About InstallCosts

Last updated: July 2026 · Rates reviewed: July 2026

InstallCosts is a collection of free calculators that answer one question per page: what a specific home or yard project really costs. Each tool gives you material quantities, a cost breakdown, and an installed total, instantly, in your browser, with no signup and nothing to download.

How the estimates work

Every calculator uses straightforward, published math: measured quantities (square feet of wall face, cubic yards of gravel, feet of drilled depth) multiplied by unit rates, with the densities and conversion factors shown openly on each tool's page. The one input that is not pure math is the rate, and that is covered next.

Where the rates come from

Default rates are US national averages compiled from major published cost guides (Angi, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, and Homewyse), reviewed when the tools are updated. Where the guides disagree, the default sits in the middle of the published range. Because a national average is a starting point rather than a quote, every rate on every tool is editable: drop in a real number from a local quote and the calculator does the rest of the arithmetic contractors do on the back of an envelope. The full breakdown of sources, ranges, and review dates is on the cost data & sources page.

What the numbers are, and aren't

These are planning estimates, not quotes. They're built to tell you whether a project is a $2,000 job or a $10,000 job before you talk to anyone, and to help you sanity-check bids when you do. Real prices vary with region, site conditions, and season, so always get local quotes before committing to a project.

How the site is funded

The site is ad-supported, which is what keeps every tool free with no accounts and no paywalls. The calculators themselves never send your inputs anywhere: all the math runs on your device. See the privacy policy for details.

The calculators

Sod CalculatorHow much sod you need: rolls, pallets, and installed cost for a new lawn.$1 to $2 / sq ft installedBlown-in Insulation CalculatorHow many bags of blown-in insulation you need and what it costs to install.$1 to $2 / sq ft installedPaver CalculatorPaver count, sand, gravel base, and installed cost for a patio or path.$8 to $20 / sq ft installedFrench Drain CalculatorGravel, pipe & fabric quantities plus installed cost for your trench.$10 to $50 / linear ftSeptic Tank CalculatorTank, drain field, and total installed cost for a residential septic system.$3,000 to $30,000 installedWell Drilling CalculatorDrilling, casing & pump system cost by depth for a residential well.$25 to $65 / ft drilledConcrete Slab CalculatorConcrete volume, gravel base, and installed cost for a patio, shed, or garage slab.$6 to $12 / sq ft installedRetaining Wall CalculatorBlock count, gravel & installed cost for a segmental block wall.$20 to $60 / sq ft installedAsphalt Driveway CalculatorTonnage, base gravel, and installed cost for a new, resurfaced, or repaved asphalt driveway.$7 to $15 / sq ft installedCrawl Space Encapsulation CalculatorVapor barrier liner area, dehumidifier, and total cost to encapsulate your crawl space.$1,500 to $15,000 installedFence CalculatorPosts, gates, and installed cost per linear foot for chain link, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron.$10 to $90 / linear ft installedDuctless Mini Split CalculatorEquipment, labor, and electrical cost for a 1- to 5-zone ductless heat pump system.$2,500 to $18,000 installedGutter Guard CalculatorPer-linear-foot cost for DIY or pro-installed gutter guards across all common guard types.$5 to $45 / linear ft installed