New York first · useful nationwide
Plan it right. Build it once.
Free construction calculators, typical 2026 project costs and plain-English permit guides — with detailed guidance for New York City.
Calculators
Popular construction calculators
Material quantities and costs in seconds, with the formula and math shown for every result.
Project guides
Plan your project
How each job works, what it typically costs, and what New York requires.
Roof Replacement & Repair
Repair vs. replace, materials, 2026 costs and NYC permit rules.
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Kitchen Remodeling
Scope levels, cost ranges, layout basics and NYC co-op rules.
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Bathroom Remodeling
Cost by scope, waterproofing, layouts and NYC co-op rules.
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Window Replacement
Cost per window, insert vs. full-frame, energy labels, landmarks.
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Foundation Repair & Waterproofing
Warning signs, repair methods, waterproofing and 2026 costs.
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Concrete Driveways, Slabs & Patios
Slabs, driveways and patios: thickness, quantities, costs, curing.
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Basement Finishing
Moisture first, egress, costs and NYC basement/ADU rules.
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Deck Construction
Materials, cost per sq ft, framing, stairs and permits.
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New York City
Building in the five boroughs
NYC has its own construction codes, contractor licensing, landmark districts and façade rules. Start with the guide that matches your project.
- NYC DOB Building PermitsWhen you need a permit, who files, DOB NOW and asbestos rules.
- NYC Home Improvement Contractor LicenseDCWP requirements: exam, trust fund or bond, insurance and renewals.
- NYC Sidewalk ViolationsOwner responsibility, DOT violations and how repairs work.
- NYC Landmarks (LPC) PermitsCNE, PMW and Certificates of Appropriateness explained.
- Local Law 11 (FISP) Façade InspectionsWhich buildings, inspection cycles, QEWI and SAFE / SWARMP / UNSAFE.
- NYC ADUs & Basement ApartmentsCity of Yes ADU rules: size, lots, flood zones and filing.
Cost guides
What projects cost in 2026
Typical national ranges for common projects. New York City prices commonly run higher — use these to sanity-check bids, not as quotes.
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle roof replacement | $8,000–$16,000; average $12,000 |
| Kitchen remodel | $14,550–$40,400 |
| Bathroom remodel | $6,456–$24,715 |
| Window replacement (per window) | $450–$1,200; average $800 |
| Basement finishing | $7–$23 per sq ft |
| Insulation (whole home) | $2,000–$7,400; average $4,700 |
Formulas you can check
Every calculator shows its formula and your step-by-step math, in US or metric units.
Learn moreRegularly reviewed
Cost ranges and permit summaries are reviewed regularly and updated when prices or rules change.
Learn moreIndependent
We do not sell leads. Estimates are planning tools, not quotes — always get written bids.
Learn moreGuides
Permits, licensing and hiring
Estimate before you call a contractor
Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.