Editorial methodology

Every IsMyQuoteFair guide and tool output is grounded in primary contractor-pricing sources — Bureau of Labor Statistics regional labor data, NAHB and Qualified Remodeler industry reports, EPA refrigerant regulations, and state contractor licensing board data. We don't fabricate specific dollar examples as if they were real reported quotes.

Primary sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for trade-by-trade regional labor rates.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Qualified Remodeler industry pricing surveys.
• EPA refrigerant management rules and the 2025 R-410A → R-454B / R-32 transition for HVAC pricing context.
• State contractor licensing board public databases for license verification, complaint history, and bond/insurance status.
• Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies LIRA reports for remodeling-market trends.

Review process

1. Cost ranges by tonnage, SEER2, trade, and zip code are derived from contractor pricing patterns plus BLS labor data plus manufacturer list prices.
2. Dollar examples used in guides are typical industry ranges, not specific reported quotes — when an example is illustrative, we say so.
3. EPA, OSHA, and state licensing rules cited are accurate as of the editorial review date and verifiable in primary sources.
4. Tool output (the $9.99 analyzer) compares your specific quote line by line against the same data sources.
5. Guides are reviewed at least annually; the review date appears in the editorial block at the bottom.

What we explicitly don't do

• ×We don't fabricate 'homeowner in [city]' anecdotes as if they were real reported pricing experiences.
• ×We don't recommend specific contractors. We do recommend verifying license, insurance, and bond through your state's licensing board.
• ×We don't provide construction advice — for technical project decisions, work with licensed contractors and your local building department.

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