An independent second set of eyes

Know more before you renovate.

Planning a renovation, already holding a contractor’s estimate, or tackling a project yourself? Get practical, human-reviewed guidance before you spend.

Choose your service How it works

Accepted reviews delivered within 24 hours · Seven days a week

Warm kitchen concept with oak cabinets, light counters, and a spacious island

Sample concept image

Construction
Estimates OnlyProject review

Preliminary local budget range

Five concept pictures

Scope ideas and tradeoffs

Questions for your contractor

Homeowner firstYour report is independent of contractor advertising.

Built around your projectYour photos, goals, location, and written quote if you have one.

A deadline you can count onWe confirm your 24-hour delivery time before payment.

Three ways to get started

Where are you in the project?

Choose what fits today. Every service covers one defined project and comes back in writing.

Project Planning Review

$125

Before you request bids, send photos, rough dimensions, and what you want to change.

Preliminary low, likely, and high budget range
Five concept pictures of your project based on your photos and goals
Scope ideas and questions to take to contractors

Plan my project

Contractor Estimate Review

$125

Already have a written estimate? Send one quote of up to 15 pages, plus project photos if you have them.

Plain-English scope and pricing context
Unclear items, allowances, exclusions, and possible gaps
Questions to send the contractor before signing
Follow-up reviews of the same estimate: $25 each

Review my estimate

DIY Project Plan

$175

For a manageable, nonstructural project you want to take on yourself. Send photos, rough measurements, and your goals.

A tailored concept layout or visual direction
A practical project sequence and decisions to make
A major materials list with estimated quantities and assumptions

Plan my DIY project

Add a Major Materials List to either initial $125 review for $50. A follow-up review is $25 only for the same submitted estimate; a different estimate starts a new $125 review. Lists and concept pictures are planning aids, not measured takeoffs or build plans. We cannot verify hidden conditions or certify a contractor’s price. DIY plans are concepts and project guides, not structural or permit drawings; safety-sensitive work needs a qualified local professional.

Inside the Project Planning Review

A clearer starting point for your project.

For one room or one defined project, you receive a concise, photo-based planning report that helps you discuss the job with local contractors.

01 / COST

A budget range

Low, likely, and high scenarios based on your location and stated scope, with assumptions and allowances called out.

02 / VISUAL

Five concept pictures

Five illustrative views of your project based on usable photos, goals, and the finishes or examples you send. They are ideas to discuss, not measured designs or build plans.

03 / OPTIONS

Ideas worth considering

Ways to adjust scope, spend where it matters, and weigh the project against your goals and likely resale considerations.

04 / NEXT STEPS

A hiring checklist

Questions tailored to your job about scope, permits, insurance, subcontractors, schedule, references, and payment terms.

How it works

A useful answer while your decision is still open.

Send the project

Choose planning, estimate review, a same-estimate follow-up, or a DIY plan. Email your ZIP code and goals, plus photos and rough dimensions or the written contractor estimate.

Confirm the deadline

We check that the information is complete and the service is a fit. Before payment, we confirm that we can meet a 24-hour deadline, including weekends. If we are at capacity, we tell you before accepting the order.

Get your written result

The 24-hour clock starts after complete materials and payment. Use the review or DIY plan to make the next decision with clearer information.

Requests can come from across the U.S.; availability depends on the project and state. We do not need photos of people, valuables, or private documents.

Start here

Tell us about your project.

Fill in the details and we’ll open a ready-to-send email. Attach your project materials before sending it. We’ll confirm the scope and delivery time before payment.

Have a question? Email info@constructionestimatesonly.com.

For planning: 6–12 clear photos, rough dimensions, goals, and inspiration for the five concept pictures
For an initial estimate review: one readable written quote (up to 15 pages) and helpful project photos
For a $25 follow-up: identify your prior review and send questions or revisions to that same estimate
For a DIY plan: photos, rough measurements, and what you want to build or change
For any service: project ZIP code, key concerns, and any budget or timing goals

Your form details stay in your browser until you choose to send the email. Attachments go through your email app. Photos may be processed with image tools for concepts; leave out people, valuables, and private documents. We will ask before sharing your information with any contractor.

Project request

No payment today. We’ll confirm the scope and 24-hour delivery deadline first.

What do you need?

Your name

Email address

Project ZIP code

Project type

What would you like help deciding?

Style, products, links, and budget (optional)

Add a Major Materials List (+$50)Available with either initial $125 review. It is already included in the DIY Project Plan.

When are you hoping to start? (optional)

After the email opens, attach your photos or written estimate and send it. If no email app opens, copy the details and write to info@constructionestimatesonly.com.

Go deeper when you need to

Optional help for your project.

The Major Materials List is $50 with either initial $125 review and included in the $175 DIY plan. Same-estimate follow-up reviews are $25 each. Other requests are quoted separately, with a delivery time confirmed before payment.

Major Materials List+$50 with either initial review

Same-estimate follow-up review$25 each after the first $125 review

Live project callDiscuss tradeoffs and next steps

Additional concept picturesBeyond the five included with planning

Compare additional estimatesSee where bids differ in scope

For local contractors

Interested in reaching homeowners nearby?

We’re exploring clearly labeled sponsored listings by service area and project type. Advertising will be separate from the homeowner’s independent report. Ask about a future local pilot.

Ask about advertising

The person behind the report

Practical advice from construction and real estate experience.

Construction Estimates Only is being developed by Michael Cowden. His experience with construction projects and real estate shapes the questions he asks: What work is really needed? Which choices drive the budget? What should the homeowner clarify before signing?

The goal is to help you approach local professionals with a clearer scope and fewer surprises.

Know the limits of a remote review

Reviews and DIY plans are preliminary planning aids based on the information you provide. Materials and quantities are estimates until verified on site. We do not provide contractor bids, on-site inspections, measured designs, structural or permit plans, code reviews, engineering or architectural services, legal contract reviews, appraisals, or promises of project cost or resale value. Hidden conditions and local requirements can change the work and price. Have qualified local professionals verify conditions before work begins.