Tool and rental price index
Every tool, rental and material that appears in a DIY cost breakdown on this site, in one place: 381 items across 24 services. Prices are national retail and rental-counter figures, observed on the month shown and re-checked with each service's review. Where a price depends on job size, the figure is for the typical size on that service's page.
Prices last observed 2026-09. Tools flagged usually owned are excluded from headline DIY totals because most homeowners already have them. We don't link to retailers and earn nothing on tools.
Rentals
Daily rates from national rental counters. Multi-day jobs multiply; delivery for large equipment is extra.
| Item | Price | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush cutter / clearing saw rental | $50 / day | Land Clearing | |
| Carpet cleaner rental | $40 / day | Move-Out Cleaning | a rental extractor and its solution; a pro steam clean is deeper if pet stains are the issue |
| Chainsaw rental (18–20 in, gas) | $60 / day | Tree Removal | or buy for about $250 |
| Chainsaw rental (18–20 in) | $60 / day | Land Clearing | |
| Concrete floor grinder rental with dust shroud | $120 / day | Epoxy Flooring | a walk-behind single-head grinder; bring a HEPA vacuum or rent the vac with it |
| Concrete line pump with operator | $120 | Concrete Slab Installation | $600–$900 for a pour that two trucks can't reach or that must be placed fast |
| Concrete line pump with operator, half day | $700 | Retaining Wall | |
| Concrete mixer rental | $70 / day | Concrete Slab Installation | for bagged mix; skip it if you order a short load of ready-mix |
| Dehumidifier rental | $50 / day | Mold Remediation | the area has to be dry before and after; a $250 unit is cheaper than a week's rental |
| Extension ladder for a two-story foyer or stairwell | $35 / day | Interior Painting | or a ladder-leveler and stair platform; the stairwell is the one place DIY painters get hurt |
| Furniture dolly and appliance hand truck rental | $45 / day | PODS Moving | a four-wheel dolly for dressers and a strapped hand truck for the fridge and washer |
| Gas or battery pole saw rental | $60 / day | Tree Trimming | a powered saw on a 10–12 ft pole for limbs 2–5 inches thick; never from a ladder |
| HEPA air scrubber rental | $150 / day | Mold Remediation | runs for the whole job plus a day; two units on a whole-area job |
| HEPA vacuum rental | $60 / day | Mold Remediation | a shop vac blows spores through its exhaust; HEPA is the point |
| Large tracked stump grinder rental, one day | $300 / day | Stump Grinding | 25–35 hp with a wide wheel; needed for a 36-inch hardwood stump to finish in a day |
| Metal detector rental | $30 / day | Land Survey | from a local rental shop, or borrow one; a basic detector is about $90 to buy |
| Mid-size stump grinder rental, one day | $175 / day | Stump Grinding | a 13–25 hp walk-behind or small tracked machine from a rental yard; most take a trailer or fit a pickup with a ramp |
| Mini stump grinder rental, half day | $90 | Stump Grinding | a 9–13 hp walk-behind from a big-box store; fine for a stump you can straddle, slow on anything bigger |
| Mini-excavator rental | $350 / day | Retaining Wall | trenching and moving several tons of stone by hand is the other week |
| Plate compactor rental | $30 | Concrete Slab Installation | about $85 a day; one day for a 20×20 base, two for a 30×30 |
| Plate compactor rental | $85 / day | Driveway Extension | every material needs a compacted base; a hand tamper isn't enough for 200 sq ft that cars park on |
| Plate compactor rental | $90 / day | Retaining Wall | for the base and every lift of backfill; a hand tamper doesn't get a block wall's base dense enough |
| Reciprocating saw rental | $40 / day | Hurricane Impact Windows | cutting old frames and fasteners out of the opening |
| Reciprocating saw rental for demolition | $40 / day | Walk-In Shower | cuts a cast-iron tub in place and the old drain; a grinder with a cut-off wheel also works |
| Roof-mounted staging or a pump-jack setup rental | $200 / day | Chimney Repair | somewhere to stand and stack brick for a week; not a ladder |
| Sewer camera rental | $200 / day | Home Inspection | worth it on a pre-1980 house with clay or cast-iron drains; otherwise pay an inspector's $150–$400 scope |
| Skid steer or mini excavator rental | $110 | Concrete Slab Installation | about $300 a day plus $100–$150 delivery each way; a 20×20 dig is a day, a 30×30 two — or 10–20 cubic yards of soil by hand |
| Skid steer with brush-cutter attachment | $450 / day | Land Clearing | skip for light brush; a forestry mulcher head is $700–$1,000/day |
| Stump grinder rental | $200 / day | Land Clearing | only if stumps must go |
| Towable boom lift rental | $325 / day | Tree Trimming | a 35–45 ft lift for limbs over a roof; needs a tow vehicle, a level spot, and a second person — and it's the point where hiring is the answer |
| Trailer rental for the grinder | $50 / day | Stump Grinding | if the rental yard doesn't deliver and your vehicle can tow |
| Wall form panels rental | $600 | Retaining Wall | aluminum forms, ties and bracing for a 6-foot pour; a form blowout is a disaster |
| Wet saw or paver splitter rental | $70 / day | Driveway Extension | for the cuts along the house, the existing drive and any curve |
| Wet tile saw rental | $50 / day | Kitchen Backsplash | needed for glass, stone, L-cuts around outlets; skip for plain subway if you're patient |
| Wet tile saw rental | $70 / day | Walk-In Shower | two days is typical for a full shower |
| Wet tile saw rental, 10-inch with a sliding table | $100 / day | Tile Installation | 24 × 48 tile doesn't fit a 7-inch saw; a rail cutter is the other option |
| Wet tile saw rental, 7-inch | $60 / day | Tile Installation | for porcelain and any cut longer than a snap cutter handles; a $100–$150 saw is worth buying past one room |
| Wood chipper rental | $150 / day | Tree Trimming | a 3–6 inch homeowner chipper turns three trees' brush into mulch; or bundle it for yard-waste pickup |
Tools to buy
Retail prices for mid-range models. Items most homeowners already own are marked.
| Item | Price | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2-inch drill bit, 18 inches long, for timber spikes | $15 | Retaining Wall | |
| 1/4 in notched trowel and margin trowel | $18 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| 2.5-inch angled sash brush | $15 | Interior Painting | one good brush cuts a cleaner line than tape; wash it and it lasts the whole house |
| 300 ft open-reel measuring tape | $25 | Land Survey | |
| 4 ft level, tape, mason's line, circular saw and drill for the forms usually owned | $80 | Concrete Slab Installation | |
| 4 ft level, tape, mason's line, stakes, string level usually owned | $40 | Driveway Extension | |
| 4 ft level, tape, square, utility knife, caulk gun usually owned | $50 | Walk-In Shower | |
| 4-foot level, torpedo level, mason's line and line level | $45 | Retaining Wall | |
| 4-ft level, tape, chalk line, utility knife, drill usually owned | $120 | Tile Installation | |
| 5-gallon bucket and roller grid | $15 | Interior Painting | box all the gallons of one color together so the tint matches wall to wall |
| 6-foot step ladder usually owned | $120 | Interior Painting | |
| Angle grinder with a diamond blade for notches and holes | $60 | Tile Installation | |
| Angle grinder with a tuckpointing blade, dust shroud and vacuum | $110 | Chimney Repair | for grinding out joints and cutting the reglet; a hammer and a plugging chisel are the slow alternative |
| Angle grinder with diamond blade | $70 | Retaining Wall | for splitting blocks at corners and curves; a brick chisel does a rougher job for free |
| Asphalt lute and hand tamper | $40 | Driveway Extension | |
| Aviation tin snips | $22 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Binoculars for the roof and chimney | $30 | Home Inspection | |
| Box cutter, tape gun, marker, work gloves usually owned | $25 | PODS Moving | |
| Box fan, extension cords, work light usually owned | $50 | Mold Remediation | |
| Brick trowel, 4-ft level, line and blocks, brick hammer, mixing tub | $75 | Chimney Repair | |
| Bypass hand pruners | $25 | Tree Trimming | |
| Bypass loppers | $35 | Tree Trimming | |
| Canvas drop cloths | $30 | Interior Painting | plastic slides and puddles; canvas stays put and gets reused |
| Caulk gun, 4 ft level, tape, square, pry bar, utility knife usually owned | $60 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Caulk gun, wire brush, putty knife, drill and masonry bit | $35 | Chimney Repair | |
| Chainsaw chaps, helmet with face screen, gloves | $120 | Tree Removal | not optional — chainsaw injuries average 110 stitches |
| Chainsaw chaps, helmet with face screen, gloves, eye and ear protection | $120 | Land Clearing | |
| Chainsaw for bucking limbs on the ground usually owned | $200 | Tree Trimming | |
| Chainsaw for cutting the stump close to grade usually owned | $200 | Stump Grinding | |
| Channel-lock pliers, adjustable wrench, basin wrench usually owned | $45 | House Repiping | |
| Circular saw for cutting timbers usually owned | $100 | Retaining Wall | |
| Compass or smartphone compass app usually owned | $15 | Land Survey | |
| Copper tubing cutter, deburring tool and emery cloth | $30 | House Repiping | |
| Curved hand pruning saw | $25 | Tree Trimming | |
| Diamond cup wheel or grinding segments | $60 | Epoxy Flooring | often sold with the rental as a consumable |
| Disposable coveralls with hood, 3-pack | $30 | Mold Remediation | |
| Disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, goggles | $30 | Spray Foam Insulation | |
| Drill with driver bits usually owned | $90 | Retaining Wall | |
| Drill with mixing paddle usually owned | $80 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Drill with spade bits and hole saw usually owned | $80 | House Repiping | |
| Drill/driver with hex bits usually owned | $80 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Drill/driver, hole saw and bits usually owned | $80 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Drywall knives, mud pan and sanding block | $35 | House Repiping | |
| Duct strap tensioning tool | $30 | Ductwork Replacement | pulls nylon straps tight on collars; zip ties by hand leak |
| Dust mask, gloves, safety glasses, knee pads | $20 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Extension ladder usually owned | $200 | Tree Removal | |
| Extension ladder usually owned | $200 | Tree Trimming | |
| Extension ladder with a stabilizer usually owned | $250 | Chimney Repair | |
| Face shield, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves | $45 | Stump Grinding | the wheel throws chips and stones at speed; a face shield is not optional |
| Felling wedges and axe | $40 | Tree Removal | |
| Flashlight or headlamp usually owned | $25 | Home Inspection | |
| Forearm lifting straps | $30 | PODS Moving | the cheapest thing that keeps two people from hurting their backs |
| Full-face respirator with organic-vapor cartridges | $60 | Spray Foam Insulation | not a dust mask; isocyanate vapor causes permanent asthma and sensitization |
| Gas can and funnel usually owned | $25 | Lawn Mowing | |
| Glass suction cups, pair | $40 | Hurricane Impact Windows | an impact window is 80–200 lb; two people and handles, not fingers |
| Gloves, safety glasses, knee pads and (for concrete) rubber boots | $35 | Driveway Extension | |
| Grout float, sponge and two buckets | $22 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Half-face respirator with P100 cartridges | $45 | Mold Remediation | an N95 is enough for a small surface job; not for cutting out moldy drywall |
| Hammer drill with masonry bits | $100 | Hurricane Impact Windows | for the anchor schedule into block; a regular drill won't keep up |
| Hand float, edger, groover and steel trowel | $55 | Concrete Slab Installation | |
| Hand float, edger, groover and steel trowel | $55 | Driveway Extension | |
| Hand seamer and crimper for metal pipe | $45 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Hand tamper | $30 | Concrete Slab Installation | enough to compact a small gravel base |
| Hand tamper | $35 | Retaining Wall | |
| Headlamp and work light | $40 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| Headlamp, knee pads, respirator and gloves | $45 | House Repiping | |
| Hearing and eye protection usually owned | $25 | Lawn Mowing | |
| Helmet with face screen, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection | $55 | Tree Trimming | |
| Knee pads and a creeper or scrap plywood | $35 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| Knee pads, safety glasses, dust mask, rubber gloves | $35 | Tile Installation | |
| Ladder usually owned | $120 | Home Inspection | |
| Ladder usually owned | $120 | Spray Foam Insulation | |
| Ladder and attic walk boards usually owned | $120 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Ladder or scaffold section for second-floor openings usually owned | $120 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Large-format suction cups and a 10-ft straightedge | $70 | Tile Installation | |
| Leaf blower or broom usually owned | $80 | Lawn Mowing | |
| Level (2 ft) or laser level usually owned | $25 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Magnesium bull float with extension handles | $70 | Concrete Slab Installation | or rent for about $25 a day |
| Magnesium bull float with handles | $70 | Driveway Extension | or rent for about $25 a day |
| Manual pole pruner and saw, 12–16 ft | $75 | Tree Trimming | reaches 18–20 feet from the ground with no ladder; the tool that makes small-tree trimming a DIY job |
| Manual snap tile cutter | $45 | Kitchen Backsplash | enough for straight cuts in ceramic and porcelain |
| Masking plastic, tape, rags and acetone for cleanup | $25 | Spray Foam Insulation | |
| Mattock, shovel, garden rake and wheelbarrow usually owned | $120 | Stump Grinding | |
| Mixing paddle for a drill | $15 | Tile Installation | |
| Mop, bucket and step stool usually owned | $45 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Moving blankets, 12-pack | $60 | PODS Moving | container companies rent them too, but buying is about the same price |
| N95 masks, nitrile gloves, goggles | $25 | Mold Remediation | |
| Non-contact voltage tester | $20 | Home Inspection | |
| Notched trowels, 1/4 × 3/8 and 1/2 × 1/2, margin trowel, grout float, sponges, bucket | $55 | Tile Installation | |
| Notched trowels, margin trowel, grout float and sponges | $45 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Oscillating multi-tool | $80 | Walk-In Shower | flush cuts at studs, drywall, old caulk and grout |
| Oscillating multi-tool for wall and cabinet openings | $80 | House Repiping | |
| Oscillating multi-tool or drywall saw usually owned | $80 | Mold Remediation | |
| Oscillating tool for undercutting door jambs usually owned | $80 | Tile Installation | |
| Outlet tester with GFCI test button | $12 | Home Inspection | reads wiring faults and reversed polarity at every receptacle in seconds |
| Painter's tape, plastic sheeting, box fan usually owned | $30 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| PEX crimp or clamp tool with go/no-go gauge | $60 | House Repiping | or rent a PEX-A expansion tool for about $40 a day |
| PEX tubing cutter | $15 | House Repiping | |
| Phone camera and a printed checklist usually owned | $0 | Home Inspection | |
| Pin-type moisture meter | $30 | Home Inspection | the one tool that finds what paint hides — under windows, around tubs, at the base of walls |
| Pointing trowel, tuck pointer, jointer, mortar hawk and board | $40 | Chimney Repair | |
| Pole saw usually owned | $90 | Tree Removal | |
| Propane torch, solder, flux and heat shield | $55 | House Repiping | a press tool rental is about $150 a day and removes the fire risk, but press fittings cost 3–4 times more |
| Putty knife and 5-in-1 tool | $12 | Interior Painting | |
| Ratchet straps, 4-pack | $40 | PODS Moving | loads shift in transit; strap every section to the container's tie-down rings |
| Rebar cutter or grinder with cutoff wheel | $40 | Retaining Wall | |
| Respirator (P100 or N95), goggles, coveralls, gloves | $60 | Crawl Space Insulation | fiberglass and crawl-space dust — not optional |
| Respirator with organic-vapor cartridges | $45 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Respirator with P100 filters, safety glasses, gloves | $45 | Chimney Repair | |
| Respirator, gloves, coveralls, headlamp, knee pads | $45 | Ductwork Replacement | old duct insulation and attic dust; fiberglass everywhere |
| Respirator, gloves, safety glasses, knee pads | $35 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Roller frame, 9-inch, with extension pole and tray | $35 | Interior Painting | |
| Roller, tray, brush and stir sticks | $30 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Roof safety harness, rope and anchor | $90 | Chimney Repair | the item that isn't optional; a chimney is where the roof is steepest and the fall is longest |
| Rope (150 ft, 1/2 in arborist) | $60 | Tree Removal | |
| Rope, 1/2-inch, 100 ft, for pulling cut limbs away from the house | $40 | Tree Trimming | |
| Rubber boots, gloves and safety glasses | $35 | Concrete Slab Installation | wet concrete burns skin; don't kneel or stand in it unprotected |
| Rubber gloves, scrub brush, grout brush, razor scraper | $15 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Rubber mallet, brick chisel and 3-lb hammer | $35 | Retaining Wall | |
| Rubber mallet, paver puller and screed pipes | $35 | Driveway Extension | |
| Safety glasses, gloves, dust mask | $30 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Screwdriver for vent covers and light fixtures usually owned | $10 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Screwdriver set and socket set for furniture usually owned | $40 | PODS Moving | |
| Screwdrivers, tape measure, 2 ft level usually owned | $35 | Home Inspection | |
| Scrub brushes, spray bottles, buckets usually owned | $20 | Mold Remediation | |
| Self-propelled gas mower (21 in) | $450 | Lawn Mowing | push mower ~$250, battery electric ~$400–$600, riding mower $1,800+ for acre lots |
| Shop vacuum usually owned | $60 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Shop vacuum, stiff broom, scrub brush usually owned | $80 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Shovel, mattock, wheelbarrow and a garden rake usually owned | $120 | Retaining Wall | |
| Shovel, probe rod or long screwdriver usually owned | $30 | Land Survey | |
| Shovel, rake, stiff push broom usually owned | $60 | Concrete Slab Installation | |
| Shovel, steel rake, mattock usually owned | $70 | Driveway Extension | |
| Spackle, putty knife, sanding sponge and touch-up paint for nail holes | $25 | Move-Out Cleaning | fill and sand; paint only if you have the landlord's exact color |
| Spiked shoes, notched squeegee, 18 in roller frame and lint-free covers | $60 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Staple gun or hammer tacker usually owned | $30 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| String trimmer | $120 | Lawn Mowing | gas or battery; battery is quieter and maintenance-free |
| Tape measure, straightedge usually owned | $20 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| Tile nippers | $15 | Kitchen Backsplash | for curves and notches |
| Tile nippers, hole saw for the toilet flange and valves, snap cutter | $45 | Tile Installation | |
| Tin snips, roofing hammer, flat bar, utility knife | $45 | Chimney Repair | |
| Tubing cutter and push-fit or crimp fittings tools | $40 | Walk-In Shower | push-fit fittings need no tool; PEX crimp or a torch for copper do |
| Utility knife and handsaw for trimming overspray usually owned | $20 | Spray Foam Insulation | |
| Utility knife with extra blades usually owned | $15 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| Utility knife, tape measure, marker usually owned | $15 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Utility knife, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses usually owned | $20 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Vacuum with attachments usually owned | $150 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Wet/dry vacuum and buckets usually owned | $60 | House Repiping | |
| Wheelbarrow usually owned | $90 | Concrete Slab Installation | |
| Wheelbarrow usually owned | $90 | Driveway Extension | |
| Work lights, extension cord, fan for ventilation usually owned | $60 | Spray Foam Insulation |
Materials and consumables
Used up by the job — fuel, adhesive, tile, batts — priced for the typical job size on each service page.
| Item | Price | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 rebar grid on chairs | $100 | Driveway Extension | |
| 1/2-inch cement backer board, 4 sheets, screws and tape | $80 | Tile Installation | |
| 1/4-inch cement backer board, 2 sheets, screws and mesh tape | $45 | Tile Installation | |
| 100% silicone caulk, panel adhesive, plumber's putty | $45 | Walk-In Shower | |
| 100%-solids epoxy base coat, pigmented, 400 sq ft | $400 | Epoxy Flooring | $250–$350 per 3-gallon kit covering 250–300 sq ft at 10 mils; buy 15% extra |
| 100%-solids metallic base with pigments, 500 sq ft | $700 | Epoxy Flooring | base resin plus two or three metallic pigment colors |
| 12 × 24 porcelain tile, 100 sq ft with waste | $350 | Tile Installation | |
| 12 × 24 porcelain tile, 220 sq ft with waste | $770 | Tile Installation | |
| 12 × 24 porcelain tile, 55 sq ft with waste | $175 | Tile Installation | at about $3 per square foot; $2–$8 is the normal range for porcelain |
| 12-inch timber spikes and rebar pins | $45 | Retaining Wall | |
| 2 in drain, trap, PVC and supply fittings | $90 | Walk-In Shower | |
| 24 × 48 porcelain tile, 440 sq ft with waste | $1,760 | Tile Installation | $4 per square foot; large-format panels run $4–$10 |
| 4-inch perforated drain pipe, sock and fittings | $40 | Retaining Wall | |
| 4-inch perforated drain pipe, sock and fittings | $70 | Retaining Wall | |
| 6-mil plastic, tape and a zipper door for containment | $45 | Mold Remediation | |
| 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier (1,200 sq ft + overlap) | $180 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| 6×6×8 pressure-treated timbers, 14 pieces | $500 | Retaining Wall | four courses on 25 feet plus deadmen; ground-contact rated |
| Acrylic base and wall panel kit for an existing stall footprint | $1,100 | Walk-In Shower | 32×32 to 36×48; match the existing drain position |
| Acrylic shower base and 3-wall surround kit, 60×32 in | $1,300 | Walk-In Shower | $900–$1,800 for a solid base and direct-to-stud panels; cheap kits flex and crack |
| All-purpose cleaner, degreaser, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner | $22 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Angle stops and braided supply lines at every fixture | $130 | House Repiping | |
| Anti-slip grit for the topcoat | $20 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Antimicrobial treatment and encapsulating sealer for framing | $60 | Mold Remediation | |
| Bagged cold-mix asphalt, about 100 bags | $1,800 | Driveway Extension | 200 sq ft at 2 in is about 2.5 tons; cold patch is $15–$22 per 50 lb bag and never gets as hard as hot mix |
| Bedding sand, 1 in, and polymeric joint sand | $140 | Driveway Extension | |
| Blade sharpening or replacement | $20 | Lawn Mowing | sharpen twice a season, replace every 2–3 years |
| Boxes, tape, packing paper and bubble wrap — 1-bedroom | $90 | PODS Moving | |
| Boxes, tape, packing paper and bubble wrap — 3-bedroom | $260 | PODS Moving | 60–90 boxes; free used boxes from stores and neighbors cut this in half |
| Brick, 220 pieces to match | $300 | Chimney Repair | $1–$3 each for reclaimed or matched brick; the finding is the hard part |
| Bucks, anchors and shims for 17 openings | $250 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Bucks, anchors and shims for one opening | $25 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Cap blocks and construction adhesive | $220 | Retaining Wall | |
| Cap blocks and construction adhesive | $340 | Retaining Wall | |
| Carpet cleaning solution and spot treatment | $20 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Cement board, screws, mesh tape and thinset | $130 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Chains, trimmer line, bar oil | $40 | Land Clearing | |
| Clear polyaspartic or urethane topcoat, 400 sq ft | $250 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Clear topcoat with UV stabilizer, 500 sq ft | $300 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Concrete, 4 in thick | $400 | Concrete Slab Installation | about 60 bags of 80 lb mix for a 10×10; ready-mix at $170–$220 per cubic yard plus fees for anything bigger |
| Contractor bags, twine and a tarp for dragging brush | $20 | Tree Trimming | |
| Copper fittings, solder, flux and drop-ear elbows | $233 | House Repiping | |
| Copy of the plat and deed from the county | $15 | Land Survey | often free online through the recorder or GIS site |
| Coveralls, gloves, dust mask and knee pads for the attic and crawl space | $30 | Home Inspection | |
| Crack filler and patching compound | $40 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Crown form, concrete mix, bond break and a drip edge | $90 | Chimney Repair | |
| Crushed gravel base and clean drainage stone, 14 tons delivered | $800 | Retaining Wall | |
| Crushed gravel base and clean drainage stone, 6 tons delivered | $380 | Retaining Wall | |
| Crushed gravel base, 1.5 tons delivered | $120 | Retaining Wall | |
| Crushed stone base (3/4 in minus), delivered | $200 | Driveway Extension | 4–6 in over 200 sq ft is 2.5–3.7 cubic yards at $40–$60 a yard plus delivery |
| Crushed stone base and top layer, delivered | $300 | Driveway Extension | 4 in of 3/4 minus base plus 2 in of 3/4 clean or pea gravel on top; about 3.7 cubic yards |
| Crushed stone base, 6 in, delivered | $300 | Driveway Extension | vehicular pavers need a deeper base than a patio |
| Curbless waterproofing: sloped tray, linear drain, membrane extended into the room | $1,000 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Decorative flake, 1/4 in, partial broadcast | $60 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Degreaser and concrete cleaner | $25 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Detergent, borax or a commercial mold cleaner, and mold-resistant primer | $45 | Mold Remediation | the EPA recommends detergent and water on hard surfaces; bleach isn't needed and doesn't penetrate porous material |
| Diesel and mixed gas | $110 | Land Clearing | |
| Drywall, mud, tape, texture and paint for the openings | $120 | House Repiping | |
| Duct mastic, foil tape and mesh | $32 | Ductwork Replacement | mastic on every joint; cloth duct tape is not a duct sealant |
| Edge trim (metal or bullnose) for exposed ends | $30 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Elastomeric crown sealer, crack filler and brush | $70 | Chimney Repair | |
| Epoxy primer, 500 sq ft | $200 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Equipment delivery and pickup | $150 | Land Clearing | per rental; most rental yards won't let you tow a skid steer without a heavy trailer |
| Expansion joint strip and curing compound or plastic sheeting | $25 | Concrete Slab Installation | |
| Expansion joint strip, dowels and epoxy for the tie-in, curing compound | $65 | Driveway Extension | |
| Fifteen impact windows plus two 8 ft impact sliding glass doors | $15,500 | Hurricane Impact Windows | sliders are $2,000–$3,000 each as units and 300 lb apiece |
| Flake for a full broadcast, about 40 lb | $120 | Epoxy Flooring | |
| Flashing tape, polyurethane sealant, backer rod, low-expansion foam | $120 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Flashing, sealant and foam for one opening | $25 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Flashing, sealant, backer rod and foam for 17 openings | $200 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Flat ceiling paint, 5 gallons | $150 | Interior Painting | |
| Flat ceiling paint, 8 gallons | $240 | Interior Painting | |
| Form lumber, stakes, screws and form-release oil | $50 | Concrete Slab Installation | 2×4s for a 4 in slab; 2×6s or 2×8s where the edge is thickened |
| Form lumber, stakes, screws, form-release | $80 | Driveway Extension | |
| Form release, ties and bracing lumber | $150 | Retaining Wall | |
| Framed or semi-frameless glass door | $400 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Frameless glass door or panel, measured after tile | $900 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Framing lumber to recess the floor or build the slope | $200 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Fuel and bar oil, or a charged battery | $10 | Tree Trimming | |
| Fuel and mix for the grinder | $10 | Stump Grinding | |
| Fuel for the season | $45 | Lawn Mowing | ≈ 12 gal at 0.5 gal/mow; $0 for battery, but ~$15 in electricity |
| Fuel, bar oil, spare chain | $30 | Tree Removal | |
| Geogrid, two layers on 40 feet | $260 | Retaining Wall | |
| Grass seed and straw | $10 | Stump Grinding | |
| Grass seed and straw | $25 | Stump Grinding | |
| Gravel base and drainage stone, 12 tons delivered | $700 | Retaining Wall | |
| Gravel base, 4 in compacted | $90 | Concrete Slab Installation | 3/4 in crushed stone; bulk delivery is cheaper than bags above about 2 cubic yards |
| Grout (unsanded for joints under 1/8 in) | $20 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Grout sealer and silicone caulk for the counter joint | $22 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Grout, color-matched silicone, sealer, spacers | $60 | Tile Installation | |
| Grout, sealer, leveling clips and wedges, transitions | $130 | Tile Installation | |
| Grout, sealer, leveling system for 440 sq ft, transitions | $260 | Tile Installation | |
| Grout, sealer, spacers and silicone | $45 | Tile Installation | |
| Grout, silicone, tile spacers, edge trim, sealer | $130 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Heavy contractor bags and duct tape for bagging waste inside containment | $25 | Mold Remediation | |
| Ignition-barrier (intumescent) coating | $50 | Spray Foam Insulation | $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft of foam; required over foam left exposed in an attic or shop |
| Impact single-hung window, 36×48 in, aluminum, laminated glass | $700 | Hurricane Impact Windows | $500–$1,000 from a dealer; most brands sell only through installers, so quote the unit price separately |
| Insulation support wires ("tiger teeth") | $70 | Crawl Space Insulation | one per 12–16 in of joist bay |
| Landscape fabric and marking paint | $30 | Retaining Wall | |
| Landscape fabric or geotextile | $40 | Driveway Extension | |
| Landscape fabric, waterproofing for the back of the wall, marking paint | $120 | Retaining Wall | |
| Large-and-heavy-tile mortar, 10 bags | $300 | Tile Installation | |
| Liquid waterproofing membrane, corners and seam tape | $90 | Tile Installation | |
| Mattress bags, stretch wrap and a lock for the container | $45 | PODS Moving | |
| Microfiber cloths, sponges, paper towels, trash bags | $15 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Modified thinset mortar, 2 bags | $40 | Tile Installation | |
| Modified thinset mortar, 3 bags | $75 | Tile Installation | |
| Mortar and brick water repellent, 1 gallon | $60 | Chimney Repair | |
| New main shutoff, hose bibbs and water heater connectors | $110 | House Repiping | |
| New step and counter-flashing for the rebuilt stack | $130 | Chimney Repair | |
| Nylon straps, hanger strap and inner-core zip ties | $23 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Oil change, air filter, spark plug | $30 | Lawn Mowing | once a season |
| One 8–12 ft container: delivery, one month, transport under 50 miles, pickup | $850 | PODS Moving | $600–$1,000 all-in; each extra month is $150–$250 |
| Oven cleaner, baking soda and vinegar, magic erasers | $13 | Move-Out Cleaning | |
| Painter's tape, plastic sheeting, masking paper | $25 | Interior Painting | |
| Painter's tape, plastic sheeting, masking paper | $60 | Interior Painting | |
| Painter's tape, plastic sheeting, masking paper | $90 | Interior Painting | |
| Paver edge restraint with spikes, 60 ft | $120 | Driveway Extension | |
| PEX fittings, crimp rings, drop-ear elbows and stub-outs | $180 | House Repiping | |
| PEX tubing, 1/2 and 3/4 in, red and blue | $180 | House Repiping | about 250 ft for a 1-bath house at $0.40–$0.90 per ft |
| Pipe hangers, nail plates, pipe insulation and fire caulk | $50 | House Repiping | |
| Plywood or a tarp to shield windows, cars and the neighbor's fence from thrown chips | $15 | Stump Grinding | |
| Polyaspartic base and clear coats, 400 sq ft | $700 | Epoxy Flooring | sold to contractors and a few retail brands; 15–20 minute pot life at room temperature |
| Polyurethane sealant, roofing cement, replacement shingles and nails | $60 | Chimney Repair | |
| Prefab foam niche and edge trim | $80 | Tile Installation | |
| Prefab niche and bench or curb forms | $150 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Pressure-balance valve, trim and shower head | $280 | Walk-In Shower | a kit swap in the same footprint can keep a sound existing valve |
| Pressure-treated bucks, concrete anchors or Tapcons per the approval, shims | $150 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Primer for patches and color changes | $25 | Interior Painting | |
| Primer for patches and color changes | $60 | Interior Painting | |
| Primer for patches and color changes | $80 | Interior Painting | |
| Pruning-saw blade and lopper sharpening | $15 | Tree Trimming | |
| R-8 insulated flex duct, 6–8 in | $150 | Ductwork Replacement | $45–$65 per 25 ft box; three boxes for a few runs, eight to ten for a house |
| Ready-mix concrete, 3 cubic yards with short-load fee | $750 | Driveway Extension | 200 sq ft at 5 in; about 100 bags of 80 lb mix instead, at a similar price |
| Ready-mix concrete, 9 cubic yards, wall and footing | $1,600 | Retaining Wall | 3,000 psi; a short-load fee applies below the truck minimum |
| Rebar, #4 and #5, with chairs and tie wire | $450 | Retaining Wall | |
| Rebuild materials for a whole area | $900 | Mold Remediation | |
| Register boots and grilles | $80 | Ductwork Replacement | $15–$30 per boot-and-grille set; reuse them if they're sound |
| Replacement drywall, insulation and paint for a basement wall or crawl space | $400 | Mold Remediation | |
| Replacement drywall, insulation, tape, mud and paint for a wall section | $140 | Mold Remediation | |
| Roller covers, brushes, tray liners, rags, stir sticks | $25 | Interior Painting | |
| Roller covers, brushes, tray liners, rags, stir sticks | $60 | Interior Painting | |
| Roller covers, brushes, tray liners, rags, stir sticks | $90 | Interior Painting | |
| Seam tape, caulk and canned spray foam for rim joist | $90 | Crawl Space Insulation | |
| Segmental wall block, 185 sq ft with buried course | $2,050 | Retaining Wall | |
| Segmental wall block, 90 sq ft with buried course | $1,000 | Retaining Wall | at $10–$14 per square foot of face; delivery on a pallet is $75–$150 more |
| Self-leveling underlayment, 8 bags, and primer | $280 | Tile Installation | |
| Sheet metal trunk sections, snap-lock pipe, fittings and R-8 wrap | $850 | Ductwork Replacement | about $12–$18 per foot in materials; prefab trunk sections from an HVAC supply house |
| Short-term radon test kit with lab fee | $35 | Home Inspection | a charcoal kit sits 2–4 days and mails to a lab; results in a week |
| Spackle, sanding sponges, paintable caulk | $15 | Interior Painting | |
| Spackle, sanding sponges, paintable caulk | $35 | Interior Painting | |
| Spackle, sanding sponges, paintable caulk | $50 | Interior Painting | |
| Stainless steel chimney cap with spark screen | $90 | Chimney Repair | sized to the flue tile; multi-flue caps are $150–$300 |
| Stakes, flags and mason's string | $25 | Land Survey | |
| Steel or heavy plastic edging with stakes, 60 ft | $90 | Driveway Extension | |
| Step flashing, counter-flashing and a cricket kit in aluminum | $130 | Chimney Repair | copper is three times the price and lasts the life of the roof |
| Stucco and drywall patch for one opening | $30 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Stucco patch, drywall, trim and paint for 17 openings | $320 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Stucco patch, drywall, trim and paint for the openings | $200 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Stump killer / herbicide for regrowth | $30 | Land Clearing | |
| Subfloor patch, drywall, shims and backing for grab bars | $80 | Walk-In Shower | |
| Take-off collars, dampers and elbows | $25 | Ductwork Replacement | |
| Ten impact single-hung windows, aluminum, laminated glass | $7,000 | Hurricane Impact Windows | $500–$1,000 each; custom sizes and low-E glass add $100–$300 per unit |
| Ten premium impact windows, vinyl or fiberglass, low-E insulated laminated glass | $11,000 | Hurricane Impact Windows | |
| Thinset mortar or tile mastic | $25 | Kitchen Backsplash | thinset for glass, stone and behind the range; mastic is fine for ceramic on dry walls |
| Thinset mortar, 5 bags (unmodified under the membrane, modified over) | $120 | Tile Installation | |
| Tile for walls and floor, about 100 sq ft plus 15% | $550 | Walk-In Shower | $4–$6 per sq ft porcelain; mosaic floor tile for the slope |
| Tile spacers, outlet box extenders, painter's tape | $20 | Kitchen Backsplash | |
| Tile, 30 sq ft plus 10–15% for cuts and breakage | $180 | Kitchen Backsplash | $3–$8/sq ft ceramic subway; $8–$20 glass and mosaic; $10–$30 stone |
| Topsoil to fill the hole after the chips settle | $15 | Stump Grinding | |
| Topsoil to fill the hole after the chips settle | $30 | Stump Grinding | |
| Topsoil to fill the holes after the chips settle | $60 | Stump Grinding | |
| Trim and door enamel, 2 gallons | $110 | Interior Painting | |
| Trim and door enamel, 3 gallons | $165 | Interior Painting | |
| Trimmer line | $15 | Lawn Mowing | |
| Two 16 ft containers shipped about 2,500 miles | $7,000 | PODS Moving | $5,000–$9,000; quotes vary widely by route and season, so get three |
| Two 16 ft containers shipped about 500 miles | $4,200 | PODS Moving | $3,000–$5,500 with a month at each end and transport |
| Two 16 ft containers: delivery, one month, local transport, pickup | $1,600 | PODS Moving | $1,200–$2,000 all-in for a 3-bedroom house |
| Two water-based epoxy kits with flakes and etch, 2-car coverage | $260 | Epoxy Flooring | $100–$150 per kit rated for 250 sq ft; buy two for 400 sq ft and use both — thin coats fail |
| Two-part closed-cell foam kit(s), with gun, hoses and tips | $400 | Spray Foam Insulation | a 200 board-foot kit is about $400 ($2.00/bf); 600 board-foot kits are $700–$1,000 ($1.30–$1.60/bf). Real yield is 70–85% of the box rating |
| Type L copper pipe, 1/2 and 3/4 in | $1,100 | House Repiping | $2.50–$4.50 per ft; copper prices move with the commodity market |
| Type N mortar, 3 bags, with pigment to match | $45 | Chimney Repair | |
| Type N mortar, 8 bags, and a clay flue tile section | $180 | Chimney Repair | |
| Uncoupling membrane, 200 sq ft | $250 | Tile Installation | |
| Uncoupling membrane, 400 sq ft | $500 | Tile Installation | |
| Unfaced fiberglass batts, R-19 to R-30 (1,200 sq ft) | $1,000 | Crawl Space Insulation | $0.70–$1.10 per sq ft; R-30 for cold climates |
| Vapor barrier (10 mil polyethylene) | $25 | Concrete Slab Installation | required under any slab that will be enclosed |
| Vapor barrier or moisture fix materials for the cause | $120 | Mold Remediation | |
| Vehicular concrete pavers, 200 sq ft plus 10% | $900 | Driveway Extension | $3–$6 per sq ft for standard 2 3/8 in pavers; more for large-format or tumbled styles |
| Wall paint, 10 gallons for 1,500 sq ft of house | $400 | Interior Painting | mid-grade paint-and-primer at about $40 a gallon; two coats at 350–400 sq ft per gallon |
| Wall paint, 16 gallons for 2,500 sq ft of house | $640 | Interior Painting | |
| Wall paint, 2 gallons for one room | $80 | Interior Painting | |
| Waterproofing system: sloped pan or liner, membrane, corners, drain kit | $450 | Walk-In Shower | a bonded-membrane kit (Schluter-Kerdi, Wedi or similar) with its matched drain; don't mix brands |
| Welded wire mesh or #3 rebar, with chairs | $50 | Concrete Slab Installation | mesh for pads and patios; rebar on 18 in centers for a garage or shop |
About these prices
Figures come from the retailer and rental sources cited on each service page — typically The Home Depot, Lowe's and local rental counters — and are rounded to the dollar. Rental rates are for one day; many yards offer four-hour and weekly rates that change the math on short or long jobs. Regional prices vary less for tools than for labor, but delivery fees for large equipment can add $100–$200 each way. Full method on the methodology page.