Every trade guide in this section follows the same template so you can compare apples to apples: a DC cost range, whether the work needs a license or permit, what to ask before hiring, and the red flags specific to that trade.
Use the trade explorer on the homepage to filter by category, permit need, and cost band, then drill into any guide.
How to read our cost bands
Costs are shown as DC-anchored ranges, not quotes — figures you can hold a bid up against:
| Band | Meaning |
|---|---|
$ | Lower-cost / small hourly jobs |
$$ | Moderate — typical repairs and installs |
$$$ | Higher — replacements and larger projects |
$$$$ | Major projects — full remodels |
What each guide tells you
- The DC cost range for the work, with the data anchor cited.
- License & permit needs — whether DC requires an HIC license and a DOB permit.
- What to ask — the trade-specific questions that separate a pro from a problem.
- Red flags — the warning signs that matter most for that trade.
Cost is only half the decision. A cheap bid from an unlicensed contractor is the most expensive thing you can buy in DC, because it puts you outside the Guaranty Fund. Pair every cost guide with the licensing and red-flags sections.