About YardCost

Our estimates are based on national average pricing data gathered from contractor surveys, building material suppliers, and industry publications. We update our data regularly to reflect current market conditions.

Each estimate considers:

• Materials — Base cost per square foot for each material type
• Labor — Professional installation costs based on project type
• Regional Adjustments — Cost of living and labor rate differences across 5 US regions
• Add-ons — Optional features, upgrades, and extras at market rates

We provide a mid-range estimate along with a low-to-high range (typically +/-15%) to account for normal variation in contractor pricing and material costs.

We compile pricing data from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy:

• Contractor surveys — Real quotes and invoices from licensed contractors across the US
• Material supplier pricing — Current retail and wholesale prices from major suppliers
• Industry publications — RSMeans, Craftsman, and National Construction Estimator data
• Bureau of Labor Statistics — Regional labor rate data for construction trades

Our data is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current market conditions, material price changes, and labor rate adjustments.

YardCost was created by a team of home improvement enthusiasts and data analysts who saw a gap in the market: homeowners needed transparent, unbiased cost information before starting outdoor projects or hiring contractors.

Unlike contractor lead-generation sites that collect your information and sell it to the highest bidder, YardCost is completely free and independent. We don't sell leads, we don't require signups, and we don't collect your personal data. Our tools run entirely in your browser.