Build the budget before
you build the project.
Decks, bathrooms, additions, roofs — pick a project, enter the size, get a calibrated cost range from real US contractor bids. Free, no sign-up.
Popular this month
Kitchen Remodel
Minor refresh to luxury teardown — what every tier actually costs in 2026, and where contractors typically mark up labor.
Estimate by project type
Three questions.
One real number.
- 01Pick a projectDecks, bathrooms, additions — 15 common renovation types.
- 02Enter the sizeSquare feet, linear feet, or unit count. We do the math.
- 03Get a real rangeCalibrated to your state, with a low / mid / high band from contractor bids.
What homeowners ask first
What is BuildCost?
BuildCost is a free construction cost estimator for U.S. homeowners. Enter your project type, size, and state to get an instant low/mid/high cost range tuned to local labor rates and material pricing — no sign-up required.
Is BuildCost really free?
Yes. No sign-up, no paywall, no email collection required to see your estimate. We earn revenue through optional contractor referrals and affiliate links — not by gating the calculator or selling your data.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Estimates are built from aggregated U.S. contractor bid data and regional labor rates, calibrated for 2026 pricing. The low/mid/high range reflects realistic project-to-project variation. For final pricing, always validate with at least three quotes from licensed local contractors.
What kinds of projects does BuildCost cover?
BuildCost covers 19 of the most common home improvement projects: decks, patios, garages, kitchen and bathroom remodels, roof replacement, window replacement, fencing, additions, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, ADUs, landscaping, and more. Each project has a dedicated cost guide and state-specific pricing.
Does BuildCost work in my state?
Yes — BuildCost has cost data for all 50 U.S. states. Pricing is calibrated by U.S. census region (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, West) and adjusted at the state level for local labor markets.
Will BuildCost sell my information?
No. If you choose to request contractor quotes through our platform, your contact info is shared only with the contractors you select for that specific request. It's never sold to lead brokers, advertisers, or third-party data companies.
Know the number before
the contractor does.
One minute, three questions, a real range you can negotiate from.
Start free estimate →