Project Cost Estimator
Get a rough cost range for your construction or remodeling project.
These are rough estimates for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, materials, labor rates, and project complexity.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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This calculator gives you a rough cost range for common construction and remodeling projects based on square footage (or linear footage for fencing) and your desired finish quality. Here is how to get a useful estimate:
- Select your project type. Choose from 14 common projects including kitchen and bathroom remodels, decks, roofing, flooring, painting, and more. Fence projects use linear feet instead of square feet.
- Enter your area or length. For interior projects like a kitchen remodel, enter the floor area of the space being renovated. For roofing and siding, enter the total surface area. For decks and garages, enter the footprint. The label updates automatically to clarify whether the tool expects square feet or linear feet.
- Choose a quality level. Basic uses budget materials and is suited to DIY or rental-grade projects. Standard covers mid-range materials with professional labor. Premium uses high-end finishes and fixtures. Luxury covers top-of-the-line custom work.
- Read the range. The primary result is the midpoint estimate. The breakdown shows the full low-to-high range and the effective rate per square foot after the quality adjustment.
Results update as you change any input. Use the Share button to send a link with your inputs pre-filled, or Copy to paste the estimate into a message or document.
About the Project Cost Estimator
Cost ranges are derived from widely published national averages across contractor databases, remodeling cost surveys, and home improvement industry reports. They represent the full installed cost including materials and labor under normal conditions. They do not account for permit fees, design fees, debris removal, temporary lodging during major renovations, or regional cost-of-living differences, which can move costs 20-50% above or below the national average in high- or low-cost markets.
The quality multiplier scales the base rate range up or down to reflect the cost difference between budget and luxury finishes. A basic kitchen remodel might use stock cabinets and laminate countertops. A luxury remodel might use custom cabinetry, quartzite countertops, and professional-grade appliances. The multiplier captures this spread without requiring you to itemize every material choice.
Use these numbers for early-stage budgeting and to sanity-check contractor bids, not as a replacement for a detailed estimate from a licensed contractor in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
A kitchen remodel typically costs $75-$250 per square foot at standard quality, which translates to $15,000-$50,000 for a 200 square foot kitchen. Budget remodels using stock cabinets and entry-level appliances run closer to $60-$100 per square foot. Luxury remodels with custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and premium countertops can reach $300-$500 per square foot or more. The biggest cost drivers are cabinetry (typically 30-40% of budget), appliances (15-20%), and labor (30-35%).
Why is there such a wide cost range for remodeling projects?
Remodeling costs vary widely because of material choices, regional labor rates, project complexity, and existing conditions. A bathroom remodel in rural Tennessee using builder-grade tile will cost far less than the same footprint in Manhattan with custom tile and a curbless shower. Unexpected conditions found during demolition, such as outdated wiring, plumbing not to code, or water damage, can add 10-30% to any budget. The ranges in this calculator capture typical national variation but should not replace a detailed bid from a local contractor.
Does this estimate include permits and design fees?
No. The estimates here cover materials and labor under normal conditions. Permit fees vary widely by municipality and project type, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars for a deck to several thousand dollars for an addition or major structural work. Architect or designer fees for larger projects typically add 5-15% on top of construction costs. For a complete budget, add permit fees, any required inspections, debris removal, and temporary accommodations if you need to vacate during construction.
How do I get an accurate cost estimate for my project?
Start with this calculator to establish a rough budget range and verify contractor bids are in a reasonable range. Then get at least three written bids from licensed, insured contractors who have visited the site. A reliable bid includes a detailed scope of work, a materials list with specifications, a payment schedule, and a project timeline. Avoid bids that are significantly lower than the others without a clear explanation, as they often reflect missing scope or a plan to cut corners on materials. Check contractor licenses and reviews through your state licensing board and platforms like the Better Business Bureau.