Home improvement guides

Plain guides to planning a home improvement project, for homeowners anywhere in the United States.

130 guides
Written for homeowners anywhere in the U.S.
Updated October 2026

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Guides by trade

Roofing118 guides · what it costs, materials, repairs and problems, storms and insurance, planning and hiring
Gutters10 guides · what it costs, types and materials, repairs and problems, planning and hiring

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How much does a roof replacement cost?$5,900 – $13,400A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How much does a roof repair cost?$395 – $1,967Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967, about $1,173 on average. Prices by problem: shingles, flashing, leaks, decking, vents, fascia and sagging.
How much does a metal roof cost?$6,045 – $18,341A metal roof typically costs $6,045 to $18,341 installed, or $5 to $16 per square foot. Prices by metal and panel type, repair costs and lifespan.
How much does a roof inspection cost?$125 – $383A roof inspection typically costs $125 to $383, about $252 on average. Drone inspections run $150 to $400 and infrared $400 to $600. What each one checks.
Can bad gutters damage your foundation or basement?Yes. Gutters that overflow, leak or empty beside the house put roof water in the soil at the foundation. Signs to check, distances to aim for, and when drainage work is the fix.
How much do downspouts and downspout extensions cost?$1,099 – $2,000Downspout installation runs about $1,099 to $2,000 per job (Fixr); extensions cost $2 to $17 and an underground drain $15 to $35 a foot. Sizes, count and discharge distance.
How much does gutter cleaning cost, and how often?$125 – $250Gutter cleaning costs about $120 to $320 a visit, or $0.95 to $2.25 a foot, rising with each storey. Prices by height and length, what is included, how often.
How much does gutter repair cost, and when to replace?$150 – $650Gutter repair costs about $150 to $650, or $4 to $30 a foot for labor. Prices by fault, material and height, plus when repair stops making sense.

All guides

Roofing

What it costs

Materials

Repairs and problems

Storms and insurance

Planning and hiring

Gutters

What it costs

Types and materials

Repairs and problems

Planning and hiring

What should you ask a gutter installer before you sign?

Hiring a contractor

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