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Independent homeowner research

The HomeCostIQ Cost Research Library

Practical, source-linked project cost research for planning a home improvement. Every guide separates published national references from HomeCostIQ model assumptions and shows what the calculator can—and cannot—tell you.

Evidence before expansion

National guide ranges are linked to their publisher and dated. State coverage is shown only when source records, geographic coverage, and unique local context pass the publication standard. We do not create city or ZIP pages by swapping place names.

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Library coverage

10 project records

Across 8 active calculator categories.

Research records checked 2026-11-08. Publisher dates and source limitations are shown on each project page.

Browse the evidence

Project cost research

Search source-dated national references, scope assumptions, materials, labor context, timelines, maintenance, and hiring questions.

10 projects found

HVACBroad state-index planning model

HVAC installation

Plan for replacing or installing a central heating and cooling system. The model scales with home size and the selected equipment type.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$3,887

Typical

$5,978

High

$8,073

Central AC replacement only. This is a component reference, not a complete furnace-plus-AC installation.

Angi · AC replacement cost guide

Source page updated October 22, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average from 24,979 projects reported by Angi Pros. The figures are a published guide benchmark, not a HomeCostIQ local quote.

Typical timeline
Often one to several workdays for a straightforward swap; duct, electrical, structural, or fuel changes extend the schedule. Confirm the contractor’s actual sequence and outage plan.
Repair vs. replace
Compare a diagnosed repair with replacement quotes, age, refrigerant compatibility, comfort, and warranty. There is no single age or repair-cost rule that decides every system.
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RoofingBroad state-index planning model

Roof replacement

Estimate a typical asphalt-shingle roof replacement from roof area, pitch, and number of layers to remove.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$5,903

Typical

$9,611

High

$13,380

National all-material roof replacement guide range; a 2,200-square-foot roof, steep pitch, extra tear-off, or premium material can sit well above this typical project band.

Angi · roof replacement cost guide

Source page updated October 22, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average based on 32,999 projects reported by Angi Pros. Its guide lists roof size, material, pitch, tear-off, and location as major drivers.

Typical timeline
Many standard residential replacements take one to several days on site; weather, roof complexity, multiple layers, decking repairs, and inspection timing can extend the calendar schedule.
Repair vs. replace
A localized leak or isolated shingle damage may be repairable. Compare repair scope, roof condition, leak history, remaining life, and the cost of repeat mobilizations; a percentage rule is not a diagnosis.
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KitchenBroad state-index planning model

Kitchen remodel

Explore a planning range for a kitchen refresh or remodel, adjusted by approximate room size and finish level.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$14,592

Typical

$26,992

High

$41,613

Broad national kitchen-remodel guide. Minor refreshes can be below the band; complete layout changes and custom work can exceed it substantially.

Angi · kitchen remodel cost guide

Source page updated September 4, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average from 13,100 projects reported by Angi Pros. Its guide separates minor, major, and complete remodel scopes.

Typical timeline
A small refresh can take days to a few weeks; a full remodel commonly occupies several weeks, and a major project can run for months when design, inspections, custom cabinets, or material lead times are involved.
Repair vs. replace
If cabinets are sound, refacing, new fronts, hardware, or targeted countertop work may preserve the layout and cost less than full replacement. Replace cabinets when condition, function, or layout justifies it.
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BathroomBroad state-index planning model

Bathroom remodel

Build a rough budget for a bathroom update based on room size, finish level, and whether the layout changes.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$6,651

Typical

$12,156

High

$17,662

Broad national bathroom-remodel guide; the same source notes full luxury remodels can be far above this typical range.

Angi · bathroom remodel cost guide

Source page updated October 27, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average based on 28,374 projects reported by Angi Pros. Scope, bathroom size, fixtures, and materials drive the spread.

Typical timeline
A surface refresh may take several days; a full gut renovation often spans multiple weeks. Waterproofing cure time, inspection windows, custom glass, and concealed damage can extend the schedule.
Repair vs. replace
Repair a localized leak or failed fixture when the surrounding assembly is sound. Consider a full replacement when water intrusion is widespread, components are at end of life, or repeated repairs cannot correct the underlying cause.
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PlumbingBroad state-index planning model

Water heater

Compare a conventional tank replacement planning range by capacity and fuel type.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$881

Typical

$1,348

High

$1,826

Typical tank-style replacement guide. Heat-pump, tankless, fuel conversion, new venting, electrical service, or relocation are different scopes and can cost more.

Angi · water-heater replacement guide

Source page updated October 16, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average based on 30,979 projects reported by Angi Pros. The guide discusses added permit, venting, electrical, gas-line, and disposal costs.

Typical timeline
A straightforward same-location replacement may be completed in a workday; conversions, venting, electrical, gas-line, access, or inspection requirements can add time.
Repair vs. replace
A small valve or control repair may extend a newer tank’s service. Compare a diagnosed repair with tank condition, leak risk, warranty, expected remaining service, and replacement scope; a leaking tank needs prompt professional attention.
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AppliancesEntered prices stay unchanged; state guide context only

Refrigerator decision

Compare the repair bill with replacement cost and the appliance’s expected remaining service life.

National source reference

Angi-published national repair average

Low

$150

Typical

$275

High

$400

Repair only. Replacement cost is a separate homeowner-entered input; this range is not a replacement-appliance price.

Angi · refrigerator repair guide

Source page updated October 15, 2026. Angi states its 2026 national repair average and typical range; the article notes repair type, brand/model, parts, and local labor as drivers.

Typical timeline
A common repair may take a few hours once the part is available. Specialty parts, sealed-system work, built-in units, and replacement delivery can take longer.
Repair vs. replace
The linked 2026 guide places new refrigerators around $1,000–$3,000. Compare a diagnosed repair total with a delivered, installed replacement, warranty, age, and remaining service life; a repair-to-replacement percentage is only a discussion aid.
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AppliancesEntered prices stay unchanged; state guide context only

Dishwasher decision

Compare a repair estimate against the installed cost of a replacement dishwasher.

National source reference

Angi-published national repair average

Low

$175

Typical

$225

High

$325

Angi gives a narrower typical repair band of $175–$325 and also mentions a broader $75–$600 range across repair types. Replacement cost is a separate homeowner-entered amount.

Angi · dishwasher repair guide

Source page updated October 21, 2026. Angi’s 2026 article reports about $225 for standard repairs, a typical $175–$325 band, and a broader $75–$600 range across repair types. HomeCostIQ uses the narrower typical band for this reference.

Typical timeline
A straightforward repair can fit into one visit when the part is available. A replacement is often a same-day installation, but delivery, countertop/floor fit, and plumbing/electrical changes affect timing.
Repair vs. replace
The linked 2026 guide reports $500–$1,300 for a new dishwasher including installation. Compare that installed amount with a diagnosed, warrantied repair and expected remaining life; repeated failures or a major motor/control repair can change the balance.
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ElectricalBroad state-index planning model

Electrical panel

Plan a panel replacement based on amperage and whether the service needs an upgrade.

National source reference

HomeCostIQ midpoint of published band

Low

$518

Typical

$1,356

High

$2,193

Angi’s published panel-replacement band is $518–$2,193; its guide says complex service upgrades, relocation, wiring, and code corrections can reach $4,500 or more.

Angi · electrical panel replacement guide

Source page updated October 22, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 band from 9,551 projects reported by Angi Pros. The typical value displayed here is the arithmetic midpoint of the published band, not an Angi-reported average.

Typical timeline
A panel-only swap may occupy most of a workday. Utility coordination, service entrance changes, inaccessible wiring, corrections, and inspection can extend the outage and schedule.
Repair vs. replace
An electrician may repair an individual breaker or connection when safe and appropriate. Heat, corrosion, obsolete equipment, capacity needs, or repeated faults require a professional evaluation; symptoms alone do not establish a replacement need.
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PlumbingBroad state-index planning model

Plumbing repair

Estimate a small plumbing repair planning range using the number of fixtures and repair complexity.

National source reference

Angi-published national average

Low

$182

Typical

$341

High

$501

Broad plumber visit / repair guide. Whole-home repiping, sewer work, restoration, emergency dispatch, and difficult excavation are different scopes.

Angi · plumbing repair cost guide

Source page updated October 14, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 national average based on 94,386 projects, with a typical $182–$501 range. It details separate service-call, hourly, permit, emergency, and hauling fees.

Typical timeline
A simple accessible fixture repair may be completed in one visit. Finding concealed piping, opening walls, sourcing parts, or arranging restoration can take longer.
Repair vs. replace
For a fixture, compare a repair with replacement part cost, condition, compatibility, and risk of recurring leaks. For concealed piping, seek a diagnosis and scope before comparing spot repair with broader replacement.
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ExteriorBroad state-index planning model

Fence installation

Estimate a new fence installation from total linear footage and common material choices.

National source reference

Angi-published average

Low

$1,861

Typical

$3,278

High

$4,845

National installation project guide. A 150-linear-foot reference project is about $3,500 in the guide; material, height, gates, terrain, and property size change the total.

Angi · fence installation cost guide

Source page updated October 13, 2026. Angi reports a 2026 average based on 2,968 projects reported by Angi Pros, with a broad $6–$50 per linear foot range across materials and types.

Typical timeline
A standard residential install can take one to three days on site; layout, locating utilities, permits, old-fence removal, roots, slope, or concrete cure can add calendar time.
Repair vs. replace
Repair a small number of sound sections when posts and rails remain stable. Widespread rot, corrosion, leaning, or repeated failures can make replacement more practical; inspect posts before deciding.
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Location-specific evidence

State cost research, when the evidence is ready

No individual state profile currently meets our publication standard. Some calculators use a broad BEA state price-parity index as a planning proxy, but it is not project-specific regional labor or materials pricing and does not support a state cost article by itself.

See state coverage and the publication gate