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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on RenovationTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Installed cost, not sticker price
We compare materials on what they cost installed and how long they last, including underlayment, trim and labor.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the material suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturers' specification sheets and installation instructions, ENERGY STAR and NFRC ratings for windows and doors, ASTM and ANSI product standards, published warranty terms, and cost data from national remodeling cost reports.
What we check, by product type
| Flooring | Wear layer, total thickness, core type, water resistance, installation method and warranty terms. |
|---|---|
| Paint and finishes | Sheen, coverage per gallon, VOC content, scrub resistance and dry and recoat times. |
| Cabinets and counters | Box material, construction, drawer hardware, countertop material properties and maintenance. |
| Windows, doors and exterior | NFRC U-factor and SHGC, ENERGY STAR climate zone, wind and impact ratings, roofing and siding warranty. |
| Insulation | R-value per inch, air sealing, moisture behavior and fit for attic, wall or basement. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email info@renovationtested.com and we'll check it and fix it.