For US homeowners
Get the repair done. Pay a fair price.
Plain-English guides to comparing contractor quotes, spotting padded or missing line items, paying for big repairs and finding legitimate repair help, so a broken roof or furnace doesn't break the budget too.
Same roof repair, three quotes
| Item | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,850 | $3,200 | $5,400 |
| Permit included | Yes | No | Yes |
| Old shingles hauled away | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Labor warranty | 2 years | None | 5 years |
| Deposit | 10% | 50%, cash | 10% |
Start with what's in front of you
Get fair quotes
Compare apples to apples and read the fine print.
Pay for it
Insurance, assistance programs and borrowing wisely.
Spend less
DIY or hire, repair or replace, and cheap prevention.
Protect yourself
Licenses, contracts, deposits and scams.
Free download, no email needed
The Fair Quote Checklist
A printable worksheet to line up three contractor quotes side by side, the red flags to circle, the questions to ask before you sign, and a payment tracker for the job.
Repair or replace?
Enter the age, the repair quote and the replacement price. We'll apply the 50 percent rule and show what usually makes sense.
Try it Resource listHelp paying for repairs
Legitimate grant, loan and volunteer programs for homeowners, from city repair programs to USDA and weatherization. Never pay a fee to apply.
See the programsFair prices, every other week
The Fair Price Letter: one repair that often costs more than it should, one quote line to check, and help programs worth knowing about. Confirm by email, unsubscribe with one click, and we never share your address with contractors or anyone else.