Data Stories & Reports
Every number in these reports is generated by the same engine that powers our 134 calculators — built on public BLS OEWS and BEA RPP data and our own quote calibration. When the engine updates, the stories update.
The 2026 State-by-State Home Improvement Cost Index
The same kitchen remodel costs 75% more in Hawaii than in Mississippi. Full 50-state ranking from our cost engine.
America's Trades Wage Gap: 30 Metros Compared
Skilled trades median wages range from $72/hr in Orlando to $132/hr in San Jose — a 1.8× spread that flows straight into renovation quotes.
HVAC Replacement Costs Keep Climbing — Here's the Math
HVAC replacement prices have risen about 6% since 2024 on equipment and labor inflation alone, and summer quotes add a seasonal premium on top.
The Same Roof, Different State: Up to $5,910 Difference
A typical asphalt-shingle roof replacement ranges from $7,880 in Mississippi to $13,790 in Hawaii. Full 50-state table.
What a Kitchen Remodel Costs in 20 US Cities
From $25,380 in San Antonio to $43,095 in New York City — the same kitchen remodel across 20 major metros, using local labor rates and state material multipliers.
Home Service Cost Index 2026: The Year in Home Improvement Pricing
Ten benchmark projects, 134 tracked services, one engine: our annual read on what home improvement costs in America — averaging 52% labor share across categories.