🔨 Renovation Cost Estimator
Pick the project type, enter the area, and choose a quality tier to estimate your per-square-foot rate, subtotal, contingency buffer, and total renovation cost.
🏗️ Project, Area & Finish
What is a Renovation Cost Estimator?
It builds a remodel budget from the ground up: it looks up a per-square-foot rate for your project type and finish level, multiplies it by the area you're renovating to get a subtotal, then adds a contingency buffer for the surprises that almost every project turns up. The total is a realistic planning figure rather than an optimistic best case.
Use it to set expectations before you call contractors, compare a budget refresh against a luxury redo, or decide whether a project fits your numbers. The results are estimates for planning — get firm bids from a licensed contractor for your scope and area.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the quality tier change the cost?
Each project carries a per-square-foot rate that scales with finish level. A budget kitchen might run around $75 per square foot, a mid-range one roughly $150, and a luxury kitchen $300 or more — because cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures span an enormous price range. Choosing a tier is the single biggest lever on the total, so it's the first thing to dial in.
Why include a contingency, and how much should it be?
Renovations almost always uncover surprises — outdated wiring, hidden water damage, or code upgrades — once walls are open. A contingency buffer (10–20% is typical, and this tool defaults to 15%) sets that money aside so an unexpected find doesn't derail the project. Older homes and structural work warrant the higher end of the range.
Are these per-square-foot rates accurate for my area?
They're national-ballpark figures meant for early planning. Labor costs in particular vary widely by region, and a high-cost metro can run well above these numbers while a rural area may come in lower. Use the estimate to frame your budget, then get firm bids from a licensed contractor for your specific scope and location.