Cost guides
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Updated September 2026
Our guides exist to support the calculators — they answer the questions people actually ask before spending money, with the same dated data and shown math.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide
Cost by scope tier, 5x8 worked example, ROI, and timelines. 2026 data.
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (5x8)
Space-saving fixtures, tile strategy, and the sub-$5K refresh playbook. 2026 data.
Walk-In Shower Cost
Prefab vs. custom tile, glass doors, and tub-to-shower conversion. 2026 data.
Labor Rates
How Labor Rates Vary by ZIP Code
Enter your ZIP in any calculator — local labor rates from BLS wage data. Our methodology.
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide
Cost by scope tier, budget breakdown, 10x10 example, ROI, and timelines. 2026 data.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom per linear foot, refacing vs. replacing. 2026 data.
Kitchen Countertop Cost
Quartz, granite, marble, and budget options per sq ft installed. 2026 data.
Flooring
Flooring Material Cost Comparison
LVP vs. hardwood vs. tile vs. laminate vs. carpet — compared by true cost per year of life, with a 20-year worked example.
Flooring Installation Costs
Labor rates by material, hidden extras, and the quote-itemization checklist that catches padding.
How to Measure Square Footage
Rectangles, L-shapes, stairs, and waste factors — measure once, order right.
Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
Solid vs. engineered, species price tiers, and refinishing vs. new. 2026 data.
Tile Flooring Cost Per Sq Ft
Ceramic vs. porcelain vs. stone with bathroom and kitchen examples. 2026 data.
Carpet Installation Cost
Carpet types, pad upgrades, stairs pricing, and room-size examples. 2026 data.
Laminate Flooring Cost
Thickness tiers, laminate vs. LVP head-to-head, and room examples. 2026 data.
Fencing
Fence Material Cost Comparison
Wood vs. vinyl vs. chain-link vs. aluminum vs. composite — 15-year true cost with the crossover year.
Fence Installation Costs
Labor rates, permits, gates, terrain extras, and the 6 quote red flags.
Decking
Deck Material Cost Comparison
PT wood vs. cedar vs. composite vs. PVC — 25-year true cost per year of life.
Deck Building Cost Guide
Labor rates, cost drivers ranked, DIY decision table, and inspection tips.
Siding
Siding Material Cost Comparison
Vinyl vs. fiber cement vs. wood vs. brick — 25-year true cost per year of life.
Siding Installation Cost Guide
Labor rates, tear-off, wrap, trim packages, permits, and 6 quote red flags.
Windows
Window Replacement Cost Guide 2026
Per-window and full-house ranges by frame material, labor rates, and when repair beats replacement.
Window Replacement Cost Calculator
Per-window pricing by frame material and window type — with labor and the math shown.
HVAC
HVAC Replacement Cost Guide 2026
System prices by type and SEER2, Manual J sizing, payback math, the 2026 rebate change, and quote red flags.
HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator
AC, furnace, heat pump or mini-split — sized by square footage, efficiency tier and ductwork.
Landscaping
Landscaping Cost Guide 2026
Per-square-foot prices, front vs backyard, hardscaping vs softscaping, ROI, and money traps.
Landscaping Cost Calculator
Price a yard by size and features — sod, beds, patio, irrigation, lighting — with local labor rates.
Doors
Door Installation Cost Guide 2026
Interior to entry to patio: prehung vs slab, french vs sliding, entry-door ROI, rot repair, red flags.
Door Installation Cost Calculator
Price interior, entry, french and sliding patio doors by type, material, hardware and local labor.
Electrical
Electrical Work Cost Guide 2026
Panel upgrades, rewiring $/sq ft, EV charger spreads, permits, NEC notes, quote red flags.
Electrical Work Cost Calculator
Panel upgrades, rewiring, EV chargers, outlets and ceiling fans with local labor rates.
Ceiling Fan Installation Cost 2026
$146–$360 average pro install: swap vs new-wiring scenarios, labor rates, fan prices, DIY line.
Water Heaters
Water Heater Replacement Cost Guide 2026
Tank, tankless & heat-pump prices, 20-year TCO math, the 2026 federal credit change, red flags.
Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator
Tank, tankless or heat-pump — size, fuel type, conversion scope and code extras with local labor.
Roofing
Roof Material Cost Comparison
Asphalt vs. metal vs. tile vs. wood — 30-year true cost where the ranking flips.
Roof Replacement Cost Guide
Labor rates, tear-off, pitch multipliers, permits, and 6 quote red flags.
Skylight Installation Cost 2026
$1,014–$2,828 per skylight: fixed vs venting vs tubular prices, labor, roof-type adders, permits.
Moving
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs
How movers actually price your job: hourly under 100 miles, weight-and-distance over it. 2026 tables by home size.
9 Hidden Moving Fees
Stairs, long carry, shuttle, valuation gaps — what each costs and the exact question that kills it.
The 8-Week Moving Checklist
Week-by-week timeline with the timing tricks that cut 20–30% off the bill.
Moving Costs by State
Moving Costs in California
Local and long-distance prices, LA/SF factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Texas
Local and long-distance prices, metro vs. rural factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Florida
Local and long-distance prices, hurricane-season timing, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in New York
Local and long-distance prices, NYC walk-up factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Pennsylvania
Local and long-distance prices, Philly/Pittsburgh factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Illinois
Local and long-distance prices, Chicago factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Ohio
Local and long-distance prices, metro factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Georgia
Local and long-distance prices, Atlanta factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in North Carolina
Local and long-distance prices, Triangle/Charlotte factors, and money-saving tips. 2026 data.
Moving Costs in Arizona
Local and long-distance prices, Phoenix factors, summer-heat timing, and tips. 2026 data.
2026 State Moving Cost Index
All 10 states ranked cheapest to priciest — the quotable numbers behind the state guides.
Long-Tail Cost Answers
Deck Inspection Cost
What inspectors charge ($150–$400), the 8-point checklist, and when you need one. 2026 data.
Cost to Paint a 12×12 Room
Full worked math: gallons, paint tiers, DIY vs pro totals with ±25% range. 2026 data.
Roof Cost Per Square
Per-square installed prices for 5 materials and how to convert your roof size. 2026 data.
Fence Cost Per Linear Foot
Per-foot prices by material, gates, terrain adders, and a 150-ft worked example. 2026 data.
How Much Does LVP Flooring Cost?
Quality tiers by wear layer, room-size examples, and LVP vs alternatives. 2026 data.
Painting
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?
Room-by-room interior costs, DIY vs. pro, and where the money really goes.
How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost?
1-story vs. 2-story math, why quotes vary so much, and prep costs explained.
Ceiling, Door & Trim Painting Costs
The add-ons contractors charge for — and when bundling them saves money.
Paint Finishes Explained
Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss: where each belongs and what it costs.