About BuildDecide
BuildDecide is a free suite of tools for homeowners, DIYers, and small contractors planning a remodel or repair. We help you calculate material quantities, compare options side by side, and decide with realistic cost ranges — no signup, no paywall, no spam.
Who we are
BuildDecide is built and maintained by a small editorial team that researches home improvement costs, tests calculation methods against industry standards, and writes every explanation in plain English. Our content is published under the collective byline BuildDecide Editorial Team — because every page is researched, written, fact-checked, and reviewed before it goes live.
We are not licensed contractors or certified builders. We are researchers and writers who compile publicly available cost data, interview trade professionals, and turn that information into tools you can use before you call a contractor or head to the store.
How we research costs
Every cost range on BuildDecide is synthesized from multiple public data sources, including:
- HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide — the largest publicly available database of contractor-reported project pricing in the US, updated regularly.
- Fixr.com — a cost aggregation platform that surveys contractors and suppliers across US metro areas.
- Contractor survey data — trade association reports, regional contractor interviews, and aggregated job-cost benchmarks.
We cross-reference these sources, anchor every estimate to a specific year (currently 2026), and present ranges — not single numbers — because real project costs vary by location, season, material grade, and labor market conditions.
Each cost guide page includes a Data sources note listing the references used for that specific project type.
Editorial principles
- Plain language: no industry jargon without explanation. Every calculator includes a worked example so you can follow the math.
- Year-anchored: every cost estimate is labeled with its reference year. We update pricing data at least annually.
- Ranges, not quotes: our numbers are planning estimates, not binding bids. We tell you this on every page.
- Transparent methodology: we explain where data comes from, what assumptions we make, and what we don't cover.
- No sponsored placements: we do not accept payment to feature specific brands, contractors, or products in our guides.
Keeping information current
Material prices, labor rates, and building codes change. We review and update our cost guides at least once per year, and more often when major market shifts occur (lumber spikes, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes). The reference year is displayed on every cost guide page so you know how fresh the data is.
Calculator formulas are tested against industry-standard references (ASTM, manufacturer specs, and trade manuals) and verified with our automated QA suite before every deploy.
Important limitations
- Not a substitute for professional quotes. Our estimates are for planning and budgeting only. Always get 2–3 written quotes from licensed, insured contractors in your area.
- Regional variation is real. Labor costs in NYC, SF, or Chicago can be 2–3× the national average. Our ranges reflect national mid-market pricing unless stated otherwise.
- Code and permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local building department before starting any structural, electrical, or plumbing work.
Get in touch
Have a tool you'd like us to build? Found an error? Want to suggest a data source we should include? Head to our contact page or email us at hello@builddecide.com.
Page last updated: June 2026