Home Repair Decoded

Home Repair Costs in Baltimore

In the Baltimore metro area, the median wage is $30.38 an hour for plumbers and $31.54 for electricians (BLS, 2025). Costs below are our estimates using those local wages.

Permits in Baltimore

In Baltimore, you need a permit if you are replacing or significantly altering anything on a property, including structural work and changes to electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems. Small fixes generally need no permit unless the item is entirely swapped out or substantially altered.

Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)

For one- and two-family dwellings, no permit is needed for interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops, one-story detached sheds or playhouses of 120 square feet or less, minor repair or patching of drywall or plaster, or replacing roof shingles.

Estimated cost of common jobs

JobLowHigh
Water Heater Replacement$750$2,050
Roof Replacement$6,700$21,000
AC Replacement$3,800$9,100
Furnace Replacement$2,950$8,400
Toilet Replacement$230$910
Electrical Panel Upgrade$1,050$3,200
Drain Cleaning$100$390
Garage Door Repair$80$640

Hourly rates

TradeMedian wageBilled lowBilled high
Plumber$30.38$76$137
Electrician$31.54$79$142
HVAC Technician$30.38$76$137
Handyman$25.05$63$113
Roofer$27.11$68$122
Carpenter$29.99$75$135
Painter$23.36$58$105

Maryland contractor licensing

Sources

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.