How much should this job cost?
Typical 2026 prices for 28 of the jobs people hire local pros for most, adjusted for the size of your job, where you live and how fast you need it. Know the fair range before the first call.
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Typical price for your situation
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What moves the price
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These are typical U.S. price ranges compiled from published 2026 cost guides and contractor pricing. They are a starting point for a fair conversation, not a quote. Prices in your town can be higher or lower. Get at least two written quotes for anything over $1,000.
Typical prices for 28 common home and local services
| Job | Typical U.S. range | Priced | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water heater replacement (tank) | $1,300 – $3,500 | installed | Tank size, gas vs. electric, venting or code upgrades, haul-away of the old tank |
| Clogged drain or sewer line | $150 – $500 | per visit | Where the clog is, whether a camera inspection is needed, after-hours rates |
| Plumber service call (small repair) | $125 – $400 | per visit | Trip fee, hourly vs. flat-rate pricing, parts |
| Central AC replacement | $5,000 – $12,000 | installed | Tonnage, efficiency (SEER2) rating, ductwork condition, brand, rebates available |
| Furnace replacement | $3,000 – $7,500 | installed | Gas vs. electric, efficiency rating, venting changes |
| HVAC tune-up | $90 – $250 | per visit | Season, number of systems, maintenance plan pricing |
| Roof replacement (asphalt shingle) | $8,000 – $20,000 | typical home | Roof size and pitch, layers to tear off, decking repairs, materials grade |
| Roof repair (leak or missing shingles) | $300 – $1,500 | per repair | Access, materials, size of damage, flashing work |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $1,500 – $4,500 | installed | Amperage (100 to 200 amp), utility coordination, permit, wiring fixes |
| Add an outlet or fixture | $150 – $500 | each | Wall access, new circuit needed, distance to the panel |
| Septic tank pumping | $300 – $700 | per pumping | Tank size, how long since last pumping, locating and digging out lids |
| Well pump replacement | $1,200 – $3,500 | installed | Pump type (submersible vs. jet), well depth, pressure tank, wiring |
| Tree removal | $400 – $2,000 | per tree | Height, closeness to the house or lines, stump grinding, haul-away |
| Gutter installation (seamless aluminum) | $1,000 – $3,500 | typical home | Linear feet, stories, downspouts, guards |
| Gutter cleaning | $120 – $300 | per visit | Stories, length, how clogged they are |
| Interior painting (one room) | $400 – $1,200 | per room | Room size, ceilings and trim, wall repairs, paint quality |
| Exterior house painting | $3,500 – $9,000 | typical home | House size, siding condition, prep and scraping, stories |
| Wood privacy fence | $2,500 – $7,500 | about 150 ft | Length, height, wood type, gates, removing old fence |
| Concrete driveway | $4,000 – $12,000 | typical driveway | Size, thickness, removal of old surface, reinforcement |
| House cleaning (standard) | $120 – $280 | per visit | Home size, how often, pets, deep clean vs. regular |
| Carpet cleaning | $120 – $350 | per visit | Rooms, stains and pet treatment, method |
| Lawn mowing | $40 – $90 | per visit | Lot size, frequency, trimming and edging |
| Garage door spring repair | $150 – $400 | per repair | One or two springs, door weight, after-hours |
| Chimney sweep and inspection | $150 – $400 | per visit | Level of inspection, creosote buildup, roof access |
| General pest control (first visit) | $150 – $400 | first visit | Pest type, home size, follow-up plan |
| Junk removal (half truck) | $200 – $450 | per load | Volume, heavy items, disposal fees |
| Appliance repair | $150 – $450 | per repair | Appliance type, part cost, diagnostic fee |
| Handyman (half day) | $200 – $500 | half day | Hourly rate, materials, number of small jobs |
Getting a fair price in a small town
Small towns usually have fewer pros, which can cut both ways. Labor rates are often lower than in a big city, but a pro who has to drive 40 minutes may add a trip fee, and a busy season can push wait times out for weeks. The fairest price usually comes from a local pro with a good reputation who isn't paying a lead site for your phone number, because that cost doesn't get built into your quote.
Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?
Different materials, different scope (one quote includes haul-away and permits, another doesn't), different warranties, and how badly the company wants the job. Compare line by line, not just the total. Our quote checker walks you through it.
Should I just pick the cheapest quote?
Not by default. A quote far below the others often leaves something out or cuts a corner you can't see. Ask what's different. If the answer is vague, that's your answer.
How much deposit is normal?
Many states cap home improvement deposits, often around 10% to one-third of the job. Read how much deposit a contractor should ask for before you pay.
Do emergency calls really cost more?
Usually yes. Nights, weekends and holidays often carry a higher rate or an after-hours fee. If it can safely wait until morning, ask what the regular-hours price would be.