The prices listed here reflect recent price increases in most categories. Many established contractors have been busy making room for newer contractors, which has apparently resulted in a wider range in prices for similar work. Inspectors do not perform repairs and we do not normally provide price estimates in our reports. We have developed this list to serve as a guideline and to provide "ball park" estimates for common items. These costs are for a typical small to medium house in California. Difficult access and other factors could increase cost substantially. It is always best to get a signed bid by a qualified contractor. Get three bids if possible. The lowest bid may not be the least expensive in the long term.

Please email us any suggestions for changes or additions to these cost estimates, especially if you are a contractor or estimator. Also, please include your estimate for a multiplier to adjust these estimates to prices in your area and we will add your information to this page.

Please note: Recent construction cost increases may make some of these prices lower than you will find locally.

 

Exterior	Foundation	Attic Insulation		Roofing
Electrical	Heating/Cooling	Plumbing	Interior	Floors

EXTERIOR

	Wooden deck $25 to $75 per sq. ft.
	Exterior wooden staircases $2,500 to $3,500 per story.
	Wooden fencing $25 to $35 per linear ft.
	Resurface asphalt driveway $3 to $5 per sq. ft.
	Concrete flat work $4 to $6 per sq. ft.
	Build detached garage $100 to $150 per sq. ft.
	Build addition $150 to $350 per sq. ft.
	Build concrete retaining wall $40 to $60 per sq. ft., under 4 feet $100 per linear foot.
	Replace windows $400 to $600 each.
	Paint building exterior $3,500 to $7,000.

FOUNDATION

	Install anchor bolts $1,500 to $3,500.
	Install subarea shear paneling $2,000 to $4,000.
	Extensive seismic retrofit $5,000 to $10,000.
	Install cap on foundation wall $100 to $150 per ft.
	Replace low foundation wall $150 to $250+ per ft.
	Install footing under precast pier $300 to $600 each.
	Underpin foundation $1,500 to $3,000 per piling, typically placed 6'-8' apart.

ATTIC INSULATION

	Fiberglass batt 6-inch thick R-19 $1.25 to $1.75 per sq. ft.
	Fiberglass batt 9-inch thick R-30 $1.75 to $2.25 per sq. ft.

ROOFING

	To install one square* or 100 square feet (10 x  10):
	-composition shingles $200 to $300.
	-wood shingles $400 to $500.
	-wood shakes $400 to $600.
	-gravel surfaced built-up roofing $350 to $500.
	-modified bitumen roofing $350 to $500.
	-tile $800 to $1,600.
	-strip roofing materials & install new sheathing $75 to $125 per sq. ft.
	Install new rain gutters and downspouts $6 to $10 per ft.
	Install skylight $1,500 to $2,500.

*For example, a single-story, 1,500 sq.ft. home with a sloped roof and over hanging eaves will usually require about 1,800 to 2,000 square feet or 18 to 20 "squares" of roofing material.

ELECTRICAL

	Upgrade service to 125 amps $1,200 to $1,600.
	Install 120-volt outlet $175 to $225 each.
	Install 240-volt outlet $300 to $600 each.
	Install GFCI outlet $100 to $150 each.
	Correct reverse polarity $50 to $75 each.
	Add grounding to outlet $85 to $135 each.
	Replace fuse panel $400 to $800 each.
	Repair aluminum wired outlets $75 to $100 per outlet.

HEATING / COOLING

	Install new forced-air furnace $2,500 to $5,000.
	Remove ducts with asbestos $1,200 to $2,400.
	Install new flexible ducting $2,500 to $3,500.
	Install new wall furnace $1,000 to $2,500.
	Install new floor furnace $1,500 to $2,500.
	Replace vent piping $600 to $1,200.
	Service furnace $250 to $500.
	Encapsulate asbestos ducting $1,000 to $2,000.
	Add central A.C. system $2,500 to $3,500.
	Replace condenser pump $400 to $700.
	Replace A.C. compressor $1,400 to $1,700.
	Service A.C. system $250 to $450.

PLUMBING

	Replace galvanized piping with copper $1,700 to $3,000 per floor.
	Install new waste piping to street $3,500 to $7,000.
	Reset toilet (excluding floor damage) $200 to $300.
	Install new toilet $350 to $450.
	Replace water heater $600 to $1,200.
	Install pressure / temperature valve $100 to $150.
	Elevate water heater on platform $200 to $350.
	Install sump pump $800 to $1,600.
	Replace shower pan $1,000 to $1,500.
	Replace tile shower $2,200 to $3,200.
	Replace faucet $150 to $250.
	Install gas line $40 to $50 per ft.

INTERIOR

	Painting $500 to $800 per room.
	Remove acoustic ceiling with asbestos $7 to $12 per sq. ft.
	Install masonry fireplace $7,000 to $12,000.
	Rebuild masonry fire box $600 to $1,000.
	Install prefabricated fireplace $3,500 to $6,000.
	Major bathroom remodel $6,000 to $12,000.
	Major kitchen remodel $15,000 to $60,000.
	Install battery smoke detector $50 to $75 each.
	Install direct wired smoke detector $175 to $275 each.

FLOORS

	Refinish hardwood floors $3 to $4 per sq. ft.
	Refinish softwood floors $9 to $11 per sq. ft.
	Buff and apply finish only $1 to $1.50 per sq. ft.

(Average room is 250 to 350 sq. ft., costs do not include removing and replacing furniture)