Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions we get most — including the hard ones.
What is TrueCost?
TrueCost is a platform where homeowners and contractors share real home improvement project costs. Every project includes photos, a cost breakdown, scope of work, and lessons learned — posted by the people who actually lived it. Think of it as a searchable database of real projects in your area, built by real homeowners like you.
How is TrueCost different from other home improvement platforms?
Most platforms make money by selling contractor leads or running advertisements. That creates an incentive to keep costs vague and homeowners dependent. TrueCost makes real project costs publicly visible — not vague national averages or industry estimates. Every cost you see was posted by the homeowner who paid it or the contractor who did the work.
Is TrueCost free to use?
Yes. Browsing projects, creating an account, and posting your own projects are all free. Contractors can build a complete public portfolio at no cost. TrueCost Pro is available for contractors who want additional tools — priority placement, a lead management dashboard, advanced analytics, and a verified Pro badge.
Who posts projects on TrueCost?
Both homeowners and contractors. Homeowners post their completed projects to share what they paid and help others plan. Contractors post their portfolio work to build credibility and get discovered by homeowners already searching in their area. Every project is clearly labeled so you know who posted it.
What does "Homeowner Verified" mean?
The Homeowner Verified badge means a real homeowner confirmed that the project happened at their home and that the details — including the cost — are accurate to the best of their knowledge. It's the strongest trust signal on TrueCost.
How do I know the costs are real?
Every project on TrueCost is posted by either the homeowner who paid for it or the contractor who did the work. Homeowner-posted projects are automatically attributed to the person who paid — they have no financial incentive to misrepresent what they paid. Contractor-posted projects show clearly that a contractor shared the information, and become Homeowner Verified when the homeowner confirms the details.
Can I contact a contractor I find on TrueCost?
Yes. Every contractor profile has a contact option. When you reach out, your message is sent directly to the contractor through TrueCost. Your contact details are shared with them so they can respond — they are never posted publicly or shared with third parties.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. Your exact address is never shown on the platform — only your city and state. When you contact a contractor, your details go directly to them — never to a public listing or third-party buyer. We don't share your contact information without your knowledge.
What is the Pro tier and do I need it?
The free tier gives you a complete public portfolio, homeowner contact, and full access to post unlimited projects. TrueCost Pro adds a lead management dashboard and analytics for contractors who want to track and manage homeowner inquiries. You don't need Pro to build a strong presence on TrueCost.
Who runs TrueCost?
TrueCost is an independent platform operated by TrueCost LLC, a privately held company. We are not funded by contractors, home improvement brands, or lead generation networks. Our only incentive is building something homeowners and contractors genuinely trust.
Still have questions? Email us at info@truecostusa.com.