How ClearCost Works
We replaced the broken contractor-bidding model with a transparent, data-driven process that gives you a fair price before you ever talk to a contractor.
Three simple steps to your project
From first click to matched contractor, the entire process takes less than 5 minutes.
Tell Us About Your Project
Answer a short questionnaire about your project — size, materials, finish level, and location. It takes about 2 minutes and covers everything a contractor would normally ask during an on-site visit.
- 10 targeted questions per project type
- Takes less than 2 minutes to complete
- Your info is never sold or shared with lead brokers
Get Your Fair Market Rate™
Our pricing engine analyzes real project data from your local market to produce a data-backed Fair Market Rate estimate. You’ll see a detailed breakdown including materials, labor, and scope inclusions — all before talking to anyone.
- Powered by local market data, not guesswork
- Full bill of materials and labor breakdown
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Match with a Verified Pro
Once you approve your price range, we match you with a single verified contractor who specializes in your project type and serves your area. No bidding wars, no phone tag, no explaining your project five times.
- One dedicated pro per project — no competition
- Direct messaging with your matched contractor
- Every pro is licensed and insured
The “Fair Market” Promise
Every price you see on ClearCost is backed by real market data. We don’t inflate prices to pad margins or deflate them to bait you in.
Data-Driven Pricing
Our engine aggregates real project costs from contractors, suppliers, and public records in your specific metro area.
Full Transparency
You see exactly how the price breaks down — materials, labor, permits, and overhead. No black-box estimates.
No Markup Games
We don't add hidden markups. The price range you see is what the project actually costs in your market.
Locally Calibrated
Pricing is adjusted for your zip code. Labor rates in Buckhead are different from Decatur — we account for that.
Scope-Specific
Your price reflects your exact specifications — dimensions, materials, and features — not a vague national average.
Continuously Updated
Our pricing data is refreshed regularly to reflect current material costs, labor rates, and seasonal trends.
Our Vetting Process
Not just anyone can join the ClearCost network. Every contractor goes through a rigorous verification process.
License Verification
We verify active contractor licenses against official licensing board databases.
Insurance Check
General liability and workers’ compensation insurance are confirmed with the carrier.
Background Review
We review business history, online reputation, and years of verified experience.
Ongoing Monitoring
Licensing and insurance statuses are monitored on an ongoing basis.
Why homeowners choose ClearCost
We built ClearCost because the old model — cold calls, wildly different quotes, and zero transparency — was broken.
No phone calls from strangers
Your info stays private. You’ll only hear from the one contractor we match you with.
Price before people
See your Fair Market Rate before you talk to anyone. No pressure, no sales tactics.
One pro, not five
We match you with a single verified contractor — not a list of five competing for your attention.
Scope is pre-built
Your contractor receives a full project scope with dimensions, materials, and budget before day one.
Free for homeowners
ClearCost is completely free for homeowners. No credit card, no subscription, no hidden fees.
Vetted Local Pros
Every pro on our platform has been verified for active licensing and insurance coverage.
Ready to see your Fair Market Rate?
It’s free, takes 2 minutes, and you’ll know the real cost of your project instantly.
Start Your Project →Free to use. No credit card required.