,500 installed, including the unit, labor, and any code upgrades. A tankless upgrade costs more up front but delivers endless hot water, uses less energy, and lasts 20+ years versus 10–12 for a tank. Fuel type (gas or electric), tank size, difficult placement, and required upgrades like an expansion tank move the number. Repairs to a newer tank — a thermostat, element, or valve — are far cheaper, but past 10–12 years or with a leaking tank, replacement is the smarter spend.
Kitchen Remodel Cost (2026)
In 2026, a kitchen remodel ranges enormously by size and finish tier: a minor refresh can start near $12,000, a mid-range remodel runs into the tens of thousands, and a major or luxury remodel exceeds $50,000. Cabinetry is usually the single largest line, followed by countertops and appliances. The two biggest ways to control cost are keeping the existing layout (so plumbing and electrical don't move) and choosing semi-custom over fully custom cabinets. Kitchens are among the highest-return remodels, so a well-chosen mid-range update often recovers a strong share of its cost at resale.
Bathroom Remodel Cost (2026)
In 2026, a bathroom remodel typically runs $8,000–$25,000, with primary baths and high-end tile and fixtures reaching higher. Bathrooms cost more per square foot than almost any room because plumbing, waterproofing, tile, electrical, ventilation, and fixtures are packed into a small space. The biggest cost drivers are moving the plumbing, converting a tub to a curbless shower, and the tile and fixture tier. Keeping the existing layout and choosing mid-range finishes keeps a remodel toward the lower end without looking cheap.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost (2026)
In 2026, upgrading an electrical panel to modern 200-amp service runs about $1,300–$3,000, and more if the meter base and service entrance also need replacing. The cost climbs with the target amperage, an old or recalled panel brand, and utility coordination to pull the meter. A panel upgrade always requires a permit and inspection and must be done by a licensed electrician — it's not handyman work. Common triggers are adding an EV charger, heat pump, or addition, a fuse box or 100-amp panel that's maxed out, a recalled panel brand, or frequent breaker trips.
Deck Building Cost (2026)
In 2026, a new deck typically runs $4,000–$12,000, set mainly by size and material. Pressure-treated wood is the budget option; cedar costs more; composite (like Trex) costs the most up front but needs almost no maintenance and often wins on total cost over 15+ years. Railings, stairs, height off the ground, footings, and built-in features add to the base. Anything attached to the house or above a certain height usually needs a permit, which ensures proper footings and ledger attachment — the two most common failure points in a poorly built deck.
Siding Installation Cost (2026)
In 2026, new siding runs about $8,000–$20,000 installed on an average home, driven by wall area and material. Vinyl is the budget, low-maintenance choice; engineered wood splits the difference; fiber-cement (like Hardie) is more durable and fire-resistant but costs more and is heavier to install. Removing old siding, repairing any sheathing rot found underneath, and adding a weather-resistant barrier and insulation add to the base. Siding is your home's weather shell, so proper flashing and installation matter as much as the material for real-world lifespan.
House Cleaning Cost (2026)
In 2026, a one-time deep house cleaning runs about $200–$500 depending on home size and condition, while recurring standard cleans run $120–$250 per visit and cost less per visit than a one-time deep clean. Move-out and first-time deep cleans sit at the top because of built-up grime. Home size and number of bathrooms are the main drivers, with add-ons like inside the oven, fridge, windows, and baseboards raising the price. A recurring plan keeps the home cleaner, so each visit is faster and cheaper than paying for repeated one-time deep cleans.
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