01
— The Real Number —
Cable Raceway: A Hands-On Review from a 17-Year Renovation Pro
A 17-year renovation pro reviews the YesBes cable raceway, explaining why tape and clips fall short, how to in...
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The Real Number
Line-item budgets from real projects — Ryan's own renovations and anonymized client jobs. Cost breakdowns, bid comparisons, what changed from estimate to final invoice.
14 essays
02
— The Real Number —
Cost of Retiling Shower: A Realistic Budget for Old Houses
Cost of retiling shower: see realistic labor, tile, waterproofing, and repair prices, plus a line-item budget ...
03
— The Real Number —
Cost of Metal Roof Compared to Shingles: What You Will Really Pay
Cost of metal roof compared to shingles: see realistic installed prices, tear-off costs, lifespan math, and a ...
04
— The Real Number —
How Much Does a New Well Pump Cost? A Realistic Homeowner's Guide
How much does a new well pump cost? See realistic pump, labor, tank, wiring, and troubleshooting prices before...
05
— The Real Number —
Labor Cost to Replace Boiler: Realistic Homeowner Pricing
Labor cost to replace boiler explained with realistic U.S. price ranges, hourly rates, hidden charges, permit ...
06
— The Real Number —
Cost of Spray Foam Insulation Per Square Foot: Real Prices for Old Houses
The cost of spray foam insulation per square foot explained: real installed prices, depth calculations, old-ho...
07
— The Real Number —
2.5 Ton HVAC Unit: Real Costs, Sizing, and Old-House Mistakes
A 2.5 ton hvac unit can be the right fit for a smaller home, but sizing, ductwork, efficiency, and installatio...
08
— The Real Number —
New Sump Pump Cost: What Homeowners Actually Pay
New sump pump cost often runs $900-$2,500 installed. See real prices, replacement choices, warning signs, and ...
09
— The Real Number —
Cost of Digging Out a Cellar: Real Old-House Budgets
Cost of digging out a cellar: see realistic excavation, underpinning, waterproofing, and finish budgets before...
10
— The Real Number —
The $12,000 Assumption That Wrecks Most Old-House Bathrooms
Ryan Mitchell debunks the $12,000 bathroom renovation myth with a realistic line-item budget for a 1950s ranch...
11
— The Real Number —
The Three Budget Lines You Should Never Cut — and the Five You Can
Ryan Mitchell identifies three budget lines that should never be cut in a renovation—structural work, roof rep...
12
— The Real Number —
A Real Foundation Repair Budget: From First Crack to Final Invoice
Ryan Mitchell provides a complete line-item budget for a foundation repair on a 1962 split-level, totaling $23...