Fact-checking policy.
Every useful number needs a date, a source, a definition and an honest limit.
Our evidence order
We prefer primary government datasets, statutes and agency guidance; then official manufacturer, utility, insurer or program records; then established research organizations and direct reporting. Retailer copy, search snippets, unsourced summaries and social posts are leads—not proof.
Cost and calculator checks
We verify units, dates, geography, included scope and whether a figure is an average, median, range, rate or modeled assumption. Calculator changes are tested against representative inputs and checked for impossible totals, hidden precision and mismatched local factors.
News and trend checks
A trending search is never sufficient on its own. Time-sensitive claims require at least two reliable primary or official sources when they are available. We separate confirmed facts from targets, projections, proposals and HomeCostGrid planning scenarios.
Product, vehicle and business claims
Model years, specifications, recalls, safety results, incentives, prices and availability must be traced to the responsible official source and dated. A map rating or review count is attributed to its provider and is not converted into a HomeCostGrid endorsement.
What we do when evidence conflicts
We explain the definition or date difference, narrow the claim, present a range or postpone publication. We do not average incompatible figures merely to produce a confident answer.
Corrections and re-review
Material challenges are investigated under our Corrections Policy. New releases, broken source links, regulatory changes and credible reader reports can trigger a fresh review.
