An overview of NumeralQ's planning-estimate structure, city multipliers, available source notes, and known limitations.
NumeralQ generates localized cost estimates for 19 active service types across 147 U.S. markets. This page describes exactly how those estimates are produced — including the model structure, data sources, structural adjustments, and limitations. We have written this to be accurate and complete, not to be persuasive.
Every NumeralQ estimate is produced by the same two-stage formula:
local_low = national_baseline_low × city_multiplier
local_high = national_baseline_high × city_multiplier
local_low = baseline_low_per_sqft × typical_sqft × city_multiplier
There are three formula variants, by service type:
Each service has a first-party NumeralQ planning baseline — a low and high value representing an assumed typical installed-cost range for a defined project scope. The repository does not document a completed annual review schedule. The scope/value examples below are not a complete inventory of all 19 active estimator services. Publication names are unlinked reference notes; they do not establish a direct source-to-range derivation or independent validation. Nine active services have a first-party published pricing record; 10 have no recorded external source URL or data vintage.
Source limitation: The names above are not clickable citations and are not evidence that a displayed value was calculated from, or independently checked against, the named publication. The national ranges remain internal planning inputs until an exact source document, date, and value-level mapping is recorded.
Each of NumeralQ's 147 city records stores one scalar multiplier. The estimator applies that value to the service's national planning baseline: 1.00 leaves the baseline unchanged, while 0.94 scales it down by about 6% and 1.24 scales it up by about 24%.
These multipliers are internal inputs, not measured local-price indexes. The repository does not document an external derivation formula, source vintage, calibration method, or completed refresh schedule for them. They should not be interpreted as observed contractor prices or as separate labor, material, permitting, or contractor-availability measurements.
Cities are assigned a climate type: hot and humid, hail zone, cold climate, desert, wet climate, hurricane zone, or standard. Climate type affects the qualitative guidance shown on each city page — material specifications, installation requirements, and risk factors. Climate type does not directly modify the price estimate. The city multiplier is the only variable that adjusts the dollar range.
NumeralQ estimates are planning-level cost ranges for typical project scopes in each city. They are intended to help homeowners:
NumeralQ estimates are not:
The same city-level pricing formula applies to all 19 active service families with cost-range outputs: service-specific national baseline → city multiplier → displayed range. Some active service families also have state-level hubs. Solar production calculations and other non-cost outputs are outside this cost-range formula.
Each project cost guide includes an optional financing payment illustration. These use a standard amortized payment formula applied to the project cost estimate at a stated loan term and APR range. They are illustrations only — not offers of credit, not pre-qualifications, and not representations of actual loan terms from any lender.
See our Financing Guide and Financing Disclosure for complete details.
NumeralQ estimates are informed planning ranges, not quotes. They do not account for:
When homeowners submit a quote request through NumeralQ, we help connect them with local contractors and home service professionals based on project type and location. NumeralQ is an independent home project intelligence and referral platform — we do not perform contracting work, employ contractors, guarantee contractor performance, or negotiate pricing on behalf of homeowners.
NumeralQ may work with contractors, financing providers, or third-party service platforms to facilitate homeowner project inquiries. Homeowners should independently verify current licensing through their state contractor licensing board, request proof of active general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and review references and contract terms before authorizing any work.
If you have questions about specific estimates, the model, or anything on this page, reach out via our contact page. We are committed to accuracy and will do our best to explain any specific data point.