Home Repair Costs in Washington, DC
Permits in Washington, DC
In DC, new buildings, additions, interior alterations including finished basements, decks, fences and new or replacement HVAC equipment generally require a permit from the Department of Buildings.
DC Department of Buildings (DOB)
Outside historic districts, work that generally needs no permit includes brick pointing, caulking and patching, plaster repair of non-rated assemblies, painting other than fire-retardant paint, and finish work such as papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops. Like-for-like roofing replacement that matches the original in appearance, texture and dimensions is also listed.
Estimated cost of common jobs
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $770 | $2,100 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,800 | $21,400 |
| AC Replacement | $3,850 | $9,250 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,000 | $8,700 |
| Toilet Replacement | $240 | $970 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,150 | $3,450 |
| Drain Cleaning | $110 | $440 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $670 |
Hourly rates
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $34.55 | $86 | $155 |
| Electrician | $36.50 | $91 | $164 |
| HVAC Technician | $34.58 | $86 | $156 |
| Handyman | $27.52 | $69 | $124 |
| Roofer | $28.05 | $70 | $126 |
| Carpenter | $29.23 | $73 | $132 |
| Painter | $24.31 | $61 | $109 |
District of Columbia 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.