What it actually costs
Independent 2026 ranges for common home improvement work. Every guide has a calculator so you can size the job before you call anyone.
We are not a contractor and we do not sell leads. Every labor figure on this site is adjusted with federal wage data, and every page says where its numbers come from.
Cost guides
CalculatorRoof Replacement Cost (2026 Price Guide)What a new roof costs by material, roof size and state.CalculatorHouse Painting Cost (2026): Interior & ExteriorInterior and exterior rates, and why preparation is most of the bill.CalculatorFence Installation Cost (2026): Per Linear FootCost per linear foot for wood, vinyl, metal and composite.CalculatorKitchen Remodel Cost (2026): Per Square Foot & by ScopeThree scope levels, the eight line items, and what drives each one.CalculatorBathroom Remodel Cost (2026): By Size, Type & ScopeWhy the smallest room carries the highest cost per square foot.CalculatorFlooring Installation Cost (2026): What You'll Actually PaySix materials, and why the same floor costs double in another house.
Analysis
AnalysisThe Same Roof Costs $3,500 More in Illinois Than OklahomaFederal wage data says a roofer in Illinois earns 78% more than one in Oklahoma.AnalysisIn Hawaii, a Construction Laborer Earns More Than a RooferAcross the United States, a roofer earns about 9% more than a general construction laborer.AnalysisWhy a 2,000 sq ft Roof Costs Less Per Square Foot Than a 1,000 sq ft OneA roof twice the size does not cost twice as much.AnalysisRoof Pitch Adds Up to 41% to the Bill, and Almost Nobody Quotes ItA 2,000 sq ft house does not have a 2,000 sq ft roof.AnalysisElectricians Earn 40% More Than Laborers. Here Is What That Does to Your BillAcross the ten trades that show up in a home renovation, pay runs from $49,118 for a general laborer to $68,972 for a plumber.AnalysisA Roofer in California Earns $20,000 More Than One in Ohio. After Rent, It Is Not CloseThe federal data ships with a regional price index.
By size
Updated October 2026
We publish ranges, not quotes. Prices vary by region, season and contractor — use these to sanity-check a bid, not to replace one.