About Costimates® | Our Vision, Goals, and Our Team

Costimates was an idea by Steve Hansen, who’s vision was to help homeowners learn more about home improvement and repair projects, while helping them choose the right home service contractor to complete the work. After talking to numerous friends and leaders in the industry, a common issue that all contractors deal with is homeowners who find inaccurate or outdated information about the scope and cost of their projects. One of our main goals, was to help alleviate that issue.

What You’ll Find at Costimates

  • We produce thorough, well-researched, detailed project cost guides and calculators that provide accurate cost estimates for your home projects.
  • Our guides are created from our own in-depth knowledge, customer feedback on their specific projects, in collaboration with service professionals across the country, and recognized industry resources like Builders Book and RSMeans, ensuring valuable advice and input based on their expertise.
  • We connect you with skilled, reviewed, and qualified home service providers in your area who are equipped to assist in completing your home improvement projects.
carpenter smiling while at saw

The Costimates® Trademark

In 2021 we began the process of obtaining a Trademark to define the meaning of of the terms “Costimate” and “Costimates”. We were granted the trademark on April 25th, 2023, and it’s designated a class 35 mark: The provision of an on-line marketplace for buyers and sellers of goods and services in the field of home renovations, home construction, home improvement and home repairs.

About the Editor, Steve Hansen

Our team of home improvement and repair experts continues to grow and expand every year, but it all stated with me, Steve Hansen.

I got my start in the home improvement industry as a young teenager, installing septic tanks and leach fields for A1 Construction in Springfield, MA while still in high school.

After graduating, I spent 4 years in the USAF as a heavy equipment operator and worked the ramp as a 605X1 loading cargo aircraft.

I returned to Springfield in the late 80’s and began working with a custom home builder and commercial construction company for the next several years.

Since that time, I’ve worked on too many projects to count. Everything from digging and installing foundations to driveways, landscaping, finish carpentry, plumbing and HVAC. There’s not much I haven’t touched in the home improvement business for others or myself.

Email Steve  Contact Us

steve hansen costimates bio

Contractors, Become a Costimates Local Pro

We have a lot of knowledge about a lot of projects, but we can never be the best in all areas without help from our partner industry professionals and skilled home improvement experts. We encourage all US based home service pros to join our free referral program and help us provide the most accurate, error free, and detailed guides for consumers who research their projects in your area.

A Few of Our Costimates Local Pro Advisors

Santella Electric

Peter Santella

Santella Electric Co
New Canaan, CT

Highwood Mechanical, LLC

Ben Uscilla

Highwood Mechanical
Hamden, CT

Advanced Roofing and Construction

Brandon Foote

Advanced Roofing and Construction
Huntsville, Alabama

McFarlane Paving, Bergin County, NJ

Peter McFarlane

McFarlane Paving, Inc
Bergen county, NJ

Gregory's Home Services

Gregory Robinson

Gregory’s Home Services
Charlotte, NC

ProCraft Exteriors of St. Louis, MO

Chris Smith

ProCraft Exteriors
St. Louis, MO