Renovation Planning

Rehab Cost Estimator

Build your renovation budget by selecting items. Edit costs, quantities, and add custom line items for accurate estimates.

Global Settings

Apply to all items

Renovation Items

Select items and customize costs. Click any cost to edit it.

Kitchen

Kitchen Cabinets
Default: $8,000 total
Countertops
Default: $4,000 total
Appliances Package
Default: $5,000 total
Backsplash
Default: $1,500 total

Bathroom

Full Bathroom Remodel
Default: $15,000 each
Half Bathroom Remodel
Default: $8,000 each
Vanity & Sink
Default: $800 each
Toilet
Default: $400 each

Flooring

LVP/Laminate Flooring
Default: $6 per sqft
Hardwood Flooring
Default: $12 per sqft
Tile Flooring
Default: $10 per sqft
Carpet
Default: $5 per sqft

Paint

Interior Paint
Default: $3 per sqft
Exterior Paint
Default: $4 per sqft
Drywall Repair
Default: $800 total

Systems

HVAC System
Default: $8,000 total
Water Heater
Default: $1,500 total
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Default: $2,500 total
Whole House Repipe
Default: $8,000 total

Exterior

Roof Replacement
Default: $12,000 total
Siding
Default: $12,000 total
Windows (per window)
Default: $600 each
Landscaping
Default: $3,000 total

Other

Interior Doors
Default: $300 each
Entry Door
Default: $1,000 each
Garage Door
Default: $1,500 each
Permits & Inspections
Default: $1,500 total

Add Custom Line Item

Cost Summary

Select items to estimate

How to Estimate Rehab Costs

Accurate rehab cost estimation is critical for successful house flipping and rental property investment. This calculator provides realistic ranges based on quality level and helps you build a comprehensive renovation budget with built-in contingency.

Tips for Accurate Estimates

  • Always add contingency: 15 to 20 percent is standard for unexpected issues
  • Get multiple quotes: use this as a starting point, then get contractor bids
  • Edit costs: click any cost field to enter your actual quotes
  • Add custom items: include any unique work not in the standard list
  • Factor in labor: adjust the labor multiplier based on your market

Worked example

Picture a 1,500 square foot flip that needs a standard rehab. A mid-grade kitchen at 15,000 dollars, two bathrooms at 6,000 dollars each, new flooring at 6,000 dollars, interior and exterior paint at 5,000 dollars, and a partial roof and HVAC tune-up at 9,000 dollars totals about 47,000 dollars. Add a 20 percent contingency of roughly 9,400 dollars and your realistic budget is close to 56,000 dollars. Pricing the contingency in from the start is what separates a budget that holds from one that slips once demolition uncovers the surprises.

How investors use rehab estimates

Your rehab number feeds directly into every other part of a deal. It sets the all-in cost that drives your after repair value target, your maximum purchase price, and your projected profit or refinance amount. Investors who run the BRRRR strategy lean on a tight rehab budget because leaving too much in the deal at refinance ties up capital. Estimate first, verify with bids, then lock the number before you make an offer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rehab a house?

A cosmetic refresh often runs 10 to 25 dollars per square foot, a standard rehab runs 25 to 50 dollars per square foot, and a full gut renovation can exceed 75 to 100 dollars per square foot. On a 1,500 square foot home that spans roughly 15,000 dollars for light work to well over 100,000 dollars for a gut. Kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, and mechanical systems drive most of the variation, which is why this estimator breaks costs out by category.

How do I estimate rehab costs for a house flip?

Start by walking the property and listing every system and room that needs work, then attach a realistic cost to each line. Group the big drivers first: roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, and baths. Add flooring, paint, and cosmetics, then apply a contingency of 15 to 20 percent for surprises behind the walls. This calculator lets you select common line items, edit each cost to match contractor quotes, and add custom items.

What contingency should I add to a rehab budget?

A contingency of 15 to 20 percent of the total rehab is standard, and older homes or gut jobs often warrant the higher end. Hidden issues like rot, outdated wiring, failed sewer lines, and permit surprises rarely show up until demolition starts. Budgeting the contingency up front keeps a single surprise from turning a profitable flip into a break-even one.

Should I use contractor quotes or estimated costs?

Use estimated costs to screen a deal quickly and decide whether it is worth pursuing, then replace those numbers with real contractor bids before you close. This tool is built for that workflow: the default ranges get you a fast all-in number, and every cost field is editable so you can drop in actual quotes as they come in.

What is the biggest cost in most rehabs?

Kitchens and bathrooms usually carry the highest cost per square foot because of cabinetry, counters, tile, and plumbing fixtures. Major systems such as a full roof, HVAC replacement, or a rewire can rival them on older homes. Structural and foundation work is less common but can dwarf everything else, so those should be inspected before you commit to a purchase price.

Related calculators

Once your rehab number is set, run the whole deal in one place. Resideline analyzes any US address with comps, ARV, and rent estimates so you can size a flip or BRRRR fast. Plans start free and go from $29/mo.