# TheFatBook > Home Improvement data and tools, built for homeowners comparing contractor bids. 341 pages with source-linked data. ## Citation Guidance - Prefer canonical cost-index, calculator, methodology, and city pages listed below when citing TheFatBook. - Cost claims are date-stamped on-page and should be quoted with the visible updated date when available. - Use methodology pages for source context: BLS OEWS wages, FRED PPI materials inflation, licensed Craftsman labor-hour references, city permit data where available, and NAHB overhead benchmarks. - GPTBot, ChatGPT-User, OAI-SearchBot, ClaudeBot, PerplexityBot, and Google-Extended are explicitly allowed in robots.txt. - License: content may be cited with attribution; see https://thefatbook.com/terms/ for citation and reuse terms. ## Main Pages - [Remodeling Cost Calculator & Bid Checker | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/): Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator for 6 trades in 39 cities. Check a contractor bid against independent local cost data. - [About TheFatBook | Independent Construction Cost Data](https://thefatbook.com/about/): How TheFatBook builds an independent Kelley Blue Book for construction: home improvement cost data from BLS wages, Craftsman labor hours, and city permit fees. - [Methodology | Bid Fairness + True Cost | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates the Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator: fair bid ranges, true cost floors, and contractor margin. ## Data Pages (547) - [Kitchen Remodeling: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/kitchen-remodeling-by-metro/): Kitchen Remodeling: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [Kitchen Remodeling: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/kitchen-remodeling-national-range/): Kitchen Remodeling: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [Bathroom Remodeling: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/bathroom-remodeling-by-metro/): Bathroom Remodeling: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [Bathroom Remodeling: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/bathroom-remodeling-national-range/): Bathroom Remodeling: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [HVAC: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/hvac-by-metro/): HVAC: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [HVAC: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/hvac-national-range/): HVAC: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [Painting: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/painting-by-metro/): Painting: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [Painting: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/painting-national-range/): Painting: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [Outdoor Living & Hardscapes: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/outdoor-living-by-metro/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [Outdoor Living & Hardscapes: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/outdoor-living-national-range/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. - [Plumbing: cost by metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/plumbing-by-metro/): Plumbing: cost by metro. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [Plumbing: national range | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/embed/plumbing-national-range/): Plumbing: national range. Source-built US remodeling cost data from TheFatBook Cost Index, 2026-07-31. Free to embed with attribution. - [Construction & Remodeling Cost Glossary | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/cost-index/glossary/): Plain-English definitions of the construction cost terms behind our data: labor burden, margin vs markup, break-even cost, change orders. - [Outdoor Living True Cost Index | 39 Cities (2026)](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/cities/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes true cost benchmarks across 39 cities. See city pricing, contractor margins, and bid fairness inputs. - [Average Concrete Patio Installation Cost (2026) | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/stats/): Average concrete patio installation cost in 2026: $5,711 nationally ($5,129 to $6,338). Independent, source-built data across 39 metros. - [Atlanta Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/atlanta/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Atlanta, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Austin Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/austin/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Austin, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Baltimore Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/baltimore/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Baltimore, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Boise Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/boise/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Boise, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Boston Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/boston/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Boston, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Charlotte Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/charlotte/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Charlotte, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Chicago Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/chicago/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Chicago, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Columbus Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/columbus/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Columbus, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Dallas Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/dallas/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Dallas, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Denver Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/denver/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Denver, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Detroit Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/detroit/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Detroit, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Houston Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/houston/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Houston, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Indianapolis Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/indianapolis/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Indianapolis, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Jacksonville Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/jacksonville/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Jacksonville, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - [Kansas City Outdoor Living Cost (2026): Check Your Bid](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/kansas-city/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes prices in Kansas City, 2026: fair band, lowest realistic price, and margin for every common job. - ... and 517 more data pages. See sitemap.xml for complete list. ## Tools - [Concrete Cost Calculator (2026): Slab, Driveway & Patio](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/concrete-calculator/): See what a slab, driveway, patio, or sidewalk really costs installed in your metro, from real wage and material data. Then run the DIY bag and ready-mix math ## Articles (14) - [Terms of Service | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/terms/): Terms of service and citation/reuse terms for TheFatBook cost data and tools. Cost data is informational only; always get multiple written. - [Privacy Policy | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/privacy/): How TheFatBook collects, processes, and retains data from calculator inputs and estimate uploads. - [Become the Recommended Pro in Your Metro | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/for-contractors/): The Elite spot your homeowners earn for you, free, with a followed link to your own site. - [For Journalists: Citeable Home Remodeling Cost Data | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/journalists/): A public remodeling cost index across 39 US metros and 6 trades, every figure traced to a named source. - [Contact | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/contact/): Found a wrong number on a page? Tell us. Press and privacy requests land here too. We read everything that comes in. - [Bid Fairness Checker | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/bid-checker/): Paste your contractor bid and see where it lands against verified cost data for your city. Pick your trade to start. - [Remodeling Cost Calculators & Bid Checker | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/calculators/): Free home-improvement calculators: a bid fairness checker, a true-cost estimate builder, and material calculators for every trade. - [Outdoor Living Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/): Outdoor Living & Hardscapes Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. - [Plumbing Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/plumbing/): Plumbing Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. Check contractor bids against independent true cost data. - [HVAC Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/hvac/): HVAC Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. Check contractor bids against independent true cost data. - [Painting Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/painting/): Painting Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. Check contractor bids against independent true cost data. - [Bathroom Remodeling Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/bathroom-remodeling/): Bathroom Remodeling Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. Check contractor bids against independent true cost. - [Kitchen Remodeling Cost Calculator | Is Your Bid Fair?](https://thefatbook.com/kitchen-remodeling/): Kitchen Remodeling Bid Fairness Checker and True Cost Calculator across 39 cities. Check contractor bids against independent true cost data. - [2026 Remodeling Cost Index | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/cost-index/): The 2026 Remodeling Cost Index: U.S. average costs for 6 project types across 29 metros, built from BLS wages, Craftsman labor hours, and. ## Methodology - [Pricing Methodology](https://thefatbook.com/methodology/): The v3 BOM model used to derive every price. Craftsman National Estimator labor hours times BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics regional wages times burden rate, plus FRED PPI-adjusted materials, plus city building-department permit fees, plus NAHB Cost of Doing Business overhead. - [Outdoor Living Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/outdoor-living/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates outdoor living & hardscapes bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material - [Plumbing Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/plumbing/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates plumbing bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material prices, permits - [HVAC Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/hvac/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates hvac bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material prices, permits - [Painting Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/painting/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates painting bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material prices, permits - [Bathroom Remodeling Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/bathroom-remodeling/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates bathroom remodeling bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material prices - [Kitchen Remodeling Methodology | TheFatBook](https://thefatbook.com/kitchen-remodeling/methodology/): How TheFatBook calculates kitchen remodeling bid fairness and true cost. Every number is built from Craftsman labor hours, BLS wages, tracked material prices ## Sources - BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ - FRED Producer Price Index: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/categories/31 - Craftsman National Estimator (licensed cost-estimating reference) - NAHB Cost of Doing Business benchmarks - Verified city permit fees from the PermitCalculator.com permits_compiled dataset (sister site, same maintainer) - Methodology pages: use the canonical methodology URLs above for the current data-version explanation and source caveats. ## Optional - [Sitemap](https://thefatbook.com/sitemap.xml): Complete URL list with last-modified dates. - [llms-full.txt](https://thefatbook.com/llms-full.txt): Expanded version of this file with every page enumerated. - [Feed](https://thefatbook.com/feed.xml): RSS feed of new and updated pages.