What Should
It Cost?
Know the evidence before you spend money. Explore what homeowners reported paying for selected projects—and what that history cannot tell you about a quote today.
Explore the sourced guidesSee what the data says
Choose a project and state to compare historical spending with public wage, material-price, and regional-price data. This is not a local quote.
Official broad survey category, including mostly DIY jobs completed in 2021–2023. This is not a contractor-only range or a current local price. Our narrower guide range is pending independent review.
Census table C-16-OO ↗Median pay for roofers, not a contractor’s hourly rate or a state-specific wage.
BLS occupation data ↗Change in annual-average producer price index. Not a change in the total price of this project.
BLS PPI (WPUID612) ↗Choose a state to see its index. Broad consumer prices, not construction costs.
BEA state RPP data ↗These sources describe different things and are not multiplied together. No ZIP-level or present-day project estimate is implied. Updated source snapshot 2026-09-27.
Projects homeowners are exploring
Understand the components of a project before comparing proposals.
Browse by part of the home
Only categories with sourced historical data are shown.
Have a quote in hand?
Historical spending cannot determine whether a current local quote is fair. Compare written proposals for the same work.
Quote questionsMore clarity. Less guesswork.
Learn what work may be involved before you hire.
Recently updated cost guides
Historical Census spending with its scope and source shown.
Homeowner reading
Project planning and practical articles without unsupported local prices.
Heat Pump Installation: Scope, Options, and Bid Questions
Understand what a heat-pump installation can include, which home conditions affect the scope, and how to compare written proposals.
Read moreFurnace Replacement: What a Complete Proposal Covers
Learn how to scope a furnace replacement, assess venting and duct needs, and compare contractor proposals.
Read moreCentral Air Conditioner Replacement: Scope and Comparisons
See what to ask about sizing, ducts, refrigerant lines, efficiency, and commissioning when replacing central air conditioning.
Read moreHistory is context, not a quote.
The U.S. Census figures are national self-reported costs for completed work. They are not inflation-adjusted or tailored to a ZIP code, project size, or contractor. Ask local professionals for itemized proposals.
Explore the public dataCheck what each survey category includes.
National history is not a current local price.
Compare written, itemized scopes from local professionals.