Home repair comparisons
Side-by-side cost, lifespan, and trade-offs for the equipment and material choices homeowners actually have to make.
Asphalt vs metal roof cost (2026)
A 1,800 sq ft architectural asphalt roof runs about $14,400 installed in 2026. The same size in standing-seam metal runs about $30,200. Metal costs roughly 2.1x more up front but lasts 2 to 3x longer (40 to 70 years vs 25 to 30).
Tankless vs tank water heater cost (2026)
A 50-gallon gas tank water heater runs about $2,400 installed in 2026. A comparable gas tankless unit runs about $5,800 installed once gas line and venting upgrades are included. Tankless lasts roughly 2x as long (15 to 20 years vs 8 to 12).
Gas vs electric water heater cost (2026)
A 50-gallon gas tank runs about $2,400 installed in 2026. The same size in electric runs about $2,100 installed. Electric is cheaper to buy, but the operating cost gap depends entirely on local gas and electric rates.
Heat pump vs gas furnace cost (2026)
A 3-ton central AC plus gas furnace install runs about $9,000 in 2026. An equivalent air-source heat pump runs about $10,400. After the federal 25C credit (up to $2,000) and utility rebates, heat pump installs often beat gas on net cost.
Push piers vs helical piers cost (2026)
A typical 6 to 10 push pier underpinning job runs about $9,500 in 2026. The same number of helical piers runs about $13,000 to $16,000. Push piers are cheaper, but helical piers are the only option in saturated or weak soils.
Tile vs asphalt roof cost (2026)
A 1,800 sq ft architectural asphalt roof runs about $14,400 installed in 2026. The same size in concrete tile runs about $26,600 and clay tile about $37,400. Tile costs 2 to 3x more but routinely lasts 50+ years.