Methodology

Data sources

National ranges are a 2026 snapshot triangulated from publicly published installed-cost guides — HomeGuide/Angi-class contractor surveys, Home Depot and This Old House installation guides, Homewyse unit estimates, Fixr, and ENERGY.gov / ENERGY STAR reference data. Metro multipliers blend BEA Regional Price Parities (2024 release), RSMeans-style city construction-cost indexes, and observed regional permit and code requirements. National ranges are 2026 snapshot values triangulated from publicly published cost guides: HomeGuide/Angi-class installed-cost surveys, Home Depot & This Old House installation guides, Homewyse unit estimates, Fixr, and ENERGY.gov / ENERGY STAR reference data (see /methodology/ for the per-trade basis). Solar pricing follows the $2.70–$3.30/Watt 2026 national average for a typical 6 kW grid-tied system, before the 30% federal credit.

How an estimate is built

Each estimate combines four factors:

1. National average — the trade's national low and high for a typical home (e.g. 2,000 sq ft, standard tier).
2. Home size factor — scales the estimate with the size of the home, using a sub-linear exponent so smaller homes do not scale too aggressively.
3. Material tier factor — basic (0.85×), standard (1.0×), premium (1.25×).
4. Metro multiplier — applied last. Multipliers range from roughly 0.85 to 1.25.

What we adjust for

• Trade-specific national low and high
• Home size (sub-linear scaling)
• Material or quality tier
• Metro area (10 metros currently; expansion in progress)
• Seasonality (for the demand/cost curve display)

What we don't adjust for

• Specific home age, condition, or accessibility constraints
• Code requirements that are unique to a single jurisdiction
• Real-time material or labor market volatility
• Emergency or after-hours pricing
• Manufacturer or installer-specific rebates

These are real reasons contractor quotes can deviate from our ranges — usually within ±20%, sometimes more. The estimator is a planning tool, not a quote.

Seasonality

Each trade carries a 12-month demand/cost multiplier curve. Months below 1.0× are typically faster to schedule and easier to negotiate; months above 1.1× are usually peak-season pricing.

Trades covered

We currently cover 6 trades, each with its own national range and 10 metro multipliers.

• HVAC System — national $7,000–$15,000 at standard tier
• Roof Replacement — national $9,000–$18,000 at standard tier
• Window Replacement — national $5,000–$20,000 at standard tier
• Water Heater Replacement — national $1,200–$5,500 at standard tier
• Furnace Replacement — national $4,000–$11,000 at standard tier
• Solar Panel Installation — national $16,000–$28,000 at standard tier

How often we refresh data

A weekly scheduled job (Cloudflare Cron Trigger, placeholder) re-evaluates the cost index from public sources.

Limitations and what we are honest about

Home-services pricing is local, condition-dependent, and negotiable. Any range we publish will be wrong for some homes and right for many.