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🔨 Rehab Cost Estimator

Estimate renovation costs by line item: cosmetic, kitchen, baths, major systems, and exterior. With contingency buffer and per-sqft benchmark comparison.

📍 Property Address (optional)
InputsYour Numbers
Property Details
Square Footage?
Number of Bedrooms?
Cosmetic / Interior
Paint (interior)?
$
Flooring?
$
Interior Doors?
$
Trim & Molding?
$
Kitchen
Kitchen Remodel?
$
Appliances?
$
Bathrooms
Primary Bath?
$
Second Bath (if applicable)?
$
Major Systems
HVAC (if needed)?
$
Plumbing Repairs?
$
Electrical Work?
$
Roof (if needed)?
$
Exterior
Exterior Paint / Siding?
$
Landscaping / Cleanup?
$
Contingency
Contingency Buffer %?
%
Pro Forma (Higher Contingency)
Worst-Case Contingency %?
%
As-Is AnalysisCurrent
Enter values to see results
Total Budget (w/ contingency)
--
full estimate
Base Cost (no contingency)
--
line items only
Per Sqft Cost
--
total / sqft
Contingency Reserve
--
buffer amount
Rehab Budget Summary
Cosmetic / Interior--
Kitchen--
Bathrooms--
Major Systems--
Exterior--
Subtotal (before contingency)--
Contingency--
Total Rehab Budget--
Per Sqft Benchmarks
Light Cosmetic ($15-25/sqft)--
Medium Rehab ($30-50/sqft)--
Full Gut ($70-120/sqft)--
Your Estimate / Sqft--
Pro FormaAfter Plan
Enter pro forma values
Worst-Case Budget
--
at higher contingency
Additional Contingency
--
vs base contingency
Budget Range
--
base to worst-case
Worst-Case Per Sqft
--
at higher contingency
Budget Sensitivity
Base Budget--
Worst-Case Budget--
Budget Range--

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1
Enter Square Footage
Helps validate your estimates against per-sqft benchmarks. Light cosmetic: $15-25/sqft. Medium rehab: $30-50/sqft. Full gut: $70-120/sqft.
2
Fill in Each Category
Enter $0 for anything not needed. Only include actual work scoped -- don't pad line items as a proxy for contingency (that's what the contingency % is for).
3
Use Contractor Bids
For any significant item (kitchen, bath, HVAC, roof), get 2-3 contractor quotes before finalizing. The estimator is a starting point, not a substitute for real bids.
4
Set Your Contingency
Experienced renovators: 10-15%. First-time renovators: 20-25%. The contingency covers change orders, hidden damage, material price changes, and unexpected scope additions.
5
Check Per-Sqft Benchmarks
The table shows what light, medium, and full gut rehabs cost per sqft. If your estimate is $65/sqft on what you expect to be a cosmetic job, something's off.
6
Model Worst-Case
Enter a higher contingency in the pro forma to see your worst-case budget. Always plan your deal at the worst-case number -- if it still works, you're protected.

Accurate rehab estimation is the skill that separates profitable investors from money-losers. The biggest mistake beginners make: underestimating costs and overestimating ARV. The second biggest: not including a contingency buffer.


Rule of thumb benchmarks per square foot (2025 national averages, vary significantly by market): Light cosmetic (paint, flooring, fixtures): $15-25/sqft. Medium (kitchen, baths, cosmetic): $30-50/sqft. Full gut (everything including systems): $75-120/sqft.


Major variables that blow budgets: hidden water damage, foundation issues, knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron plumbing, asbestos, mold, and permit delays. Always get a thorough inspection before finalizing your budget.

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