ZeroFiZeroFi
Market Pulse · July 2026

What home projects cost right now — and when to hire vs. DIY

Summer: AC and roofing demand peaks — expect longer lead times and firmer pricing.

Roof Replacement

Storm season drives urgent demand and quote spikes.

$8,000$18,000
per job
Hire a pro

Plumbing Repair

The #1 DIY-attempted trade — but burst pipes and water heaters usually need a pro.

$400$1,200
per job
DIY-friendly

HVAC System Replacement

Demand and pricing peak with the first heat wave and first freeze.

$8,000$14,000
per system
Hire a pro

Kitchen Remodel

Big-ticket — homeowners plan these months ahead.

$25,000$55,000
per project
Hire a pro

Interior Painting

A common DIY win — but trim, ceilings and prep are where pros earn their fee.

$4,000$11,000
per job
DIY-friendly

Window Replacement

Efficiency rebates can shift the DIY-vs-hire math.

$8,000$18,000
per home
Hire a pro

Electrical Panel Upgrade

Permits and safety make this a hire-a-pro category.

$2,500$4,500
per job
Usually hire

Typical (mid-range) US pricing — not quotes. Actual cost varies by scope and location; see each city's cost guide for local ranges. Source: ZeroFi estimate · national industry cost ranges, updated 2026-07.

Stay ahead of the market

Get the ZeroFi Market Pulse — what home projects cost, where prices are moving, and when to hire vs. DIY. Free, every week. No spam.

Planning one of these?

Describe your job in plain words — free AI estimate, then matched to vetted local pros. No referral fees, ever.

Get a free estimate →