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Home Renovation Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of a home renovation project, with a contingency buffer built in.

Details

Varies widely by project type — kitchens/baths run higher than basic room updates.

Common recommendation is 10-20% for unexpected issues.

Enter your numbers and select Calculate to see results.

About This Calculator

This calculator estimates the total cost of a home renovation by combining materials cost, labor cost, and a recommended contingency buffer for unexpected expenses — a common source of budget overruns in renovation projects.

How This Is Calculated

Total Budget = (Sq Ft × Cost per Sq Ft) × (1 + Contingency %)

A 200 sq ft project at $150/sq ft with a 15% contingency budgets for $34,500 total.

Assumptions

  • Cost per square foot varies enormously by project type, region, and finish quality — use a range from local contractor quotes for accuracy.
  • A 10-20% contingency buffer is a common industry recommendation for unexpected issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renovation projects frequently uncover unexpected issues once walls or floors are opened up — outdated wiring, water damage, structural issues — a contingency buffer of 10-20% helps avoid a mid-project budget crisis.

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Last updated January 15, 2026. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — read our disclaimer.