How accurate is AI construction cost estimation?

Bestimate achieves a 94% accuracy rate when compared against final settled project costs in its database. The AI applies regional cost-of-living multipliers, seasonal labor adjustments, and real project data from thousands of completed construction jobs. Accuracy is highest in major metro areas where there are more comparable projects.

Is Bestimate free to use?

Yes. Bestimate is completely free for homeowners. There is no credit card required and no subscription needed to check your estimate. Results are delivered in approximately 30 seconds.

What file formats does Bestimate accept for construction estimates?

Bestimate accepts PDF quotes, Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx and .xls), CSV files, and photos (JPG or PNG) of handwritten or printed estimates. You can also enter line items manually using the built-in estimate builder. The AI reads and extracts line items from all supported formats automatically.

Can contractors use Bestimate to check their bids?

Yes. Contractors use Bestimate to benchmark their bids against local market data, identify where they are over- or under-pricing specific line items, and generate professional client-facing PDF reports. The Trade Estimate Builder allows contractors to create detailed estimates by trade type — roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

What is a normal contractor markup percentage?

A legitimate contractor typically marks up materials by 10–20% and adds an overhead and profit margin of 15–25% on top of total costs. Combined, this results in a final price roughly 20–40% above raw material and labor costs. When a contractor's quote is more than 40–50% above market rate for specific line items, it is worth investigating or renegotiating.

Does Bestimate include permit costs in its estimates?

Yes. Bestimate automatically identifies line items that typically require building permits — including electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and structural changes — and provides permit cost estimates based on your location. Permit costs vary widely by city and county, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Bestimate — Free AI Construction Estimate Checker

Bestimate is a free, AI-powered tool that helps homeowners and contractors verify whether a construction estimate is fairly priced. Upload any contractor quote — PDF, spreadsheet, or photo — and Bestimate compares every line item against real local market rates. Find out in 30 seconds if you are being overcharged, and see exactly which items are above market.

Who Uses Bestimate

Homeowners receiving contractor quotes for renovations, additions, or repairs
General contractors benchmarking their bids against local market data
Real estate investors evaluating repair costs before purchasing a property
Property managers reviewing maintenance and renovation proposals

How It Works

Upload your contractor's estimate (PDF, Excel, CSV, or photo)
Select your region and project type
Review the AI-powered line-by-line comparison against local market rates
Download a PDF or Excel report to use in negotiations

Supported Project Types

Roofing, Kitchen Renovation, Bathroom Renovation, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Framing and Structural, Flooring, Drywall, Insulation, Foundation Work, Siding, Windows and Doors, Painting, Concrete and Masonry

Key Facts

Free for homeowners — no credit card required
Results in approximately 30 seconds
94% accuracy rate compared to final settled project costs
Over 15,000 estimates analyzed
Over $2.1 million in savings identified
Covers all 50 U.S. states
4.9 out of 5 star rating from 847 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my construction estimate is too high?

Upload your estimate to Bestimate and it will compare each line item against current local market rates. Items priced more than 15% above the regional market average are flagged as potentially overpriced.

What is a fair price for a kitchen renovation?

A mid-range kitchen renovation in the U.S. typically costs between $25,000 and $55,000. Bestimate provides specific market-rate benchmarks for your region and project scope.

Is Bestimate free?

Yes. Bestimate is completely free for homeowners with no credit card required.

What file formats does Bestimate accept?

PDF, Excel (.xlsx, .xls), CSV, JPG, PNG, and manual entry.

Visit bestimateai.com to check your estimate for free.