Home Repair Costs in San Diego
Permits in San Diego
Owners of single-family homes, townhomes or duplexes in San Diego must get a permit before constructing, expanding, altering, renovating, relocating, demolishing or changing the use of a building or structure. Maintenance repairs under $1,000 involving like-for-like replacements are exempt.
City of San Diego Development Services Department
Permits are not required for painting, wallpapering or installing flooring or cabinets, for fences up to seven feet tall (fences over six feet aren't allowed in the front yard setback, or over three feet in visibility areas), or for simple re-roofing without structural changes. Replacing switches, light fixtures, receptacles, appliances, showerheads and plumbing fixtures also needs no permit, but adding circuits, replacing water heaters or installing HVAC systems does.
Estimated cost of common jobs
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $770 | $2,150 |
| Roof Replacement | $7,000 | $22,100 |
| AC Replacement | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,050 | $8,750 |
| Toilet Replacement | $240 | $970 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,150 | $3,500 |
| Drain Cleaning | $110 | $440 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $650 |
Hourly rates
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $34.86 | $87 | $157 |
| Electrician | $36.62 | $92 | $165 |
| HVAC Technician | $36.00 | $90 | $162 |
| Handyman | $26.22 | $66 | $118 |
| Roofer | $29.90 | $75 | $135 |
| Carpenter | $35.19 | $88 | $158 |
| Painter | $26.91 | $67 | $121 |
California 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.