Home Services in Austin

Most Austin plumbers charge $150–$500 for standard jobs like leak repairs or drain cleaning. Emergency or after-hours calls typically add $100–$175. Water heater replacement runs $900–$2,200 depending on the unit and whether it's tankless. Slab leak repair — common in Central Texas — can cost $1,500–$4,000.

Texas does not have a general contractor license, but specific trades require licensing through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians must be licensed. Always verify at tdlr.texas.gov. Some cities, including Austin, have additional local permitting requirements.

Schedule AC maintenance in February or March before Austin's summer heat kicks in (June–September regularly hits 100°F+). HVAC companies are overwhelmed from May through September. If you suffer from cedar allergies, schedule duct cleaning in November before cedar season starts in December.

Both are solid options. Angi (formerly Angie's List) tends to have more established companies with verified reviews. Angi is great for getting fast quotes from independent pros and smaller businesses. Austin's market is competitive, so we recommend checking both to compare prices and availability.

Basic yard cleanups run $200–$600. Full xeriscaping with native Texas plants costs $2,000–$6,000+ depending on yard size. Artificial turf installation averages $9–$15 per square foot. Austin Water offers rebates of up to $500 for customers who replace grass with water-efficient landscaping through the WaterWise program.