Home Repair Costs in Detroit
Permits in Detroit
Detroit requires a permit for any project meant to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building, with listed exemptions, and for alterations to mechanical, electrical, plumbing and boiler systems. In a local historic district, a permit is required for all exterior work.
City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
No permit is needed for replacing switches or receptacles, repairs to only the working parts of a faucet or valve, clearing stoppages, portable heating or cooling units, or minor boiler parts that do not make it unsafe. Fences 7 feet high or less outside a Special Review District are also exempt.
Estimated cost of common jobs
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $810 | $2,250 |
| Roof Replacement | $7,050 | $22,300 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,400 |
| Toilet Replacement | $250 | $1,050 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,200 | $3,650 |
| Drain Cleaning | $120 | $520 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $610 |
Hourly rates
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $41.53 | $104 | $187 |
| Electrician | $39.42 | $99 | $177 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.37 | $76 | $137 |
| Handyman | $23.26 | $58 | $105 |
| Roofer | $30.48 | $76 | $137 |
| Carpenter | $31.64 | $79 | $142 |
| Painter | $27.08 | $68 | $122 |
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.