Short answer
For Reno home repairs, describe the problem or send photos to Runhome, get an estimate in minutes, and Runhome calls local contractors, collects quotes and books the visit. Reno's high desert climate swings from hot dry summers to freezing nights, so pipes, furnaces and exterior wood all take a beating.
Reno homes at a glance
- Median year built
- 1990
- Built before 1960
- 12%
- Built since 2000
- 36%
- Owner-occupied
- 50%
- Median home value
- $548,300
- Main heat
- Gas, 57%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates
What Reno’s housing means for repairs
Reno's housing is mostly from the last few decades. The median home was built in 1990, about 36% were built since 2000, and about 12% predate 1960. Older brick and wood homes cluster in Old Southwest and near Midtown, while newer subdivisions climb into Somersett, Damonte Ranch and the northwest hills. About 50% of homes are single-family detached, and about 4% are mobile homes.
Gas heats about 57% of homes and electricity about 38%. Many homes have forced-air furnaces paired with central AC or evaporative coolers. Newer homes face issues like builder-grade fixtures and stucco cracks, while older homes may have original windows and aging plumbing. With a median value of about $548,300, owners tend to fix things before they get worse.
Weather that wears on Reno homes
Reno sits in the high desert at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cold with snow, and nights often drop below freezing even when days are mild. That daily swing cracks stucco, concrete and exterior paint. Dry air and strong sun fade siding and dry out wood decks. Pipes in exterior walls and crawlspaces can freeze during cold snaps. Wildfire smoke from the Sierra drifts into the valley in summer and fall, so HVAC filters clog fast. Washoe zephyr winds in afternoons can damage fences and roofing.
Common repairs in Reno
Frozen pipe repair
Cold Reno nights freeze pipes in exterior walls and crawlspaces, especially in older homes.
Furnace repair and service
A gas furnace works hard through long Reno winters, and older units need yearly service.
Deck staining and railing repair
Dry air and strong sun crack and gray wood decks, and loose railings follow.
Stucco and exterior paint repair
Freeze-thaw and temperature swings crack stucco and peel paint on Reno homes.
Evaporative cooler and AC service
Many Reno homes rely on swamp coolers or central AC that need spring startup and cleaning.
What these repairs cost
The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Plumbing repair | $260 to $480 |
| Heating or cooling repair | $310 to $580 |
| Deck, porch or patio repair | $350 to $1,550 |
| Siding and exterior repair | $330 to $1,050 |
Fix guides for Reno homeowners
Fence gate sags and won't latch or close properly
Reno's dry air shrinks wood fence gates and posts, so they sag and stop latching.
Screen is broken, bent or blown out of a window or gable vent
Afternoon zephyr winds in Reno bend and tear window screens and gable vent screens.
Water is leaking under the sink
Freeze-thaw and older supply lines in Reno homes can start slow leaks under sinks.
Painted wood is rotten and crumbles when you press it
Reno's strong sun and snowmelt break down paint on wood trim, letting water in.
Seasonal checklist
- Spring
- Start up your evaporative cooler with new pads and check the water line and float before the first hot week.
- Summer
- Keep extra HVAC filters on hand for wildfire smoke and change them when they look gray.
- Fall
- Shut off and drain your swamp cooler, then have the furnace serviced before the first freeze.
- Winter
- Disconnect garden hoses and insulate exposed pipes in the garage and crawlspace.
Common questions
- Should I keep my swamp cooler or switch to AC in Reno?
Evaporative coolers work well in Reno's dry air and use less power than AC. They need more upkeep, like new pads and draining each fall. On smoky days, a closed AC system with a good filter keeps indoor air cleaner, which is why some owners add AC.
- How do I keep pipes from freezing in my Reno home?
Insulate pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces, and keep the heat on when you travel. During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls. If a pipe does freeze, shut off the main water before it thaws.
- Why are there cracks in the stucco on my Reno house?
Reno's big swings between warm days and freezing nights expand and contract the stucco, which leads to hairline cracks. Settling can also cause cracks. Small cracks can be sealed and painted, while large ones may need a closer look.
Neighborhoods served
- Midtown
- Old Southwest
- Somersett
- Damonte Ranch
- Caughlin Ranch
- South Meadows