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


09/03/2010 12:15 AM
Home-repair fraud trial delayed - SunHerald.com


Home-repair fraud trial delayed
SunHerald.com
GULFPORT — A man convicted of home-repair fraud in state court may go on trial in federal court this fall on ...
Contractor indicted in wire fraud caseSunHerald.com

all 6 news articles »

09/01/2010 11:17 PM
September is a good time for home-repair and maintenance projects - Washington Post


Washington Post

September is a good time for home-repair and maintenance projects
Washington Post
With summer vacations behind us and cold weather not expected for a while, September is a great month for investing energy in home-repair ...


09/02/2010 11:16 PM
Funding goes quickly for home repair programs - Albany Herald On-line


Funding goes quickly for home repair programs
Albany Herald On-line
ALBANY — Community development officials with the city say they likely won't accept any more applicants for two popular home repair programs after demand ...


09/03/2010 09:06 AM
Not flushed with pride over repair project - istockAnalyst.com (press release)


Not flushed with pride over repair project
istockAnalyst.com (press release)
Successful home repair projects can be incredibly satisfying, especially if they are a little tricky, require a few tools and, best of all, are somewhat ...


09/02/2010 10:22 AM
FEMA: FEMA Teams Offer Home Repair Advice To Rio Grande City Residents - 7thSpace Interactive (press release)


FEMA: FEMA Teams Offer Home Repair Advice To Rio Grande City Residents
7thSpace Interactive (press release)
LAREDO, Texas -- Teams of hazard mitigation specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are available at McCoy's Home Center in Rio ...


08/26/2010 09:37 PM
Home repair company in Madigan's crosshairs - Legal News Line


Opposing Views

Home repair company in Madigan's crosshairs
Legal News Line
The lawsuit alleges that, as a result of this, Peters violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Home Repair ...
AG files suit against contractorMt. Vernon Register-News

all 26 news articles »

08/31/2010 04:56 PM
Scouts learn home repair skills - Katy Times


Scouts learn home repair skills
Katy Times
Professionals from local businesses provided time, talent and supplies to help the scouts meet requirements for their Woodworking Merit Badge, Home Repair ...


09/02/2010 02:14 PM
Woman, who lived with dead mom for 14 months, trying to save home - Naples Daily News


Woman, who lived with dead mom for 14 months, trying to save home
Naples Daily News
She'd cut her ankle doing a home repair and it got infected. For a year, the neighbors who took her in picked up her groceries after Publix employees bagged ...

and more »

09/03/2010 03:20 PM
Text campaign to help DeKalb senior group - Atlanta Journal Constitution


Text campaign to help DeKalb senior group
Atlanta Journal Constitution
... “GRAND,” to 20222, the agency will get a $10 donation toward its meal delivery program, in-home care assistance and home repair program. ...


08/29/2010 11:17 PM
Call 4 Action - Home Repair Gone Wrong - KGBT-TV


Call 4 Action - Home Repair Gone Wrong
KGBT-TV
When Anita Resendez's home needed some improvements she turned to Martin Netro Builder's in Rio Hondo, but instead of good work they've ...

and more »

"Home Maintenance" - Google News

"Home Maintenance" - Google News

Google News


09/03/2010 02:16 AM
Energy efficiency, maintenance enhance a home's value - The Tennessean


Energy efficiency, maintenance enhance a home's value
The Tennessean
You also should consider creating a list of regular home maintenance tasks. Regular cleaning and maintenance also are beneficial to your health when it ...


09/03/2010 03:44 PM
Home Depot finds growth in small projects - Atlanta Journal Constitution


Home Depot finds growth in small projects
Atlanta Journal Constitution
He expects even more marketing campaigns tied to low prices and increased transaction numbers as people who had deferred doing home maintenance start to ...


09/02/2010 08:15 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 »

09/03/2010 03:07 AM
St. Louis Deck Cleaning Technician with Deck Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter - Emailwire (press release) (blog)


St. Louis Deck Cleaning Technician with Deck Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter
Emailwire (press release) (blog)
Unfortunately, many people are so busy that they tend to put off certain seasonal home maintenance tasks. According to Jeff Alley, deck maintenance should ...

and more »

08/31/2010 10:13 AM
Considering Buying a Home? It's not for Everyone - Credit Loan (blog)


Considering Buying a Home? It's not for Everyone
Credit Loan (blog)
Ignoring the cost of your time, home maintenance typically costs around $3000 per year. TAXES AND INSURANCE: In addition, you also have to consider the cost ...


09/03/2010 02:35 AM
How to Become a Home Inspector Free Information Available from Accurate ... - PR Web (press release)


How to Become a Home Inspector Free Information Available from Accurate ...
PR Web (press release)
He is the author of dozens of articles on home inspection, home maintenance and home repair. Currently, Accurate Inspections, Inc 56 Woodland Drive, ...

and more »

08/31/2010 09:34 AM
Home improvements: installing a power shower - Telegraph.co.uk


Telegraph.co.uk

Home improvements: installing a power shower
Telegraph.co.uk
Jeff Howell gives on-the-level advice and answers your home maintenance questions. This week: installing a power shower. By Jeff Howell Q My wife would love ...


08/31/2010 07:20 AM
How to Safely Clean Gutters - lonad News


How to Safely Clean Gutters
lonad News
Cleaning a gutter is considered as the worst area of home maintenance. Luckily, with the help of GutterBrush guards you do not need to clean it on a regular ...


08/26/2010 11:18 AM
Negotiate a home exchange for your vacation - CNNMoney


Negotiate a home exchange for your vacation
CNNMoney
Additionally, include expectations for home maintenance or car maintenance that may be necessary during the stay. 3. Be a host even when you are not home. ...

and more »

08/30/2010 03:16 AM
For elderly at home, it takes a 'village' - Columbus Dispatch


Columbus Dispatch

For elderly at home, it takes a 'village'
Columbus Dispatch
... concept: a bottom-up, buddy-system-style community that gives them access to reduced-cost visiting nurses, home maintenance and other services. ...
Ohio home care community makes independent living easierRetirementHomes.com

all 2 news articles »

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


09/03/2010 09:41 PM
Open Question at the Open: Roof? - Wall Street Journal


Open Question at the Open: Roof?
Wall Street Journal
Among the items under discussion, she said, are "various roof concepts." Ms. Garvin said pursuing any of the concepts would be complicated "both ...

and more »

09/03/2010 09:55 AM
Memo to the Jones's: Open the Roof - Fort Worth Star Telegram (blog)


Memo to the Jones's: Open the Roof
Fort Worth Star Telegram (blog)
TCU coach Gary Patterson has expressed an interest in opening the roof. He probably wouldn't mind the Oregon State players enjoying the Texas humidity, ...

and more »

09/03/2010 03:56 PM
U.S. Open: Ryan Harrison (almost) gives tourney huge jolt - Los Angeles Times (blog)


U.S. Open: Ryan Harrison (almost) gives tourney huge jolt
Los Angeles Times (blog)
And the only thing that kept the roof from coming off the place (wait, no roof here) was the final shot. It was a huge serve and big overhead from the ...

and more »

09/03/2010 05:02 PM
Fireman extinguish noon-hour blaze on Burger King's roof - Kansas City Star


Fireman extinguish noon-hour blaze on Burger King's roof
Kansas City Star
The Overland Park Fire Department was called to a Burger King shortly after 12:30 pm today after smoke was spotted coming from the roof. ...


09/03/2010 11:14 AM
Kia Issues Recalls on 2010 Soul, 2011 Sorento for Electrical System Wiring - TruckTrend Magazine


CBC.ca

Kia Issues Recalls on 2010 Soul, 2011 Sorento for Electrical System Wiring
TruckTrend Magazine
Under certain conditions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says, an electrical short could lead to a fire. The fix: Kia dealers will ...
More fire: Kia recalls Soul, Sorento for electrical shortBoston Globe
Kia to issue recall on 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorento over electrical problemsTop Speed (blog)
Kia recalls select Soul, Sorento modelsPacific Business News
World Correspondents (blog) -AutoLoanDaily.com
all 362 news articles »

09/03/2010 04:55 PM
Man suffers serious injury after fall from Cape Girardeau roof - Southeast Missourian


Man suffers serious injury after fall from Cape Girardeau roof
Southeast Missourian
A Cape Girardeau man suffered serious injuries Thursday night when he fell off the roof of a two-story house in the 100 block of North Park Avenue, ...

and more »

09/03/2010 03:42 PM
Overland Park Roof Repair Launches New Website - Kansas City Star


Overland Park Roof Repair Launches New Website
Kansas City Star
Overland Park Roof Repair recently launched a new website at www.OverlandParkRoofRepair.com for homeowners in need of wood shake roof repair services in ...


09/03/2010 03:52 PM
Hurricane Earl takes aim at Amtrak - Baltimore Sun (blog)


Providence Eyewitness News

Hurricane Earl takes aim at Amtrak
Baltimore Sun (blog)
The rail line had planned to suspend service beginning this afternoon, but a tree fell across electrical lines in New London, Conn., and that was the end of ...
Hurricane Earl Loses Steam, Downgraded to Category 1WNYC

all 13 news articles »

09/03/2010 09:04 PM
Ins and outs of home inspection - Seattle Times


Ins and outs of home inspection
Seattle Times
I'm not aware of codes being enforced in the 1940s, except for plumbing and maybe electrical for health and safety. In Indiana, building codes, ...

and more »

09/03/2010 09:37 PM
Plane Slams Into Home Near Aurora Airport - KPTV Portland


KATU

Plane Slams Into Home Near Aurora Airport
KPTV Portland
A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings at the Aurora Airport smashed into the roof of a nearby home in a crash that seriously injured him but left the ...
Plane crashes into Aurora home near airportCanby Herald
Miraculous Survival Story When Plane Crashes750 KXL
Plane Crashes Into House S. of PortlandKTVZ
KPIC -ThePortlander -FOXNews
all 226 news articles »

InspectionNews - Home Inspection

InspectionNews - Home Inspection

InspectionNews.net is the first, the largest and still the BEST independent home inspection resource and message board. InspectionNews has all the home inspection resources you could want.


09/03/2010 05:00 PM
Annual Fire Door Surveys, NFPA 80

Hello, I am new to this forum and want to introduce myself. I have a company that inspects fire doors for compliance with NFPA 80. I would like to have discussions with fellow inspectors about marketing and to introduce a new software we have which is specifically tailored to assist with these inspections, making them faster, more accurate and cheaper for clients while maintaining a profit.

09/03/2010 04:30 PM
Listing Agent Complaints

Hey Guys, I need some advice on how to handle a situation because it has happened several times now and I expect it will happen again. I received a call from the listing agent today on a home I inspected earlier his week and she was very distraught at my inspection report and the amount of repairs I listed on it because she told me the buyers were asking for everything in my report to be repaired and asked me if I meant for that to be the case. I told her no and that I counseled my clients to that effect (it is a 40+ year old home) and also put in my report on many of the items that I recommend new owner fix this, etc. She wants me to call my client and reinforce to them that I don't mean for them to ask for everything in my report to be repaired by the seller. Is that something I should do? Is it our job as inspectors to advise what a client should and should not ask for in the way of repairs? I usually provide what advice I can at the time of the inspection and if they call me, I gladly counsel them again, but I feel like this would be me calling my client and scolding them for their repair list. I thought this was the job of my clients Realtor. I would appreciate any thoughts any of you have on this matter. :confused:

09/03/2010 02:08 PM
New stove on the market- deinitely not testing this one

Here's a new stove concept. I usually test built-in appliances, when I have determined them to be safe first...but I will definitely not be testing this one. YouTube - The William (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBe3SDCcz8&feature=player_embedded) Hope the link works. It's really a remarkable unit.

09/03/2010 01:27 PM
New here, makeing introductions.

Hello all, My name is Dean. From the Metroplex. Presently I'm a graphic designer and look forward to entering into classes a Champions School of Real Estate for a PHI Lic. Now I'm in the "being poor to save money" aspect of the idea. I've done quite a bit of research and have many many ideas. I look forward to interacting with you folks. Take care

09/03/2010 11:34 AM
FEMA post-disaster housing inspectors wanted

*Shaw* (The Shaw Group Inc. (http://www.shawgrp.com/)), a FEMA contractor, is looking for inspectors who have significant experience inspecting damaged housing following FEMA-declared disasters, and are interested in "on-call" opportunities for assignments of varying durations throughout the US. If you are interested, please go to our careers website: https://www1.apply2jobs.com/shawgrp/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showSearchInterface and enter EI7846 in the Requisition Number box.

09/03/2010 11:13 AM
Romex though wall for dishwasher

Is it to code to have Romex though the wall to the dishwasher? I don't know why they just did not use the existing box. Can anyone shed light on this practice and if it is allowable? thanks

09/03/2010 09:15 AM
Laminate Floor inspection in Medicine Hat, Alberta

We have a need for a laminate floor inspection in Medicine Hat, Alberta. No destructive testing involved. We will provide a checklist of what to look for and what questions to ask. A moisture meter is required. The inspection should only take 10-15 minutes. Clear, quality digital pictures are required. If you accept bankcards, we can pay immediately after the inspection. If not, we can pay by check 10-14 days after the completion. Contact Ron Gould (rgould@inspectsolutions.com) at Inspect Solutions, Inc. (888) 854-0946

09/03/2010 09:13 AM
Vinyl Tile Inspection, Beaver, OK 73932

We have a need for a vinyl tile floor inspection in Beaver, OK 73932. No destructive testing involved. We will provide a checklist of what to look for and what questions to ask. A moisture meter is required. If you do not have one, we will send one to you (payment will not be made until we receive the moisture meter back; we will pay the shipping). No destructive testing required. The inspection should only take 10-15 minutes. Clear, quality digital pictures are required. If you accept bankcards, we can pay immediately after the inspection. If not, we can pay by check 10-14 days after the completion. Contact Ron Gould (rgould@inspectsolutions.com) at Inspect Solutions, Inc. (888) 854-0946

09/03/2010 09:11 AM
Vinyl Tile Inspection, Billings, MT

We have a need for a vinyl tile floor inspection in Billings, MT80550. No destructive testing involved. We will provide a checklist of what to look for and what questions to ask. A moisture meter is required. If you do not have one, we will send one to you (payment will not be made until we receive the moisture meter back; we will pay the shipping). No destructive testing required. The inspection should only take 10-15 minutes. Clear, quality digital pictures are required. If you accept bankcards, we can pay immediately after the inspection. If not, we can pay by check 10-14 days after the completion. Contact Ron Gould (rgould@inspectsolutions.com) at Inspect Solutions, Inc. (888) 854-0946

09/02/2010 09:35 PM
Double tapping the doorbell transformer

Guys, Since double tapping the doorbell transformer on a breaker is not allowed ( though it is the only means I see in my area) What would be the accepted means of supplying power to it? I only ask because it came up twice today, and my electrician buddies say it's standard practice and has been for years. I normally do not even mention it. Jim Weyenberg NE. WI.

09/02/2010 08:49 PM
Side by Side Chimneys

I realize that over the roof tops of London in Mary Poppins, you see thousands of chimneys next to each other, but.... How on earth do I write this up? You should know that the masonry fireplace and chimney were original and on the wall that connected the garage to the living room (brick exposed into garage). The garage was converted into living space at some point and they built a brick hearth against the exposed brick of the fireplace/chimney. Upon the hearth, they set a wood burning stove and without bothering to put any angles in the flue, they went straight out to the roof.

09/02/2010 06:37 PM
Little Known Feature of This Board

Want to quote more than one person in your reply without having to do the HTML in the background? A variation to the Quote feature is the Quote+ located next to the Quote button on each post. Click on the Quote+ and it turns red. Now, it's standing by ready to be included with any other quotes you choose to add to your Reply. For instance. I want to address Dom's and Ian's statements, both. Click Dom's Quote+ button and it turns red indicating it will be used. On Ian's last post (or any of his other posts you would like to respond to), click the Quote button and voila, both quotes appear in the reply composition box. Click on as many Quote+'s as you like and they all will be added. That Brian's a smart guy! Don't forget to go back and un-click the Quote+ button or it will include that text in any other replies with Quotes that you add to the thread no matter how far down the line.

09/02/2010 03:57 PM
How do You Insert Multiple Quotes into One Reply

I can quote one reply when responding to a post but I can't figure out how to insert multiple quotes. How do I do this? Thanks!

09/02/2010 03:44 PM
New place to dump condensate

Saw this in 2 year old condo I inspected today. Someone ran the condensate drain into the rough in for the radon system. Got to love this stuff.

09/02/2010 02:57 PM
Why aren't all inspectors inspecting/testing this?

During a discussion on a social media site, the issue was broached why aren't all inspectors inspecting for a specific issue. The poster felt it is simple to test for with relatively inexpensive equipment and provides a good measure of basic safety in the home. The test exceeds most/all SOPs. Other inspectors are not inspecting, operating, or testing for the same things you are. They are spending less time and charging less. But many inspectors don't know what they don't know so don't where to look for information about what they don't know. What are some of the areas that you believe inspectors should be inspecting, testing, or operating that may be outside the SOP but are simple and meaningful tests that you think all or better inspectors should be doing? Example: Are you testing, inspecting, operating AFCI breakers? How do you test, inspect, or operate and why do you think your method it is a valid test? Are there situations that prevent you or you choose not to test, inspect, or operate?

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