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Home improvement cost
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A low, typical, and high range for common renovation projects.
- Quantity150 sq ft of kitchen
- Low end$24,750
- High end$57,750
- Base rate$150–$350 per sq ft of kitchen
Ranges are national ballpark figures and include the contingency. Older homes often run higher once walls are opened.
How this calculator works
Each project has a typical cost range per unit, such as per square foot or per window, based on national averages. The finish level scales that range up or down, and the contingency covers surprises like rot or outdated wiring. Local labor rates, permit fees, and material choices can move the final price well outside these ranges, so treat the result as a starting point for contractor quotes.
A worked example
The example is a 150 square foot kitchen remodel at a mid-range finish with a 10% contingency. The base range is $150 to $350 per square foot. Multiplying by 150 square feet and adding the contingency gives a low end of $24,750 and a high end of $57,750. The midpoint, rounded, is $41,300.
Two more examples show the range of project types. Replacing 2,200 square feet of asphalt roofing comes out between $10,890 and $18,150, with a typical figure of $14,500. One high-end bathroom remodel comes out between $22,275 and $59,400.
How to read your results
The result is deliberately a range. The low end assumes a simple job with few surprises. The high end assumes a harder job or better materials. The headline is the midpoint. If quotes come in between the low and high figures, they are within the normal range for that kind of project.
Check the unit before you enter a quantity. Kitchens, decks, and flooring are priced per square foot. Bathrooms, windows, and HVAC systems are priced each. Roofing is priced per square foot of roof surface, which is larger than the floor area beneath it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Taking the low end as the budget. Plan around the typical figure and keep the high end in mind, especially in an older house.
- Forgetting what is behind the walls. Old wiring, plumbing, water damage, and framing problems appear only after demolition. That is what the contingency is for.
- Moving plumbing and walls without pricing it. Keeping the sink, range, and toilet where they are is one of the most effective ways to control cost.
- Comparing quotes that cover different work. Make sure each quote lists the same scope, materials, permits, and cleanup before you compare prices.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a remodel?
Usually for structural changes, new electrical circuits, plumbing changes, HVAC replacement, roofing in many places, and additions. Painting and flooring normally do not need one. Your local building department has the final word.
How much contingency should I include?
Ten percent is common for a newer house. For an older house, or a project that opens up walls and floors, 15% to 20% is safer.
Why is the range so wide?
Labor rates differ a great deal by region, and material choices matter even more. Cabinets, countertops, tile, and fixtures can each vary several times over between basic and high-end.
How do I measure for the estimate?
For rooms, multiply length by width in feet. For a roof, measure the surface, or multiply the floor area under the roof by about 1.1 to 1.4 depending on how steep it is.
Disclaimer: These are ballpark estimates only. Real costs depend on your location, site conditions, materials, and the market. Get written quotes from licensed contractors and your lender before you set a budget.
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