Cost guides
What home repairs actually cost
National ranges with the drivers stated plainly, so you can work out where your situation sits before a contractor tells you a number. An estimate is not a quote — but it is a benchmark.
- Guides
- 8
- Basis
- National averages for standard access and mid-grade materials
- Last reviewed
- September 2026
- Air Conditioner RepairDiagnosing and repairing a residential air conditioning system that is not cooling properly.National range$150–$2,500Most pay$450
- Window ReplacementReplacing residential windows, either as inserts into existing frames or full-frame replacement.National range$450–$2,500Most pay$900
- Water Heater ReplacementReplacing a standard tank water heater with a like-for-like unit, installed and hauled away.National range$900–$3,400Most pay$1,800
- Electrical Panel UpgradeReplacing a main service panel, typically going from 100A to 200A, including service coordination.National range$1,800–$9,000Most pay$3,500
- Sewer Line Repair & ReplacementRepairing or replacing the sewer lateral between a home and the municipal main.National range$1,500–$30,000Most pay$7,000
- Foundation RepairStabilizing or correcting foundation settlement, cracking and water intrusion.National range$2,000–$40,000Most pay$9,000
- HVAC System ReplacementReplacing a residential furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, including installation and startup.National range$4,500–$20,000Most pay$9,500
- Roof ReplacementTearing off and replacing a residential roof, including underlayment, flashing and disposal.National range$8,000–$45,000Most pay$16,000
These are benchmarks, not quotes
Ranges assume straightforward access and standard materials. What actually determines your price is what is found once work begins — failed shutoffs, code upgrades triggered by the work, and access. A contractor who can explain why their number differs from this range is usually the one to hire.
Already have a quote?
Check the price against the typical range for your area and review the terms — scope, permits, warranty, insurance and payment schedule — before you sign anything.
Analyze a quoteNot sure it needs replacing?
Compare the cost per remaining year of a repair against replacement over the new unit’s full expected life. Age changes the answer far more than a percentage rule of thumb does.
Repair or replace