Bid fairness and true-cost data for homeowners.

TheFatBook tracks home improvement costs across 6 focused trades and 29 launch metros so homeowners can check contractor bids and calculate the true cost behind a project. Our data comes from federal sources (BLS, FRED), industry benchmarks (NKBA, ACCA, NALP), licensed cost references (Craftsman National Estimator), and our sister site permitcalculator.com for verified per-metro permit fees and building-department contacts. The cost index is built and maintained by David Olson, Founder of TheFatBook. The methodology is reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson, a working high-end residential builder.