Know what the number means
A starting point, not a price promise.
The calculators use fixed illustrative unit rates and scope adjustments. They do not retrieve live contractor quotes, retailer prices, or ZIP-based labor data. Expanding access nationwide does not make the underlying assumptions a verified national pricing database.
What drives each result
| Project | Model inputs | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| Fence | Length × selected-material rates, plus gates | Removal, survey, permit, terrain, fence height, post conditions, and gate design need confirmation. |
| Deck | Area × material and height assumptions; railing, stairs, removal, and cover options | Framing condition, footing design, engineering, attachments, and local requirements need a site review. |
| Patio / concrete | Area × material / finish rates; selected demolition, access, and base allowances | Subgrade, drainage, actual excavation, reinforcement design, and retaining-wall height can change the scope. |
| Roof replacement | Footprint adjusted for roof geometry, material, access, layers, and decking condition | It is not a roof measurement. Hidden damage and specialty details require inspection. |
| Gutters | Length × material and height assumptions; downspouts and optional guards | Routing, fascia damage, complex fittings, and existing drainage are not fully modeled. |
| Painting | Approximate floor area with preparation, access, trim, ceiling, and door adjustments | Floor area is only a proxy for surface area. Room count is included in the project brief, not used as an extra price multiplier. Lead remediation and major repairs require separate assessment. |
| Landscaping / trees | Selected scope, dimensions, size, access, and optional stump work | Broad scopes and higher-risk work have especially uncertain ranges; get a site-specific assessment. |
| Mulch | Bed area × depth ÷ 324 gives cubic yards, plus 10% allowance; selected material or installed rates | The quantity is not a supplier minimum order. Delivery, minimum charges, prep, and existing mulch depth need confirmation. |
What is not reliably priced
Taxes, local permits, surveys, engineering, utility relocation, hazardous-material handling, major hidden damage, freight, and contractor minimum charges are not consistently included. Do not treat the range as a complete all-in contract price.
DIY budgets use your inputs
The DIY tool calculates material quantities, adds a 10% quantity allowance, and rounds up to whole containers or your bulk supplier’s order increment and minimum. Mulch budgets can use either bags or bulk delivery. Its editable prices and expense allowances are examples. Replace them with actual quotes and include the tools, primer, delivery, tax, rentals, disposal, and contingency you need. Your own labor is excluded.
Compare written quotes on the same scope
- Dimensions, quantities, material grade, and product specifications
- Preparation, demolition, disposal, and cleanup
- Permits, inspections, and responsibility for arranging them
- Delivery, tax, access charges, and exclusions
- Payment schedule, change-order process, and warranty
- Licensing and insurance where required, checked directly with the appropriate provider or authority
Before buying materials yourself, confirm that the contractor accepts customer-supplied products and agrees on specifications and warranty responsibilities.