Inspection Help List
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These figures are general estimates only and may vary based on property conditions, materials, labor costs, accessibility, location, and contractor availability. Always consult an appropriately licensed or qualified professional before advising a client on repair costs.
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Foundation
Consult a qualified foundation professional for an inspection and formal estimate.
• Foundation piers: Approximately $200–$300 per pier
• Post-repair plumbing test: Approximately $250–$500
• Post-repair engineer’s report: Approximately $300–$600
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Roofing
Consult a qualified roofing professional for roofing inspections, repairs, and replacement estimates.
• Gutters: Approximately $4–$5 per linear foot
Review the survey or measurements to estimate the total linear footage.
If the home does not currently have gutters, avoid automatically recommending that the buyer request installation by the seller unless a qualified professional identifies a specific need.
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Common minor roofing issues that may be repairable by a qualified handyman or roofer include:
• Inverted plumbing vent boots
• Exposed roofing nails
• Minor flashing defects
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Tree Removal
Pricing depends on the tree’s size, location, accessibility, and proximity to structures or utility lines.
• Small to medium-sized tree: Approximately $600–$1,000
• Large tree: Approximately $1,000–$2,000
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Insulation
• Adding insulation: Approximately $1–$1.50 per square foot
Many insulation contractors have minimum service charges. For a small area or minor patch, a qualified handyman may be a more cost-effective option.
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Pest Control
• Basic service call and general pest-control treatment: Approximately $150
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Miscellaneous Repairs
• Windowpane with a broken seal: Approximately $100–$200 per window, depending on size
• Caulking or waterproofing repairs: Approximately $80 per hour, plus materials
• Weatherstripping repairs: Approximately $80 per hour, plus materials
• Drywall crack or hole repair: Starting at approximately $200
• Popcorn ceiling removal, retexturing, and painting: Approximately $2.50 per square foot
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Flooring
Estimated pricing includes materials and installation unless otherwise noted.
• Luxury vinyl plank or laminate flooring: Approximately $4 per square foot
• Engineered wood flooring: Approximately $6–$8 per square foot
• Hand-scraped hardwood flooring: Approximately $12–$16 per square foot
• Replacement of fewer than five cracked tiles: Approximately $400, provided matching tile is available
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Granite, Quartz, and Backsplash
• Granite countertops: Starting at approximately $24 per square foot
• Quartz countertops: Starting at approximately $40 per square foot
• Tile backsplash, including installation: Approximately $1,500–$2,500
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Appliances
• Refrigerator: Approximately $1,000–$2,000
• Oven or range: Approximately $600–$1,500
• Dishwasher: Approximately $500–$1,000
• Microwave: Approximately $200–$500
• Washer and dryer set: Approximately $2,000–$3,000
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Fireplaces and Chimneys
• General fireplace cleaning: Approximately $150
• Replacement of a missing chimney cap: Approximately $800
• Missing C-clamp on a gas fireplace: Approximately $5 for the part, plus approximately $80 for handyman installation
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Fences
• Replacement of missing pickets: Approximately $10 per picket
• Repair of a leaning fence: Approximately $100–$200 per six-foot section
• Installation of a swinging gate: Approximately $500
• Full fence replacement: Approximately $40 per linear foot
Fence replacement can be costly, particularly when demolition, disposal, staining, gates, or difficult terrain are involved.
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Electrical
Electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician when required.
• Replace an outlet or switch: Approximately $40 each
• Replace a circuit breaker: Approximately $150 each
• Replace a ceiling fan: Approximately $100, plus the cost of the new fan
• Replace a standard outlet with a GFCI outlet: Approximately $60 each
• Replace or add a smoke detector: Approximately $40 each
• Replace an electrical panel: Approximately $2,000–$3,000
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HVAC
Consult a licensed HVAC professional for system repairs, sizing, and replacement recommendations.
• HVAC tune-up: Approximately $100–$150 per unit
• Replace a rusted auxiliary drain pan: Approximately $200–$300
• Clean HVAC coils: Approximately $200 per unit
• Replace a complete HVAC system: Approximately $6,000 for a 2.5-ton unit to $9,000 for a 5-ton unit
Actual replacement costs may vary based on efficiency rating, ductwork, equipment brand, electrical upgrades, refrigerant lines, and installation requirements.
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Plumbing
Plumbing work should be completed by a qualified or licensed plumbing professional when required.
• Replace an exterior hose bibb: Approximately $200
• Repair an interior leak beneath a fixture: Approximately $80 per hour
• Replace a shower-handle cartridge: Approximately $150
• Replace a showerhead and handle: Approximately $200, plus materials
• Replace a faucet: Approximately $100, plus materials
• Replace a 50-gallon water heater: Approximately $1,500
• Repair or replace a water heater temperature and pressure relief valve: Approximately $250
• Correct an improperly installed vent pipe: Approximately $80 for a minor handyman repair, or as quoted by a plumber
• Install a drain pan beneath a water heater: Approximately $250
• Replace a garbage disposal: Approximately $100, plus materials
• Clean a dryer vent: Approximately $150
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Swimming Pools
Consult a qualified pool professional for inspections and repair estimates.
• Pool heater replacement: Approximately $3,000–$3,500
• Pool resurfacing: Approximately $7,000–$12,000
• Pool pump replacement: Approximately $500–$1,200
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Garage Doors
• Garage door tune-up: Approximately $150
• Garage door opener replacement, including a new opener: Approximately $600
• Replacement of a 16-by-9-foot garage door: Approximately $1,200
• Universal garage door remotes: Approximately $35 each at major home-improvement retailers
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