When you use TradeEstimator, we may collect: the photos or videos you upload for analysis, the city and ZIP code you select, your email address (if you provide it), and basic usage analytics (pages viewed, features used). If you make a purchase, Stripe processes your payment — we never see or store your full card number.
Photos and videos you upload are sent to the Anthropic API (Claude) for analysis. They are processed in real time and are not stored permanently on our servers. Anthropic's data retention policies apply to data sent through their API. We do not sell, share, or use your photos for training AI models.
We use PostHog for analytics. PostHog is privacy-friendly and does not use cross-site cookies. You can opt out of analytics at any time by enabling your browser's Do Not Track setting.
We use the following third-party services: Anthropic (Claude API) for AI analysis, Vercel for hosting, Stripe for payments, Supabase for optional account features, and PostHog for analytics. Each service has its own privacy policy.
To request deletion of any data associated with your email address, contact us at the address below. We will respond within 30 days.
TradeEstimator is not intended for use by anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.
TradeEstimator provides AI-generated cost estimates, inspection reports, and related home repair analysis tools. These are informational tools only — not professional engineering, inspection, or contracting services.
Our estimates use RSMeans 2024 construction cost data, BLS wage statistics, and NEC/IPC/IRC code references. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, we do not guarantee the accuracy of any estimate, code analysis, or recommendation. Conditions visible in photos may not represent the full scope of work required.
You are responsible for: verifying all estimates with licensed professionals before making decisions, ensuring any contractor you hire is licensed and insured in your jurisdiction, pulling or confirming required permits, and making your own informed decisions about home repairs.
TradeEstimator and its operators are not liable for any damages arising from reliance on AI-generated estimates, inspection reports, or recommendations. Our maximum liability for any paid service is limited to a full refund of the amount you paid.
We may update these terms at any time. Continued use of the service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
TradeEstimator participates in affiliate and referral programs. When we link to products or services, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our current affiliate relationships include:
Amazon Associates Program: TradeEstimator is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Financing partners: We receive referral fees from home improvement lenders including GreenSky, Mosaic, RenoFi, and LightStream. These partners are presented based on loan type suitability, not commission rate.
Insurance partners: Links to insurance comparison sites (PolicyGenius, Lemonade, Hippo, Progressive, The Zebra) may include referral tracking. We are not a licensed insurance agent or broker.
Free estimates: The core photo estimation tool is free and requires no payment.
Paid reports (Pro Reports, Inspection Reports): If you are unsatisfied with a paid report for any reason, email us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked.
Monthly Pro subscription: You may cancel at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. Refunds for partial months are available within 48 hours of the most recent charge.
To request a refund, contact us at the email below with your payment email and approximate date of purchase.
All cost estimates, code violation analyses, material lists, and repair recommendations provided by TradeEstimator are generated by artificial intelligence and are for informational purposes only.
They are not: a contractor bid or quote, a professional home inspection report, engineering or architectural advice, a guarantee of actual repair costs, or legal or financial advice.
Cost accuracy: Our estimates use RSMeans 2024 cost data adjusted for your city using BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual costs may vary ±30-40% based on: site access and conditions, scope discovered during work, local permit fees, contractor availability and specialization, material price fluctuations, and complexity not visible in photographs.
Code analysis: Code violation scans reference the NEC 2023, IPC 2021, and IRC 2021 model codes. Your jurisdiction may enforce different code editions or local amendments. Always verify code requirements with your local building department.
TradeEstimator uses Claude, an AI model by Anthropic, to analyze photos and generate estimates. The AI operates through a 5-agent pipeline where each agent has a specialized role (identification, specialist assessment, code analysis, cost estimation, and validation).
AI analysis has inherent limitations: it can only assess what is visible in the photo, it cannot detect issues behind walls or in inaccessible areas, and it may misidentify components in unclear or poorly lit images. The AI confidence score shown with each estimate reflects the system's self-assessed certainty — lower scores indicate more uncertainty and wider price ranges.