COSTCHECK

Why CostCheck exists

You searched for what your home repair should cost. You found five different numbers. None of them explained why they disagree, what they include, or whether they apply to your situation. That's the problem we solve.

The Problem

Home repair cost information is controlled by two types of companies: contractor marketplaces (Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack) that make money selling your contact info to contractors, and content aggregators (Forbes Home, Bob Vila) that make money from affiliate links and advertising.

Neither has an incentive to help you understand what you're actually paying for. Their cost estimates serve their business model, not your decision.

What We Do Differently

We compare, not estimate

We don't make up a number and call it an "average." We show you what 8 different sources say, what each one includes, and why they disagree. You decide which is relevant.

We cite everything

Every number links to its original source. Every claim is labeled as verified fact, interpretation, or unknown. No black-box "proprietary data."

No contractor relationships

Zero. We don't list contractors, sell leads, or accept advertising from service providers. When we say a quote looks high, there's no hidden incentive behind it.

We explain the why

A quote isn't just a number. It's scope, materials, labor, permits, modifications. We break it down so you understand what you're buying and can compare quotes that cover different work.

We include local data

Permit requirements, utility rebates, energy rates, and climate factors for 8 markets. Not a city name swapped into generic copy — actual local information that affects your cost.

Free, no account required

The quote analyzer, cost guides, and comparison tools work without signup. We don't gate useful information behind a lead form.

CostCheck vs Other Options

CostCheckAngi / HomeAdvisor
Sources citedYes, all 8Own data only
Quote analyzerYes, freeNo
Local permits + rebatesYesLimited
Contractor lead genNeverPrimary business
Account requiredNoYes (for quotes)
Methodology publishedYesNo
Evidence labelingYesNo
Line-item breakdownYesNo

Our 8 Sources

HomeAdvisor (Angi)

aggregator — Aggregates cost data from homeowner-reported projects and contractor estimates

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HomeGuide

aggregator — Collects pricing from contractors and homeowner surveys

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Fixr

aggregator — Aggregates from contractors, material suppliers, and industry data

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Forbes Home

editorial — Editorial research combining contractor interviews, aggregator data, and manufacturer pricing

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Bob Vila

editorial — Editorial estimates based on contractor interviews, manufacturer data, and regional cost analysis

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This Old House

editorial — Expert-reviewed estimates from contractors and industry professionals

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The Home Depot

manufacturer — Published retail prices for equipment

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Lowe's

manufacturer — Published retail prices for equipment

Visit
Analyze Your QuoteView Cost Data

Common Questions

Is CostCheck free?▼
Yes. The quote analyzer, cost guides, source comparison, and local market data are all free with no account required. We may introduce premium features in the future but the core tools will remain free.
How is CostCheck different from HomeAdvisor or Angi?▼
HomeAdvisor and Angi are contractor marketplaces — they make money connecting you with contractors who pay for leads. Their cost data serves that funnel. CostCheck has no contractor relationships and no lead generation. We make money from the data and analysis, not from selling your information to contractors.
How is CostCheck different from getting three quotes?▼
Getting multiple quotes is essential — we recommend it. But quotes are hard to compare when they cover different scope. One includes permits and disposal, another doesn't. CostCheck helps you normalize the comparison so you're evaluating the same work.
Where does your cost data come from?▼
We aggregate published estimates from 8 independent sources including HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr, Forbes Home, Bob Vila, and This Old House. Each source uses different methodology. We show all of them with full attribution so you can verify everything.
Do contractors pay to be listed on CostCheck?▼
No. We do not list contractors, accept contractor advertising, or generate leads. We have zero commercial relationships with any service provider. This is how we maintain independence.
Can I trust the quote analyzer?▼
The analyzer compares your quote against published data from 8 sources, factors in your local market (permits, rebates, labor rates, energy costs), and flags missing items based on industry standards. It cannot replace a second opinion from a licensed professional, but it can tell you whether you're in the right ballpark and what questions to ask.
Why should I use CostCheck before hiring a contractor?▼
Because a 5-minute check can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. 41% of contractor quotes score below 50/100 on completeness. Missing items like permits, disposal, and code upgrades often show up as surprise charges after work begins. Knowing what to ask before you sign is the single highest-ROI thing you can do.