How much do home services cost in 2026?
Three of the most expensive — and most searched — home repairs are water damage restoration, HVAC replacement, and mold remediation. According to 2026 national averages, a typical water damage job runs $1,383–$6,370 (about $3,860 on average), a full HVAC system replacement costs $7,000–$13,000 for a standard AC + furnace combo, and professional mold remediation averages $10–$25 per square foot of contaminated area.
What drives the price up or down? For water damage, it's the contamination category: clean water from a burst pipe ($3–$4/sq ft) costs far less to remediate than black water from sewage backup ($7–$7.50/sq ft) — and waiting 24–48 hours can push a Category 1 job into Category 2 or 3 territory as bacteria multiply. Drywall removal and flooring replacement are the most common add-ons.
For HVAC replacement, equipment choice dominates: a basic central AC starts around $3,500 installed, while a whole-home ductless mini-split or geothermal system can reach $20,000–$30,000. High-efficiency models add $2,000–$4,500 but cut energy bills for 15+ years, and new ductwork adds another $2,000–$5,000. Regional labor rates swing the total by ±15%.
Mold remediation pricing follows the contaminated area and where it hides: surface mold in a bathroom ($500–$1,500 typical) is a different job than mold inside wall cavities, crawl spaces ($2,000–$8,000), or an HVAC system ($3,000–$10,000). Per EPA guidance, patches under 10 square feet are often DIY-able with proper protection; anything larger — or anything involving HVAC or sewage — calls for a professional.
How to use these calculators
- Pick the estimator, answer 4–5 questions about your situation.
- Get an instant low–high range based on 2026 national averages, with a line-by-line breakdown.
- Use the range to sanity-check contractor quotes — then get at least 2–3 local quotes before hiring.
Estimates are planning tools, not bids. Actual prices vary by market, access, and job complexity — always confirm with a licensed local contractor.