Project Budget Estimator
Planning a home improvement project starts with a realistic budget. This calculator provides total project budget estimates based on national cost data for common renovation types, adjusted for home size, finish level, and regional labor and material costs. Use these figures as a starting point for planning and contractor discussions.
Estimate Your Project Budget
Estimates based on 2024–2025 national averages from industry cost databases. Actual costs vary significantly by contractor, site conditions, material selections, and local permit requirements. Always obtain multiple written bids from licensed contractors. Budget an additional 10–20% contingency for unexpected issues.
Typical Budget Ranges by Project
| Project Type | Basic | Mid-Range | High-End | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$75,000 | $75,000–$150,000 | $150,000+ |
| Bathroom Remodel | $8,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$35,000 | $35,000–$75,000 | $75,000+ |
| Room Addition | $25,000–$50,000 | $50,000–$125,000 | $125,000–$250,000 | $250,000+ |
| Basement Finish | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$60,000 | $60,000–$120,000 | $120,000+ |
| Garage Conversion | $10,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$50,000 | $50,000–$100,000 | $100,000+ |
| Whole Home Renovation | $50,000–$100,000 | $100,000–$250,000 | $250,000–$500,000 | $500,000+ |
What Drives Project Budgets
- Scope of work — a cosmetic kitchen refresh (paint, hardware, countertops) costs a fraction of a full gut-and-remodel with layout changes, new plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
- Home size factor — larger homes have proportionally larger rooms, longer plumbing and electrical runs, and more material requirements even for single-room projects.
- Finish level — the gap between basic laminate countertops ($15–$30/sq ft) and natural quartzite ($80–$150/sq ft) alone can swing a kitchen budget by $10,000+.
- Regional labor rates — skilled trade labor in Manhattan averages $85–$125/hour vs. $35–$55/hour in mid-size Southern cities.
- Permits and engineering — structural changes, additions, and conversions require engineering plans ($2,000–$8,000) and permit fees ($500–$5,000+) that add to the baseline budget.
Budgeting Best Practices
- Set a firm maximum — decide the absolute ceiling before getting bids. Contractors can tailor scope to fit a budget if they know the limit upfront.
- Separate wants from needs — structural, safety, and code items are non-negotiable. Cosmetic upgrades can be phased or scaled back if the budget tightens.
- Get 3–5 written bids — compare line-by-line, not just totals. The lowest bid often omits items the others include.
- Hold 15–20% contingency — renovation projects routinely uncover hidden conditions that increase costs. Never commit your full budget to the contract.
- Track change orders — every modification after contract signing should be documented in writing with agreed pricing before work proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical kitchen remodel cost?
National averages range from $15,000 for a basic cosmetic refresh to $150,000+ for a high-end gut renovation with custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and premium appliances. The mid-range sweet spot for most homeowners is $30,000–$75,000, which covers new cabinets, solid-surface countertops, updated appliances, and refreshed flooring in a standard-size kitchen.
Is a whole-home renovation worth the cost?
Whole-home renovations typically recoup 50–70% of their cost in increased home value, depending on the market and scope. They make financial sense when the alternative is purchasing a comparable home at current market prices (including transaction costs of 6–10%). They also make sense for homeowners planning to stay in the home long-term.
How long do major renovations take?
Kitchen remodels: 6–12 weeks. Bathroom remodels: 3–8 weeks. Room additions: 8–16 weeks. Basement finishes: 4–10 weeks. Whole-home renovations: 3–9 months. Add 2–4 weeks for permitting in most jurisdictions, and expect potential delays from material lead times and inspection scheduling.