Home Repair Costs in Philadelphia
Permits in Philadelphia
A Building Permit is required before constructing a new building, enlarging a structure, altering its interior or exterior, demolishing all or part of it, or doing major repairs beyond routine upkeep.
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)
If the property is not on the Philadelphia Historic Registry, you often do not need a permit for routine maintenance, fences up to six feet tall, retaining walls up to two feet, masonry pointing, wall painting and finishes, or sheds of 200 sq. ft. or less at one- or two-family homes.
Estimated cost of common jobs
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $780 | $2,150 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,850 | $21,600 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,450 |
| Toilet Replacement | $240 | $990 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,100 | $3,450 |
| Drain Cleaning | $110 | $450 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $630 |
Hourly rates
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $35.99 | $90 | $162 |
| Electrician | $35.86 | $90 | $161 |
| HVAC Technician | $31.05 | $78 | $140 |
| Handyman | $24.14 | $60 | $109 |
| Roofer | $28.72 | $72 | $129 |
| Carpenter | $29.70 | $74 | $134 |
| Painter | $27.60 | $69 | $124 |
Pennsylvania contractor licensing
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.