How We Calculate
Construction Costs

Base material and assembly costs across our 14 estimate categories — foundation, framing, roofing, mechanical systems, finishes, and more.

Regional labor rates by trade. Labor is 35–50% of a build budget and varies more by region than materials do, so we track it separately from material costs.

Every estimate is adjusted for location. Our multipliers are derived from regional cost indices and cross-checked against actual reported build costs in each market.

Permit figures come from published county and city fee schedules, reviewed market by market. Impact fees vary from under $2,000 to $50,000+ between counties — we report county-level ranges, not state averages.

Energy rebate and tax credit data (IRA programs, 25C credits, state rebates) is compiled from program administrators and official state energy office sources.

Construction pricing is inherently a range. A single number like "$243,187" implies precision that does not exist before bids come in. We publish ranges with the factors that move you inside them.

Most cost sites publish one blended number. We break labor from materials in every category because they move independently — lumber prices and framing wages do not follow the same curve.

A national average is nearly useless for budgeting. The same 2,000 sq ft house can differ by $150,000+ between markets. Our state, county, and city figures exist because that is where real budgeting happens.

Cost data is reviewed quarterly, and page-level updates are dated. When market conditions shift quickly — as with recent tariff-driven material moves — affected categories are re-reviewed off-cycle.

Our reports are planning tools. They are designed to make you a better-informed buyer of construction services — to sanity-check bids, spot padded line items, and budget realistically. Final pricing always comes from contractor bids on your specific plans and site.