Service life depends on many factors, including proper installation, frequency of maintenance and regional climate. The following costs are estimates only:

Mid efficiency forced air furnace – 15 to 25 years
· Cost to replace - $2500 - $5000

High efficiency forced air furnace – 15 to 25 years
· Cost to replace - $3500 - $7000

Air conditioning system (add on to existing forced air system) – 12 to 20 years
· Cost to replace – starts at $3000 (depending on the size of the unit)

Heat pump (add on to existing system) – 10 to 15 years
· Cost to replace - $4000 - $8000

Water heater – 8 to 12 years
· Cost to replace - $800 - $1600

Water softener – 5 to 15 years
· Cost to replace – starts at $1000

Asphalt shingle roof – 15 to 25 years
· $2 - $4 per square foot (conventional shingle)
· $4 - $8 per square foot (premium shingle)

Asphalt driveway – 10 to 20 years
· $2 - $4 per square foot to re-surface with asphalt
· $8 - $16 per square foot for interlocking brick

Insulate open attic area to modern standards
· $.80 - $1.60 per square feet

Install a tankless water heater
· $2500 - $3500

Install hardwood floors
· 3/8 inch thick - $8 per square foot
· 3/4 inch thick - $12 per square foot

Replace windows
· Sliding, awning or bay - $40 to $100 per square foot
· Casement, double hung - $60 to $120 per square foot

Install a gas fireplace
· $3000 and up

Add electric baseboard heater
· $250 - $500 each

Replace sump pump
· $350 - $700

Install central vacuum
· $1000 - $2000

Central vacuum canister only
· $500 - $1000

Other notable costs:

· Duct cleaning - $300 - $600
· Annual service (furnace) - $200
· Annual service (air conditioner) - $200

Choosing the right contractor:

If you need outside help to do a household project or repair make sure you choose the right contractor for the job. A great way to pick a contractor is through referrals from family, friends or neighbours. They can tell you about the dependability of the contractors they worked with, the quality of the work and their overall experience with that company.

You won’t offend reputable firms with questions. If a contractor doesn’t seem to know much about the technical details of the job or doesn’t want to talk about them, you may have the wrong contractor. It is important to get three (or more) quotes for any work you need to have done. This is not only to establish a good price, but also to provide sufficient information for you to make an informed decision.

Cambridge, Ontario Home Inspections. Home Straight Inspections offers home inspection services for houses, condos and town homes in Cambridge, Galt, Preston, Hespeler, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding areas. AHIT certified Home Inspector in Southwestern Ontario.

AHIT Certified Home Inspector	Registered Home Inspector of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)	CAHPI Registered Home Inspector