Useful estimates begin with visible assumptions.
The Home Cost Signal model turns project inputs into a planning range. It does not predict a contractor’s bid or replace an inspection.
What homeowners should know first
- The calculators help form a budget and compare project scope before collecting local quotes.
- Location changes supported labor costs. Products, equipment, and most fixed allowances remain nationally priced.
- Low, typical, and high values show planning uncertainty instead of a precise-looking promise.
- Hidden damage, exact measurements, code requirements, product availability, and site access require professional review.
- Every result identifies its model, data versions, sources, and last-updated date so changes remain traceable.
State-adjusted planning ranges
These tables hold the project inputs constant and show how the existing state labor factors change a representative result. They are not state contractor prices. Materials and fixed allowances remain national unless a calculator result says otherwise.
Roof replacement1,800 sq ft architectural asphalt roof; one tear-off layer; standard pitch and access
| State | Labor adjustment factor | National labor baseline | Adjusted labor range | Adjusted total planning range | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0.82× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,400–$6,000 | $9,400–$20,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Alaska | 1.20× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $5,000–$8,800 | $11,400–$24,200 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Arizona | 0.85× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,550–$6,250 | $9,550–$20,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Arkansas | 0.86× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,550–$6,250 | $9,550–$20,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| California | 1.15× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,750–$8,350 | $11,100–$23,600 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Colorado | 0.93× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,850–$6,800 | $9,950–$21,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Connecticut | 1.12× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,650–$8,150 | $11,000–$23,400 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Delaware | 1.07× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,800 | $10,700–$22,900 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Florida | 0.86× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,550–$6,250 | $9,550–$20,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Georgia | 0.85× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,500–$6,150 | $9,500–$20,700 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Hawaii | 1.07× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,850 | $10,700–$22,900 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Idaho | 1.04× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,300–$7,600 | $10,500–$22,600 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Illinois | 1.41× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $5,800–$10,200 | $12,500–$26,200 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Indiana | 1.05× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,350–$7,650 | $10,600–$22,700 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Iowa | 0.88× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,650–$6,400 | $9,650–$21,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Kansas | 0.85× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,500–$6,200 | $9,550–$20,700 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Kentucky | 0.85× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,500–$6,150 | $9,500–$20,700 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Louisiana | 0.88× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,650–$6,400 | $9,700–$21,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Maine | 0.90× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,750–$6,600 | $9,800–$21,300 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Maryland | 1.08× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,500–$7,900 | $10,800–$23,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Massachusetts | 1.31× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $5,450–$9,550 | $12,000–$25,300 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Michigan | 1.07× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,850 | $10,700–$22,900 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Minnesota | 1.34× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $5,550–$9,800 | $12,100–$25,600 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Mississippi | 0.81× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,350–$5,900 | $9,300–$20,300 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Missouri | 0.88× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,650–$6,400 | $9,650–$21,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Montana | 1.06× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,400–$7,750 | $10,700–$22,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Nebraska | 0.84× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,450–$6,100 | $9,450–$20,600 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Nevada | 0.92× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,800–$6,700 | $9,900–$21,400 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| New Hampshire | 1.08× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,850 | $10,700–$23,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| New Jersey | 1.38× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $5,700–$10,100 | $12,300–$25,900 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| New Mexico | 0.82× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,400–$5,950 | $9,350–$20,400 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| New York | 1.19× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,950–$8,700 | $11,300–$24,100 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| North Carolina | 0.88× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,650–$6,450 | $9,700–$21,100 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| North Dakota | 1.08× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,850 | $10,700–$23,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Ohio | 0.89× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,700–$6,500 | $9,750–$21,100 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Oklahoma | 0.79× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,250–$5,750 | $9,200–$20,100 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Oregon | 1.06× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,400–$7,750 | $10,700–$22,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Pennsylvania | 1.01× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,150–$7,350 | $10,300–$22,200 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Rhode Island | 1.11× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,600–$8,100 | $10,900–$23,300 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| South Carolina | 0.83× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,400–$6,000 | $9,400–$20,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| South Dakota | 0.86× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,550–$6,300 | $9,600–$20,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Tennessee | 0.82× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,400–$6,000 | $9,400–$20,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Texas | 0.83× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,450–$6,050 | $9,400–$20,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Utah | 0.88× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,650–$6,400 | $9,650–$21,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Vermont | 1.07× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,400–$7,750 | $10,700–$22,800 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Virginia | 0.87× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,600–$6,350 | $9,650–$21,000 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Washington | 1.09× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,550–$8,000 | $10,800–$23,100 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| West Virginia | 0.92× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,800–$6,750 | $9,900–$21,400 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Wisconsin | 1.07× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $4,450–$7,800 | $10,700–$22,900 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
| Wyoming | 0.82× roofer labor | $4,150–$7,300 | $3,400–$6,000 | $9,400–$20,500 | National materials, accessories, disposal, and permit allowance remain unchanged; tear-off labor is adjusted separately. |
HVAC replacement1,800 sq ft home; central AC + gas furnace; standard efficiency; minor duct repair
| State | Labor adjustment factor | National labor baseline | Adjusted labor range | Adjusted total planning range | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0.79× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,400–$5,100 | $8,250–$17,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Alaska | 1.27× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,850–$8,200 | $10,100–$21,400 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Arizona | 0.97× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,950–$6,300 | $8,950–$18,700 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Arkansas | 0.79× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,400–$5,100 | $8,200–$16,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| California | 1.19× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,600–$7,700 | $9,800–$20,700 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Colorado | 1.07× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,250–$6,900 | $9,350–$19,600 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Connecticut | 1.26× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,800–$8,100 | $10,100–$21,300 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Delaware | 1.02× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,100–$6,600 | $9,150–$19,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Florida | 0.93× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,800–$6,000 | $8,800–$18,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Georgia | 0.92× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,800–$5,950 | $8,750–$18,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Hawaii | 1.07× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,250–$6,950 | $9,350–$19,600 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Idaho | 0.92× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,800–$5,950 | $8,750–$18,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Illinois | 1.27× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,850–$8,200 | $10,100–$21,400 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Indiana | 0.99× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,400 | $9,050–$18,800 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Iowa | 0.99× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,400 | $9,050–$18,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Kansas | 0.99× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,400 | $9,050–$18,800 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Kentucky | 0.96× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,900–$6,200 | $8,900–$18,500 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Louisiana | 0.96× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,900–$6,200 | $8,900–$18,600 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Maine | 1.04× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,150–$6,700 | $9,200–$19,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Maryland | 1.15× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,500–$7,400 | $9,650–$20,300 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Massachusetts | 1.27× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,850–$8,200 | $10,100–$21,400 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Michigan | 1.00× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,050–$6,450 | $9,050–$18,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Minnesota | 1.25× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,800–$8,100 | $10,100–$21,300 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Mississippi | 0.80× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,450–$5,150 | $8,250–$17,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Missouri | 0.98× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,350 | $9,000–$18,700 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Montana | 1.00× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,050–$6,450 | $9,050–$18,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Nebraska | 0.98× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,350 | $9,000–$18,700 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Nevada | 0.99× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,400 | $9,050–$18,800 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| New Hampshire | 1.21× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,700–$7,800 | $9,900–$20,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| New Jersey | 1.22× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,700–$7,900 | $9,950–$21,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| New Mexico | 0.82× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,500–$5,300 | $8,350–$17,300 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| New York | 1.22× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,700–$7,900 | $9,950–$21,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| North Carolina | 0.94× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,850–$6,050 | $8,800–$18,300 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| North Dakota | 1.22× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,700–$7,900 | $9,950–$21,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Ohio | 1.02× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,100–$6,600 | $9,150–$19,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Oklahoma | 0.94× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,850–$6,100 | $8,850–$18,400 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Oregon | 1.03× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,150–$6,650 | $9,200–$19,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Pennsylvania | 1.02× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,100–$6,600 | $9,150–$19,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Rhode Island | 1.10× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,350–$7,150 | $9,500–$19,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| South Carolina | 0.93× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,800–$6,000 | $8,800–$18,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| South Dakota | 1.01× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,050–$6,500 | $9,100–$19,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Tennessee | 0.91× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,750–$5,900 | $8,700–$18,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Texas | 0.95× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,900–$6,100 | $8,850–$18,400 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Utah | 0.96× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,950–$6,200 | $8,900–$18,600 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Vermont | 1.02× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,100–$6,600 | $9,150–$19,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Virginia | 0.98× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,000–$6,350 | $9,000–$18,700 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Washington | 1.24× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,750–$8,000 | $10,000–$21,200 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| West Virginia | 0.80× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,450–$5,150 | $8,250–$17,100 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Wisconsin | 1.01× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $3,100–$6,550 | $9,100–$19,000 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
| Wyoming | 0.90× HVAC labor | $3,050–$6,450 | $2,750–$5,800 | $8,650–$17,900 | National equipment, disposal, refrigerant materials, and permit allowance remain unchanged; only supported labor shares adjust. |
Bathroom remodel60 sq ft standard partial remodel; replacement bathtub; stock vanity; ceramic floor
| State | Labor adjustment factor | National labor baseline | Adjusted labor range | Adjusted total planning range | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | plumbing 0.92× · electrical 0.88× · tile 0.80× · carpentry 0.80× · painting 0.89× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,150–$11,000 | $5,550–$20,300 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Alaska | plumbing 1.47× · electrical 1.42× · tile 1.00× · carpentry 1.22× · painting 1.23× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,700–$16,500 | $7,100–$25,800 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Arizona | plumbing 0.97× · electrical 0.97× · tile 0.93× · carpentry 0.97× · painting 0.98× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,600–$12,700 | $6,050–$21,900 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Arkansas | plumbing 0.76× · electrical 0.78× · tile 0.70× · carpentry 0.79× · painting 0.81× | $3,750–$13,200 | $2,900–$10,200 | $5,300–$19,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| California | plumbing 1.14× · electrical 1.21× · tile 1.06× · carpentry 1.25× · painting 1.19× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,450–$15,700 | $6,850–$24,900 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Colorado | plumbing 0.99× · electrical 0.98× · tile 1.04× · carpentry 1.04× · painting 1.07× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,850–$13,500 | $6,250–$22,800 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Connecticut | plumbing 1.21× · electrical 1.23× · tile 1.13× · carpentry 1.06× · painting 1.18× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,250–$14,800 | $6,650–$24,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Delaware | plumbing 1.01× · electrical 1.01× · tile 1.00× · carpentry 0.98× · painting 1.18× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,800–$13,300 | $6,200–$22,600 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Florida | plumbing 0.83× · electrical 0.91× · tile 0.85× · carpentry 0.82× · painting 0.96× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,150–$11,100 | $5,600–$20,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Georgia | plumbing 0.90× · electrical 0.92× · tile 0.86× · carpentry 0.81× · painting 0.98× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,250–$11,300 | $5,650–$20,600 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Hawaii | plumbing 1.22× · electrical 1.53× · tile 1.42× · carpentry 1.41× · painting 1.38× | $3,750–$13,200 | $5,150–$18,000 | $7,550–$27,300 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Idaho | plumbing 0.82× · electrical 1.00× · tile 0.86× · carpentry 0.86× · painting 0.91× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,250–$11,300 | $5,650–$20,600 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Illinois | plumbing 1.57× · electrical 1.58× · tile 1.21× · carpentry 1.30× · painting 1.24× | $3,750–$13,200 | $5,100–$17,800 | $7,500–$27,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Indiana | plumbing 1.20× · electrical 1.08× · tile 0.87× · carpentry 1.04× · painting 1.02× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,950–$13,800 | $6,350–$23,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Iowa | plumbing 1.00× · electrical 0.96× · tile 0.98× · carpentry 0.95× · painting 1.01× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,650–$12,800 | $6,050–$22,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Kansas | plumbing 1.02× · electrical 1.04× · tile 0.99× · carpentry 0.94× · painting 0.92× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,650–$12,700 | $6,050–$22,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Kentucky | plumbing 1.01× · electrical 0.94× · tile 0.85× · carpentry 0.87× · painting 0.97× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,450–$12,000 | $5,850–$21,200 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Louisiana | plumbing 1.00× · electrical 0.97× · tile 0.80× · carpentry 0.82× · painting 0.94× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,300–$11,600 | $5,700–$20,800 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Maine | plumbing 1.00× · electrical 1.19× · tile 1.27× · carpentry 1.03× · painting 1.20× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,050–$14,200 | $6,450–$23,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Maryland | plumbing 1.03× · electrical 1.16× · tile 0.82× · carpentry 1.04× · painting 0.99× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,750–$13,200 | $6,150–$22,500 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Massachusetts | plumbing 1.47× · electrical 1.26× · tile 1.46× · carpentry 1.24× · painting 1.16× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,950–$17,300 | $7,400–$26,500 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Michigan | plumbing 1.26× · electrical 1.21× · tile 0.86× · carpentry 1.02× · painting 1.03× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,950–$13,900 | $6,400–$23,200 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Minnesota | plumbing 1.48× · electrical 1.24× · tile 1.27× · carpentry 1.07× · painting 1.16× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,550–$15,900 | $6,950–$25,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Mississippi | plumbing 0.87× · electrical 0.96× · tile 0.70× · carpentry 0.80× · painting 0.91× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,050–$10,800 | $5,500–$20,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Missouri | plumbing 1.05× · electrical 1.04× · tile 1.09× · carpentry 1.00× · painting 1.16× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,900–$13,700 | $6,350–$23,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Montana | plumbing 1.25× · electrical 1.21× · tile 1.05× · carpentry 0.97× · painting 1.18× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,050–$14,200 | $6,450–$23,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Nebraska | plumbing 0.96× · electrical 0.96× · tile 1.07× · carpentry 0.83× · painting 0.96× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,450–$12,000 | $5,850–$21,200 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Nevada | plumbing 0.97× · electrical 1.16× · tile 1.10× · carpentry 1.03× · painting 1.14× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,900–$13,700 | $6,300–$23,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| New Hampshire | plumbing 1.05× · electrical 0.99× · tile 0.90× · carpentry 1.01× · painting 1.01× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,750–$13,200 | $6,150–$22,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| New Jersey | plumbing 1.23× · electrical 1.22× · tile 1.12× · carpentry 1.06× · painting 1.20× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,250–$14,800 | $6,650–$24,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| New Mexico | plumbing 0.96× · electrical 0.92× · tile 0.80× · carpentry 0.99× · painting 0.94× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,550–$12,500 | $5,950–$21,700 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| New York | plumbing 1.21× · electrical 1.25× · tile 1.10× · carpentry 1.19× · painting 1.21× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,450–$15,600 | $6,850–$24,900 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| North Carolina | plumbing 0.89× · electrical 0.90× · tile 0.80× · carpentry 0.81× · painting 0.89× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,150–$11,100 | $5,550–$20,300 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| North Dakota | plumbing 1.00× · electrical 1.04× · tile 0.77× · carpentry 0.96× · painting 1.11× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,600–$12,600 | $6,000–$21,900 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Ohio | plumbing 0.99× · electrical 1.02× · tile 0.83× · carpentry 1.00× · painting 1.00× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,650–$12,900 | $6,050–$22,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Oklahoma | plumbing 0.91× · electrical 0.97× · tile 0.80× · carpentry 0.77× · painting 0.91× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,100–$10,900 | $5,500–$20,200 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Oregon | plumbing 1.52× · electrical 1.60× · tile 1.06× · carpentry 1.04× · painting 0.99× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,400–$15,300 | $6,800–$24,600 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Pennsylvania | plumbing 1.07× · electrical 1.07× · tile 1.26× · carpentry 0.98× · painting 1.06× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,950–$13,800 | $6,350–$23,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Rhode Island | plumbing 1.20× · electrical 1.17× · tile 0.88× · carpentry 1.00× · painting 0.84× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,850–$13,400 | $6,250–$22,700 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| South Carolina | plumbing 0.85× · electrical 0.93× · tile 0.78× · carpentry 0.84× · painting 0.83× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,100–$11,000 | $5,550–$20,200 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| South Dakota | plumbing 0.81× · electrical 0.97× · tile 0.91× · carpentry 0.79× · painting 0.97× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,150–$11,000 | $5,550–$20,300 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Tennessee | plumbing 0.92× · electrical 0.97× · tile 0.78× · carpentry 0.84× · painting 0.87× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,200–$11,300 | $5,650–$20,500 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Texas | plumbing 0.94× · electrical 0.93× · tile 0.84× · carpentry 0.81× · painting 0.92× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,250–$11,300 | $5,650–$20,500 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Utah | plumbing 0.97× · electrical 0.98× · tile 0.89× · carpentry 0.86× · painting 0.93× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,400–$11,900 | $5,800–$21,100 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Vermont | plumbing 0.97× · electrical 1.00× · tile 1.00× · carpentry 1.03× · painting 1.08× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,800–$13,400 | $6,200–$22,600 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Virginia | plumbing 0.95× · electrical 1.00× · tile 0.88× · carpentry 0.92× · painting 0.96× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,500–$12,200 | $5,900–$21,400 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Washington | plumbing 1.27× · electrical 1.51× · tile 1.40× · carpentry 1.22× · painting 1.21× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,750–$16,700 | $7,200–$25,900 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| West Virginia | plumbing 0.89× · electrical 1.03× · tile 0.91× · carpentry 0.80× · painting 0.90× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,250–$11,300 | $5,650–$20,500 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Wisconsin | plumbing 1.27× · electrical 1.21× · tile 1.13× · carpentry 1.02× · painting 1.01× | $3,750–$13,200 | $4,150–$14,400 | $6,550–$23,700 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
| Wyoming | plumbing 0.98× · electrical 1.20× · tile 1.00× · carpentry 0.94× · painting 0.96× | $3,750–$13,200 | $3,650–$12,700 | $6,050–$22,000 | Five trade indexes adjust supported labor shares only; products, fixed disposal, and permit allowance remain national. |
Roof calculation sequence
- Validate the project.Area, location, materials, pitch, access, layer count, and supported overrides must stay inside documented bounds.
- Calculate quantities.Roof-covering purchase squares, removed layer-squares, debris tons, accessory units, and optional deck area remain distinct.
- Build component ranges.Roof covering, accessories, installation labor, tear-off labor, disposal, permits, and deck work have one owner each.
- Apply difficulty and location.Project factors affect only their supported labor components; the state factor never changes material, disposal, accessory, or permit prices.
- Add, then round for display.Internal precision is retained. Displayed components sum exactly to the displayed total.
HVAC replacement sequence
The HVAC model validates one of four replacement systems, home area, optional existing capacity, efficiency tier, duct condition, equipment location, access, removal, connections, electrical or gas work, controls, supported additional work, and permit override. It then selects one broad capacity band and a system-specific equipment range.
Equipment, base installation labor, removal labor, fixed disposal, ductwork, controls, electrical or gas work, permits, and additional work remain separate. Capacity, access, equipment location, stories, and the BLS factor apply only to their documented owners. Selected components are added once, then rounded for display so visible components equal the visible total.
HVAC capacity and efficiency limits
Home size and a user-provided existing capacity are planning-band inputs only. They are not a Manual J calculation and do not select a new system. Final sizing requires climate, insulation, air leakage, windows, orientation, occupancy, ducts, and local design temperatures.
Standard, Higher, and Premium are broad equipment price and configuration tiers mapped to current DOE and ENERGY STAR context. They do not certify a specific matched system. Regional central-AC minimums, heat-pump SEER2 and HSPF2 criteria, regional furnace ENERGY STAR criteria, and the future December 18, 2028 furnace standard remain distinct.
HVAC labor, ducts, and additional work
May 2025 BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021 median hourly employee wages create a state-to-national relative HVAC labor factor. The factor is not a contractor billing rate. It changes base installation and removal labor plus only the documented labor share of ducts, controls, electrical, gas, line-set, drain, and pad work.
Equipment, fixed disposal, permit fallback, refrigerant materials, and fixed lifting stay national. Usable or unknown ducts add no work; unknown lowers detail rather than inventing a repair. Removal labor and disposal are separate but turn off together. A confirmed permit amount replaces the fallback, including a valid zero.
Bathroom remodel sequence
The Bathroom model validates project scope, room size, finish tier, retained or changed layout, tub or shower work, vanity and toilet choices, floor and wet-wall quantities, selected electrical work, demolition, access, location, and permit override. It then builds separate product, five-trade labor, removal, disposal, permit, and optional-work ranges.
Cosmetic, partial, and full scope affect only their documented demolition, disposal, painting, duration, and permit behavior. Budget, Standard, and Premium select component-specific products; they never multiply labor, permits, disposal, or the entire project.
Bathroom tile, fixtures, and geometry
Powder, small, standard, and large planning choices use 25, 40, 60, and 100 square feet. An exact input replaces the planning area without claiming a professional measurement. Floor area and wet-wall area remain distinct; tiled showers use a disclosed 90-square-foot wall allowance and same-footprint tub-to-shower conversions use 85 square feet unless the user supplies an area.
A fixed 10% product waste factor applies once to floor and wall tile purchase quantity. Labor, waterproofing, backer board, and setting layers use base area. Vanity, ordinary top and sink, faucet, mirror, accessories, toilet, connection labor, and installation labor retain separate ownership. Natural stone and custom spa work are excluded.
Bathroom trade labor and hidden conditions
Separate May 2025 BLS OEWS state-to-national indexes apply only to supported plumbing, electrical, tile, carpentry, and painting labor shares. Products, fixed disposal, and permit planning ranges stay national. A suppressed state trade value falls back independently to 1.0 and is disclosed as national rather than blending trades.
Minor wiring and GFCI work are limited planning scopes; panel upgrades, service upgrades, structural work, and local code determinations are excluded. A permit override replaces the fallback, including a valid zero. Hidden damage is never automatic, and limited subfloor work appears only when selected.
Kitchen remodel sequence
The Kitchen model validates Cosmetic, Partial, or Full scope; five room-size options; finish level; cabinets; countertops; common appliance categories; sink and disposal; backsplash; flooring; island; layout; selected trade work; demolition; access; and permit override. Products, trade labor, removal, disposal, delivery, permits, and optional work keep one cost owner.
Small, Standard, Large, and Extra-large choices use 90, 160, 260, and 360 square-foot planning areas with 12, 20, 30, and 40 linear feet of cabinets. Exact supported room, cabinet, countertop, backsplash, and floor quantities replace the corresponding allowances without claiming professional measurement.
Kitchen products, waste, and trade labor
Budget, Standard, and Premium select component-specific national cabinet, countertop, appliance, lighting, ventilation, and island product records. Finish does not multiply labor, demolition, disposal, permits, or the whole project. Selected appliance categories use a generic per-item product allowance; dishwasher plumbing is added only for a selected dishwasher, while gas, circuit, and ventilation work remain explicit.
Countertop product quantity receives an 8% planning allowance once. Backsplash and flooring product quantities receive 10% once. Fabrication, setting materials, underlayment, transitions, and labor use base quantities. The reused May 2025 plumbing, electrical, tile, carpentry, and painting indexes adjust only their matching labor shares; products, delivery, disposal, and permits remain national.
Flooring installation sequence
The Flooring model validates new installation over a prepared surface or replacement, one of seven supported materials, installed area, finish tier, installation method, existing floor, substrate condition, room complexity, stairs, trim, support materials, moving, access, location, and permit override. Products, installation, removal, disposal, underlayment or padding, setting materials, preparation, limited repair, trim, stairs, moving, permits, and additional work keep one cost owner.
Installed area, product purchase area, labor area, removal area, preparation area, and stair quantities remain distinct. Material-specific waste applies once to the flooring product purchase area; labor, removal, underlayment, setting materials, and substrate work use their own base quantities.
Flooring products, labor, and limits
Budget, Standard, and Premium select dated national product-only records. Installation labor uses separate May 2025 state-to-national indexes for carpet, resilient flooring, tile, and carpentry; suppressed state values fall back independently to national and never change products, fixed disposal, or permit amounts. Glue-down LVP includes separately owned adhesive, while carpet stairs exclude hard-surface stair nosing.
Unknown existing flooring, uncertain installation method, and unknown or significant substrate conditions lower confidence instead of inventing work. Structural repair, hazardous-material handling, refinishing, tile stairs, exact moisture remediation, local code determinations, and professional field measurement remain excluded.
Interior painting sequence
The Interior Painting model validates Selected rooms, Main living areas, or Most or all of the home; in-scope floor area; walls; selected ceilings; trim; doors; condition; color change; paint tier; layout; wall height; primer; coats; occupancy; access; protection; and selected limited patching or paintable caulking. Products, preparation, wall labor, ceiling labor, trim and door labor, furniture and protection, access, supplies, cleanup, permits, and selected work keep one owner.
Floor area maps to disclosed wall, ceiling, trim, and door planning geometry. Each supported exact wall area, ceiling area, trim length, or door count replaces its corresponding allowance. The exact wall maximum equals the largest supported vaulted-wall planning path rather than rejecting the model's own generated quantity.
Interior paint, coats, primer, and Painter labor
Budget, Standard, and Premium select only the national wall-paint product. Separate ceiling paint, trim and door enamel, and primer do not receive a whole-project tier multiplier. Finish coats and primer resolve once, one 8% overage applies only to product coverage area, and whole-gallon purchase rounding remains visible.
The unchanged May 2025 OEWS Painter index for SOC 47-2141 adjusts only documented Painter labor shares. Products and nonlabor allowances remain national. High or vaulted geometry changes estimated wall area, while one separately owned access allowance covers high or selected stairwell access without duplicating when both are present.
Exterior painting sequence
The Exterior Painting model validates selected areas, main siding, or the full paintable exterior; estimated or exact area; stories; surface; condition; washing; color change; coating tier; primer; coats; trim; doors; shutters; garage doors; limited caulking or repair; masking; access; equipment; attached-garage geometry; and location. Coatings, primer, washing, preparation, limited repair, main Painter labor, features, protection, access, equipment, supplies, cleanup, and permits keep one owner.
Living area and stories map to an approximate footprint perimeter, nominal wall height, openings deduction, and scope factor. A measured paintable exterior area replaces that full geometry. Stories affect area once; access and equipment remain separately selected. Exact trim length and feature counts replace the corresponding planning allowances.
Window replacement sequence
The Window model validates up to four non-overlapping groups, count, style, frame, size or planning dimensions, product tier, glass, specialty glass, insert or full-frame method, access, opening condition, removal, trim, flashing, insulation and sealing, equipment, home-age warning, location, and optional permit amount. Products, Glazier labor, Carpenter-owned trim and bounded preparation, removal, disposal, flashing, sealing, insulation, access, equipment, permits, and cleanup keep one owner.
Exact count replaces the planning quantity and exact dimensions replace the selected size band; neither is treated as a professional rough-opening measurement. National products and nonlabor allowances remain unchanged by location. May 2025 OEWS state factors adjust only matching Glazier SOC 47-2121 or Carpenter SOC 47-2031 labor shares.
Water Heater replacement sequence
The Water Heater model validates gas storage, electric resistance storage, integrated heat-pump, or gas tankless replacement; same-type or supported conversion; capacity or household planning band; compatible efficiency and vent configuration; location, access, stairs, removal, utilities, drains, accessories, and optional permit amount. Equipment, delivery, trade labor, removal, disposal, materials, venting, gas, electrical, condensate, permits, and additional work keep one owner.
Exact storage capacity replaces the selected planning band, while tankless remains a preliminary demand band and ignores tank gallons. National equipment and fixed allowances remain unchanged by location. May 2025 OEWS Plumber SOC 47-2152 and Electrician SOC 47-2111 factors adjust only matching labor. A user permit amount replaces the fallback, including zero.
Water Heater efficiency, sizing, and conversion limits
DOE and ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 guidance is product-specific context: a planning tier does not certify equipment or guarantee compliance, savings, or payback. DOE's amended standards adopted in 2024 have future 2029 compliance dates and are not current replacement requirements. Incentives and tax credits remain outside the estimate.
Storage sizing depends on demand and first-hour rating; tankless sizing depends on simultaneous flow and incoming-water temperature. Gas service, venting, electrical capacity, drains, airflow, clearances, recirculation, and permits require professional confirmation. Major service upgrades, full panel replacement, relocation, extensive repiping, structural work, and local code determinations remain excluded.
Solar panel installation sequence
The calibrated Solar model validates a 4–16 kWdc residential, grid-connected, roof-mounted PV system; module tier; inverter path; roof material; stories and access; electrical-panel readiness; roof complexity; staging; conduit; disconnect; and optional permit and interconnection amounts. Modules, inverter and power electronics, racking, electrical materials, Solar PV Installer labor, Electrician labor, design, permits, interconnection, panel work, access equipment, and project overhead keep one owner.
May 2025 BLS OEWS Solar Photovoltaic Installer SOC 47-2231 and reused Electrician SOC 47-2111 state indexes adjust only matching labor. National equipment and fixed allowances do not change with location. Roof, stories/access, complexity, and staging combine once on Solar PV Installer labor, while selected access equipment remains separate.
Solar sizing, incentives, and performance limits
DC nameplate size and panel wattage produce an approximate panel count; they do not create a layout, engineering design, solar-production forecast, or utility approval. Final sizing depends on usage, roof geometry and condition, orientation, shading, solar resource, equipment, and utility rules. Batteries, ground mount, off-grid, commercial, solar thermal, leases, PPAs, removal, roof work, major utility upgrades, and structural remediation are excluded.
The result is gross project cost. No incentive is subtracted. Current IRS guidance says the Residential Clean Energy Credit is unavailable for expenditures after December 31, 2025. Energy production, utility savings, payback, ROI, net metering, export compensation, financing, and tax eligibility are not calculated.
Exterior coatings, preparation, vinyl, and Painter labor
Budget, Standard, and Premium select only the surface-compatible main coating. Masonry and siding products remain distinct. Finish coats and primer resolve once, one 10% overage applies only to coating coverage area, and whole-gallon purchase rounding remains visible. Surface-specific preparation, one condition level, and one washing level remain separate.
The unchanged May 2025 OEWS Painter index for SOC 47-2141 adjusts only documented Painter labor shares. Products and nonlabor allowances remain national. Painted vinyl is limited to sound previously painted siding with a manufacturer-compatible coating and color; the generic light-to-darker path is rejected because heat-related warping risk requires product-specific approval.
Roof covering and waste
Product prices are normalized to one roofing square, or 100 square feet. The product baseline owns only the field roof covering. Underlayment, leak barrier, starter strip, ridge cap, flashing, drip edge, fasteners, sealants, delivery, sales tax, labor, tear-off, disposal, and permits are excluded.
The documented waste factor applies once to roof-covering purchase quantity. It does not multiply roof area, labor, accessory quantities, removal quantities, disposal weight, or deck replacement.
Roof area, pitch, and complexity
A user-entered roof surface area is used directly. When only finished living area is known, the model estimates a building footprint from stories, adds the selected attached-garage allowance, and converts the footprint to sloped roof area with documented pitch and complexity assumptions. The result states when area was estimated rather than measured.
Pitch, complexity, stories, and access affect only supported labor components. The same factor is not applied twice to roof area or material quantity.
Tear-off labor
Removed layer-squares equal roof squares multiplied by the selected number of existing layers. The selected existing-roof category supplies the removal-labor range. Pitch, stories, roof complexity, and access each apply once. The May 2025 BLS OEWS state factor then adjusts tear-off labor once, just as it adjusts installation labor.
An unknown existing roof uses a wide generic removal category with low confidence. Hazardous materials and specialized remediation remain excluded.
Disposal and hauling
Public residential roof dead-load references support broad pounds-per-square ranges for asphalt, metal, wood, tile, and slate. The calculator multiplies the selected range by removed layer-squares and converts pounds to planning tons. It does not claim an exact scale weight.
Disposal applies a national cost-per-ton range or minimum charge, then adds a separate hauling allowance. Container counts use a planning capacity range. No ZIP-level landfill or hauler fee is invented, and the state labor factor never affects disposal.
Roofing accessories and supplies
The model includes underlayment, ice and water barrier, starter strip, ridge or hip cap, drip edge, flashing, fasteners, sealants, and delivery or handling. Manufacturer documentation supports system components and nominal coverage. Dollar rates remain low-confidence national assumptions where no authoritative national price source exists.
Underlayment and leak barrier use roll coverage. Starter, ridge cap, drip edge, and flashing use disclosed linear-foot allowances per roofing square because the Quick Estimate does not collect exact eaves, rakes, ridges, valleys, or penetrations. These are planning quantities, not inferred measurements.
Permits and user overrides
ZIP entry never supplies a permit fee. Without a confirmed amount, the estimate uses a documented national planning range and tells the user to verify the actual fee with the relevant building department. A supported user-entered override replaces the fallback, is validated from $0 to $5,000, and is labeled as user supplied.
Roof deck replacement
The default estimate assumes no deck replacement and does not claim hidden damage. A user can enter a planning or inspected percentage. The selected area receives separate national deck-material and deck-labor ranges. Roofing waste is not applied, and only the deck-labor portion receives the state factor.
Uncertainty and double-count prevention
Low, typical, and high values express planning uncertainty. Possible hidden structural work remains zero rather than becoming an unexplained contractor markup. An internal ownership map and verifier require each cost category to belong to one component, so product waste, accessories, delivery, regional labor, tear-off, disposal, permits, and deck work cannot be charged twice.
Measured roof area and supported advanced details improve the displayed confidence description. Broad national assumptions and an unknown existing roof lower it. No numeric accuracy percentage is shown.
Low, Typical, High, and rounding
Every component carries low, typical, and high values, and the model enforces that order before totals are shown. The three component columns are added independently so uncertainty is not hidden inside one exact-looking number.
Calculations retain internal precision. Currency is rounded only for display, and displayed component totals are reconciled to the displayed project total.
Calibration and market reasonableness
Each public calculator has a committed deterministic matrix covering its supported products, scope, quantities, labor geography, ownership, fallbacks, totals, and invalid boundaries. The Window matrix adds 76 valid estimates and 10 invalid inputs across insert and full-frame methods, all styles and frames, sizes and exact dimensions, tiers, glass, groups, access, opening conditions, finishing, permits, and separate Glazier and Carpenter behavior.
Safe ranges test broad plausibility, while deterministic checksums detect unreviewed benchmark changes. Current external cost guides are reviewed only to identify major scaling, ordering, or scope problems. Their scopes differ and may combine or omit removal, disposal, permits, accessories, code work, and local conditions, so their dollar values and formulas never become production inputs.
Sources, market-reference role, and versions
BLS supplies separate roof, HVAC, Flooring, Window Glazier, and five Bathroom or Kitchen trade labor indexes plus the asphalt-roofing PPI series; Window reuses Carpenter only for owned trim and bounded opening work, while Interior and Exterior Painting reuse Painter without alteration. Government, industry, manufacturer, and identifiable retailer evidence support defined quantities, categories, installation boundaries, performance context, and limitations. Broad installed-cost guides are secondary checks only.
Window: window-replacement-0.1.0, window-products-2026-07-v1, window-additional-costs-2026-07-v1, bls-oews-2025-window-trades-v1, reused bls-oews-2025-bathroom-trades-v1 Carpenter data, and ENERGY STAR Windows Version 7.0. The other nine calculator versions and their calibration records remain unchanged.