🏠 HomeCostCheck

How we estimate costs

Every range on HomeCostCheck is built the same transparent way, so you know exactly what the numbers mean before you budget.

1. Start with a national baseline

For each project we set a typical national low–high range for a clearly defined scope (for example, a roof replacement on a 2,000 sq ft single-family home). These baselines are drawn from public contractor-pricing references and homeowner-reported cost surveys — the same kinds of sources behind widely cited construction cost data such as RSMeans-style unit-cost databases and HomeAdvisor/Angi-type project surveys — cross-checked against multiple sources rather than any single quote.

2. Adjust for your city

Labor rates, permit fees, energy codes, and climate drive most of the price difference between metros. We apply a local cost-of-construction index to the national baseline for each city — values above 1.0 mean a market runs above the national average (high-cost coastal metros), and values below 1.0 mean it runs below. That is why the same project shows a different range in San Jose than in Fresno.

3. Round to honest ranges

We publish rounded low–high ranges, not false-precision point estimates, because real quotes vary with your home's condition, the finishes you choose, and how busy local contractors are. Always treat our numbers as a budgeting guide and get written bids.

Projects we cover

What our estimates are not

They are not quotes, appraisals, or guarantees of price. They do not account for unusual site conditions, premium custom work, or emergency scheduling. For a binding price, get itemized written bids from licensed contractors in your area. Learn more about us.