Most "cost guides" give you a national average and a wide range. BuildCalc does something different: you put in your project's size, materials and local price level, and we show the estimate, the formula behind it, and where every number comes from.
What we believe
- Show the math. Every result can be expanded to show each step of the calculation.
- Cite the data. Prices and material constants come from manufacturers, government sources and published cost guides. Editorial estimates are labeled as estimates.
- You know your market. Every price is a default you can change. Your local quote always beats a national average.
- Privacy by design. Calculations run in your browser. We never receive the numbers you type.
- Correctness first. Each calculator is backed by automated tests with hand-checked reference cases.
How we make money
BuildCalc is free to use. We may show clearly labeled advertising and, for some projects, offer an optional link to request quotes from local contractors. Partners never influence our formulas or estimates. See our editorial policy.
Contact
Found an error or have a suggestion? Let us know. We fix confirmed errors quickly and note material changes on the affected page.