Home Services in India — An Overview
India's home services market is one of the largest and most fragmented in the world. Estimated at over $10 billion (and growing at 30%+ annually), it encompasses everything from plumbing and electrical work to professional cleaning, pest control, painting, carpentry, appliance repair, and interior design. Yet for all its size, the industry remains overwhelmingly unorganised — with most service providers being independent workers or micro-enterprises.
This guide covers the major home service categories in India, typical pricing, how to hire well, and what to expect from each type of professional. Whether you are a first-time homeowner, a tenant managing a rental, or planning a renovation, this is the practical reference you need.
Electrical Services
Electrical work is the most safety-critical home service. It includes everything from replacing a faulty switch to complete home rewiring. In India, electrical standards are governed by the Indian Electricity Act and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Common Services
- Fan installation and repair
- Switch and socket replacement
- MCB/RCCB panel work
- New wiring points
- Inverter and UPS installation
- Smart home setup (smart switches, automated lighting)
- Complete rewiring (for older homes)
Typical Pricing (2025–2026)
- Minor repair visit: ₹300–₹600
- Per wiring point (new): ₹150–₹300
- Fan installation: ₹200–₹400
- MCB panel upgrade: ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Full 2BHK rewiring: ₹15,000–₹50,000
Read our detailed guide on choosing a reliable electrician for vetting tips.
Plumbing Services
Plumbing issues range from minor nuisances to emergencies that can cause significant property damage. India's diverse water supply systems (municipal, borewell, tanker) and hard water conditions add complexity.
Common Services
- Tap and faucet repair or replacement
- Drain clearing and unblocking
- Pipe leak repair
- Toilet flush mechanism repair
- Water heater installation
- Overhead tank and sump maintenance
- Full bathroom plumbing (new or renovation)
Typical Pricing
- Minor repair: ₹200–₹600
- Drain clearing: ₹300–₹800
- Pipe replacement (per metre): ₹200–₹500
- Full bathroom plumbing: ₹8,000–₹25,000
Painting Services
Interior and exterior painting is one of the most common home improvement projects. The quality of the finish depends heavily on surface preparation, paint quality, and the skill of the painter.
What Affects Cost
- Paint brand: Asian Paints, Berger, Dulux — premium brands cost 30–50% more but offer better coverage and durability.
- Number of coats: One coat (touch-up) vs. two coats (standard) vs. three coats (premium finish). Always insist on at least two coats.
- Surface preparation: Includes putty application, sanding, primer, and crack filling. Skipping prep ruins the finish.
- Furniture and floor protection: Professional painters cover furniture and tape edges. Budget painters may skip this.
Typical Pricing
- Per square foot (with material): ₹14–₹25 (economy) / ₹25–₹45 (premium)
- Labour only (per sq ft): ₹7–₹12
- Full 2BHK painting: ₹25,000–₹80,000 (depending on brand and coats)
Cleaning Services
Professional home cleaning has gained significant traction in Indian metros, especially deep cleaning (post-construction, pre-move-in, periodic deep clean) and specialised cleaning (sofa, mattress, carpet).
Types of Cleaning
- Regular cleaning: Sweeping, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning. Usually hired per visit or monthly.
- Deep cleaning: Thorough scrubbing of all surfaces, kitchen degreasing, bathroom descaling, window cleaning. Takes 4–8 hours for a 2BHK.
- Specialised cleaning: Sofa shampooing, carpet cleaning, AC duct cleaning, water tank cleaning.
Typical Pricing
- Deep cleaning (2BHK): ₹3,000–₹6,000
- Sofa cleaning (3-seater): ₹800–₹1,500
- Carpet cleaning (per sq ft): ₹5–₹15
- Water tank cleaning: ₹500–₹2,000
Pest Control
Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and other Indian cities face pest issues year-round — cockroaches, ants, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and mosquitoes. Professional pest control is recommended at least once a year, or immediately when an infestation is detected.
Common Treatments
- General pest control (cockroach, ant, spider): Gel or spray treatment
- Termite treatment: Pre-construction (soil treatment) or post-construction (drilling and injection)
- Bed bug treatment: Steam or chemical treatment, typically requires 2–3 sessions
- Rodent control: Bait stations, traps, and sealing entry points
Typical Pricing
- General pest control (2BHK): ₹800–₹2,000
- Termite treatment: ₹5,000–₹15,000
- Bed bug treatment: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per session
Carpentry and Furniture
From fixing a squeaky door to building custom wardrobes, carpenters are essential for home maintenance and improvement. India has a rich tradition of skilled carpentry, with many carpenters specialising in specific types of work.
Common Services
- Door and window repair
- Furniture assembly (flat-pack)
- Custom wardrobe and kitchen cabinet making
- Wood polishing and refinishing
- Modular kitchen installation
How to Hire Well — Universal Tips
Regardless of the service category, these principles apply:
- Search by proximity: Use NearMe to find the closest qualified vendors. Proximity reduces travel charges and improves response time.
- Read reviews: At least 5–10 reviews on NearMe before committing. Look for patterns, not just the star rating.
- Get written estimates: Labour, materials, timeline, and warranty — all in writing.
- Inspect before paying: Test every repair, check every surface, run every appliance before releasing final payment.
- Leave a review: Help the community by sharing your honest experience. Your review helps the next customer make a better decision.
Ready to find home services near you? Visit find services near me or browse the best-rated services in your area on NearMe.