HomeToolPedia database

Home Repair Cost Guide

Browse a selection of home repairs by category. Every listing includes the home repair, the necessary repair tools, what those tools cost to buy, and an estimated repair cost range so you can plan the job and budget for it before you start.

This reference table covers plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, roofing and exterior, doors and windows, flooring, walls and ceilings, energy and weatherproofing, outdoor and yard, furniture and household, and general home repairs. Use the search box to find a specific job (for example "leaky faucet," "drywall hole," or "furnace filter"), filter by category, or sort the table by tool cost or estimated repair cost. Tool cost is roughly what it costs to buy the tools if you don't already own them; estimated cost is a separate planning range for the job itself. Each estimate is a general planning range for informational purposes — actual pricing depends on your location, the extent of the damage, material choices, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional. For our full searchable repair library, use the repair finder on the homepage.

Every repair listed here covers four criteria: the home repair, the necessary repair tools, the tool cost to buy them, and the estimated repair cost.

Showing 60 of 200 repairs

Home RepairNecessary Repair ToolsTool CostEstimated Cost
Adjust a furnace gas valve (pressure)Manometer, Screwdriver (Allen key), Wrenches (professional caution)$80$200–$500
Adjust a garage door opener forceScrewdriver, Ladder, Owner's manual$90$100–$200
Adjust a garage door opener travel limitScrewdriver (or dial on unit), Ladder, Owner's manual$90$100–$200
Adjust a rotor sprinkler (arc)Rotor adjustment tool (key), Screwdriver, Pliers$25$75–$150
Adjust a spray sprinkler (pattern)Flathead screwdriver (turn pattern), Pull-up tool$15$75–$150
Adjust a sprinkler head patternSpecial sprinkler key/Allen wrench, Flathead screwdriver$20$75–$150
Adjust sliding glass door alignmentLevel, Allen wrench (for roller adjustment), Screwdriver$45$150–$350
Air seal attic access hatchWeatherstrip, foam board, screws$20$150–$400
Air seal attic bypasses (wires/pipes)Expanding foam, caulk, utility knife$25$200–$600
Air seal bathroom exhaust fanExpanding foam, caulk, screwdriver$25$100–$250
Air seal chimney flue (temporary)Chimney balloon, scissors$20$100–$250
Air seal dryer vent (duct)Foil tape, screwdriver$15$50–$150
Air seal electrical boxes (gaskets)Screwdriver, foam gaskets$15$50–$150
Air seal recessed lights (IC-rated covers)Screwdriver, caulk, covers$25$200–$500
Apply a knockdown texture (spray)Texture sprayer, trowel, joint compound$55$300–$700
Apply a popcorn texture (spray)Popcorn sprayer, joint compound$35$300–$700
Apply a Santa Fe textureJoint compound, hawk, trowel$35$300–$700
Apply a skip-trowel texture (new)Joint compound, trowel, sponge$30$300–$700
Apply a Spanish lace textureJoint compound, sprayer, trowel$55$400–$900
Apply a swirl textureJoint compound, notched trowel$20$300–$700
Apply an orange peel texture (spray)Texture sprayer, joint compound$35$300–$700
Assemble a flat-pack furniture pieceRubber mallet, Phillips screwdriver, Allen key (hex), Level$65$100–$250
Backwash a sand filterWrench (to turn valve), Hose, Sight glass$35$100–$250
Balance a ceiling fan (blade weights)Balancing kit (weights/clips), Screwdriver, Ladder$110$100–$200
Balance HVAC airflow (manual dampers)Screwdriver, pliers, airflow hood$75$150–$400
Balance HVAC dampersNo tools (just turn lever) or Pliers (stiff lever)$15$100–$250
Bleed a radiator (hot water)Radiator key (or flathead screwdriver), Small container, Rag$15$100–$250
Bleed a radiator (steam)Radiator key, Container, Rag$15$100–$250
Caulk baseboardsCaulk gun, Latex caulk, Wet finger or caulk smoothing tool, Damp sponge$15$100–$250
Caulk crown moldingCaulk gun, Painter's caulk, Smoothing tool, Damp rag$15$100–$250
Change a furnace filter (media cabinet)Screwdriver (latches), New filter$10$50–$150
Change a furnace filter (standard)No tools (or screwdriver for cover)$10$50–$150
Child-proof an outletPlastic outlet caps (no tools)$5$50–$100
Clean a bathroom exhaust fanScrewdriver, Vacuum, Mild cleaner, Ladder$100$100–$250
Clean a ceiling fanLadder, Pillowcase (to catch dust), Extended duster$90$50–$150
Clean a concrete driveway (oil)Degreaser, Stiff brush, Cat litter (to absorb), Pressure washer$180$200–$500
Clean a condensate pump reservoirScrewdriver, Bleach/water, Scrub brush, Shop vac$85$100–$250
Clean a deck with deck brightenerPressure washer, Brush, Deck brightener, Sprayer$280$200–$500
Clean a dehumidifier coilScrewdriver, Vacuum, Coil cleaner$90$100–$250
Clean a dehumidifier evaporator coilScrewdriver, Coil cleaner, Soft brush, Shop vac$100$100–$250
Clean a dishwasher air gapScrewdriver (remove cover), Toothbrush, Vinegar, Water$20$100–$200
Clean a dishwasher filterScrewdriver (twist lock), Scrub brush, Soap, Water$20$100–$200
Clean a dryer drumSoft cloth, Mild detergent, Mineral spirits (for residue)$15$50–$150
Clean a dryer vent (outside)Screwdriver (to open hood), Lint brush kit, Drill (with flex brush attachment)$145$100–$250
Clean a furnace flame sensor (annual)Screwdriver, Emery cloth (fine), Soft cloth$20$100–$250
Clean a heat pump outdoor coil (winter)Warm water, Soft brush, Screwdriver (open cover), DO NOT use pressure$25$150–$400
Clean a mini-split AC filterLadder, Screwdriver (open cover), Vacuum, Water, Soft brush$100$100–$250
Clean a mini-split indoor coilCoil cleaner spray, Soft brush, Shop vac, Screwdriver (to open)$105$150–$400
Clean a mini-split outdoor condenser coilGarden hose (gentle), Coil cleaner, Fin comb, Screwdriver$65$150–$400
Clean a pool filter (DE)Wrenches (open), Backwash, New DE powder, Hose$45$150–$400
Clean a pool pump strainer basketScrewdriver (to open lid), Garden hose, Gloves$20$50–$150
Clean a portable air conditioner filterScrewdriver (to open), Vacuum, Water$80$50–$150
Clean a shower head (no tools)White vinegar, Ziploc bag, Rubber band$5$0–$50
Clean a swamp cooler (evaporative)Garden hose, brush, screwdriver$35$150–$400
Clean a water softener venturi valvePliers, Screwdriver, Vinegar, Toothbrush, New O-rings$30$100–$250
Clean a window AC filterScrewdriver (to remove front), Vacuum, Water$80$50–$150
Clean an AC condenser coilGarden hose, Coil cleaner spray, Fin comb, Screwdriver (to open cover)$45$150–$400
Clean an electronic air cleaner cellsScrewdriver (remove), Water hose, Degreaser, Air dry$20$100–$250
Clean an HRV filtersScrewdriver, Vacuum, Mild soap, Water$80$100–$250
Clean an oven (manual)Oven cleaner spray, Rubber gloves, Scouring pad, Scraper$25$100–$250

Repairs by category

Frequently asked questions

How much does the average home repair cost?

Costs vary widely by repair type, from under $50 for simple fixes like replacing a smoke detector battery to several thousand dollars for major work like replacing a roof or furnace. This guide lists estimated cost ranges for a range of common repairs so you can budget accordingly.

What is the difference between tool cost and estimated repair cost?

Tool cost is roughly what it costs to buy the tools needed to do the repair yourself if you don't already own them. Estimated repair cost is a separate planning range for the overall job. Listing both helps you compare the DIY tool investment against paying a professional.

Are these repair cost estimates accurate for my home?

These are general estimated cost ranges for informational and educational purposes only. Actual costs depend on your location, the age and condition of your home, material choices, and whether you hire a professional or do the repair yourself. Always get a local quote before starting major work.

Does this page show every repair in your database?

This page shows a curated selection of repairs across each category. For our full searchable repair library, use the repair finder on the homepage.

General educational information only. Repair, tool, and cost data is provided for reference and planning purposes — verify tool requirements and get local quotes from a licensed professional before starting major or safety-related repairs. See our editorial policy and safety guidance.