Question 1

What projects are included in the outdoor renovation estimate?

Accepted Answer

The wizard bundles six core outdoor projects: deck, outdoor kitchen, in-ground pool, fence, hardscape (patios + walkways + retaining walls), and landscaping. You can toggle any project off if you're not doing all six — most homeowners select 3–4.

Question 2

Does climate affect the bundle estimate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Northern-state pool costs include mandatory freeze-protection plumbing (adds $3K–$6K). Coastal-state deck costs favor pressure-treated hardwood or composite (25% premium vs national baseline). Hardscape costs in freeze-thaw states include a deeper frost-line footing spec that adds 15–20%.

Question 3

How does state pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Every project cost is scaled by that state's labor + materials index. California, Hawaii, and New York run 20–40% above national baseline. Ohio, Alabama, and Mississippi run 10–15% below. The wizard applies the state factor before summing the bundle.

Question 4

How accurate is the outdoor bundle estimate?

Accepted Answer

It's a mid-range median. Actual contractor quotes vary ±20–30% based on site grading (steep or rocky lots add 15–25%), permit complexity, and finish tier. Custom shapes and premium materials swing costs 40%+ above baseline. Use the estimate as a decision-frame budget, then get 3 written quotes.

Question 5

Should I do all outdoor projects at once or phase them?

Accepted Answer

Bundling saves 10–20% vs phasing — one permit pull, one grading pass, one contractor mobilization. Pool + deck + hardscape especially benefit from doing together since they share footings, drainage, and utility trenching. Landscaping should always be last (protects newly graded soil from equipment damage).

Question 6

Is this calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — free, no signup. The result is computed client-side. Rerun with different inputs as many times as you want.

Estimate your full backyard renovation in 3 minutes.

Which state are you renovating in?