4 Most Expensive Repairs Costing Homeowners More Than $2K in 2026
If you own a home, you’ll probably spend money to fix something this year. Repairs are as much a part of homeownership as mortgages, insurance and property taxes.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get by with minor repairs that won’t cost more than a couple hundred dollars total. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’ll dish out a lot more than that.
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Here’s a look at the four most expensive repairs in 2026, according to Thumbtack’s 2026 State of American Homes Report, which gathered insights from 1,000 homeowners and 500 home service pros.
Each of the repairs below costs an average of more than $2,000 in 2026.
Foundation Repairs
Average cost: $6,174
This is the most expensive average repair, but the amount you pay varies widely depending on what needs fixing. Very small cracks can “often be filled with epoxy for a few hundred dollars,” according to This Old House. But severe foundation sinking problems might set you back $20,000 or more.
Cracks are the most common foundation problem. They’re usually caused by either the home settling or by pressure from the surrounding soil. Sinking is usually caused by factors such as erosion, expanding tree roots or changing weather patterns.
Another potential problem is bowing of the foundation walls, which is caused by fluctuations in soil pressure, according to This Old House.
Deck and Porch Repair
Average cost: $3,899
These are the three main types of damage to decks, according to Empire Home Solutions:
Damaged boards: Repairs involve sanding or replacing.
Structural issues: These typically involve joists, beams and supports.
Damaged stairs and rails: The cost to fix these issues varies depending on factors like the deck material and extent of the damage.
Porch repair costs also vary by problem type. According to a blog from Home Guide, the cost to repair a porch’s foundation can range from around $250 to more than $3,000. Step repairs usually cost $150 to over $300 per step, while railing repairs can cost from $150 to $500 and up. If you need to replace the screen, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot.
Solar Panels
Average cost: $2,946
Solar panel damage is usually caused by severe weather events such as hurricanes and hail storms. Depending on the damage, it might be more cost-effective to replace the faulty panels rather than fix them.
If you do want to take the repair route, here are some of the costs, according to Angi:
Broken glass: Typically costs $120 to $550 per panel, including labor and materials.
Broken panel: If the issue is with the solar cells, expect to spend $200 to $550 for a replacement panel or replacement tile.
Loose or chewed wiring: Typically costs $100 to $400.
Rust and corrosion: You can expect to pay $150 to $350 to have a contractor remove the loose rust and apply a protective coating.
Stairs
Average cost: $2,402
Stair repairs come in many different forms. According to Angi, repairs usually involve treads (the horizontal parts you step on), risers (the vertical boards), stringers (the stair supports), railings, balusters and landings.
Costs depend on factors such as what needs to be repaired, the materials involved and how difficult it is to reach the damaged area. You might pay anywhere from $150 for a squeaky tread to $5,000 or more for structural damage.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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