Estimate the total cost of a DIY or remodel project. Enter materials, labor, any other costs, and a contingency to get a planning total.
Project Total
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Materials, labor, extras, and contingency.Usage Tip
Get at least two or three quotes for both materials and labor. The contingency line is not padding — it is the money that keeps a surprise from stalling the project.
THE MATH
Materials = quantity × unit price
Labor = hours × rate
Total = (materials + labor + other) × (1 + contingency%)
Labor = hours × rate
Total = (materials + labor + other) × (1 + contingency%)
Quantity and unit price cover materials — for example square feet of flooring at a price per square foot. Labor is your hours times an hourly rate, or a contractor quote.
Contingency covers tax, surprises, and small extras.
Contingency covers tax, surprises, and small extras.
A 10 to 20% contingency is normal — renovation surprises like rot, old wiring, and code upgrades are common.
For several materials, total them separately and enter the sum, or run the calculator once per material.
This excludes permits and equipment rental unless you add them under other costs, and sales tax varies by location.
For several materials, total them separately and enter the sum, or run the calculator once per material.
This excludes permits and equipment rental unless you add them under other costs, and sales tax varies by location.