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Home Renovation Estimator

Plan your renovation budget step by step

Room & Dimensions
Renovation Scope
Materials & Finishes
Labor & Installation
1
2
3
4
Step 1 of 4: Room & Dimensions

Room & Dimensions

Select your room type and enter its dimensions.

ft
ft
ft

Steps

Results

Enter room dimensions to see your estimate

Example Calculations

1Moderate Kitchen Renovation (12 × 15 ft)

Inputs

Room TypeKitchen
Length12 ft
Width15 ft
ScopeModerate
FlooringMid-Range
CabinetsSemi-Custom
CountertopQuartz
LaborProfessional ($85/hr)

Result

Estimated Total$36,914
Base Cost$13,500
Materials$10,320
Labor$7,650
Permits$629
Contingency$4,815

Base: 180 sq ft × $75/sq ft = $13,500. Materials: flooring ($1,260) + cabinets ($6,300) + countertops ($2,520) + fixtures ($240). Labor: $85/hr × 90 hrs = $7,650. Permits: 2% = $629. Contingency: 15% = $4,815.

2Cosmetic Bathroom Refresh (8 × 10 ft)

Inputs

Room TypeBathroom
Length8 ft
Width10 ft
ScopeCosmetic
FlooringBasic
FixturesMid-Range
LaborDIY

Result

Estimated Total$4,398
Base Cost$3,200
Materials$720
Labor$0
Permits$78
Contingency$400

Base: 80 sq ft × $40/sq ft = $3,200. Materials: flooring ($320) + fixtures ($400). DIY labor: $0. Permits: 2% = $78. Contingency: 10% = $400.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much does a home renovation cost per square foot?

Costs vary widely by scope. A cosmetic refresh (paint, fixtures, minor updates) runs $30–60/sq ft. A moderate renovation with new flooring and cabinets costs $60–150/sq ft. A full gut renovation averages $150–350/sq ft depending on finishes and location.

  • Cosmetic: $30–60/sq ft — paint, hardware, lighting
  • Moderate: $60–150/sq ft — flooring, cabinets, some structural
  • Full gut: $150–350/sq ft — down to studs, everything new
  • Kitchen and bathroom typically cost 20–40% more per sq ft
  • Location affects cost: coastal cities can be 30–50% higher
Q

How much should I budget for renovation contingency?

Budget 10–20% of total project cost as contingency. Cosmetic projects need about 10% since surprises are rare. Moderate renovations should plan for 15%. Full gut renovations need 20% because hidden problems (mold, wiring, plumbing) are common once walls open up.

  • Cosmetic: 10% contingency
  • Moderate: 15% contingency
  • Full gut: 20% contingency
  • Older homes (pre-1970): add an extra 5%
  • Contingency covers hidden damage, code upgrades, and price changes
Q

Is it cheaper to renovate or build new?

Renovation is usually 20–40% cheaper than new construction for the same square footage. A moderate whole-house renovation costs $60–150/sq ft, while new construction runs $150–300/sq ft. However, a full gut renovation can approach new build costs at $150–350/sq ft.

  • Renovation: $40–350/sq ft depending on scope
  • New construction: $150–300/sq ft
  • Renovation preserves existing foundation and structure
  • Full gut may require bringing entire house up to current code
  • Consider long-term value: renovation ROI varies by project
Q

What renovation adds the most value to a home?

Kitchen and bathroom renovations offer the best ROI at 60–80% recoup. A minor kitchen remodel recoups about 72% of cost. Bathroom remodels return 60–70%. Curb appeal projects like siding and garage doors can recoup 90%+ of investment.

  • Minor kitchen remodel: ~72% ROI
  • Bathroom remodel: 60–70% ROI
  • New siding: ~76% ROI
  • Garage door replacement: ~94% ROI
  • Basement finishing: ~70% ROI
Q

Do I need permits for a home renovation?

Most renovations beyond cosmetic changes require permits. Structural work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and window/door changes all need permits. Permit costs typically run 1–2% of total project cost. Skipping permits can result in fines and complicate future sales.

  • Always needed: structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC
  • Usually needed: window/door changes, roofing, additions
  • Rarely needed: painting, flooring, fixture swaps, cabinets
  • Cost: typically 1–2% of project total
  • Processing time: 2–8 weeks depending on municipality

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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