Rehab Budget Calculator

Sum cosmetic / mid / heavy rehab line items + contingency.

Inputs

Result

Rehab budget
$104,075
Subtotal $90,500 + 15% contingency.
  • Sq footage1500 ft²
  • Tier rate$45/ft² (mid)
  • Base rehab$67,500
  • Kitchen$12,000
  • Bath$6,000
  • Extras$5,000
  • Subtotal$90,500
  • Contingency$13,575
  • Total budget$104,075

Step-by-step

  1. Base = 1500 × $45 = $67,500.
  2. Subtotal = base + kitchen + bath + extras = $90,500.
  3. Total = subtotal × (1 + 0.15) = $104,075.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter sq footage and tier.
  • Add kitchen, bath, extras separately.
  • Hold 15-20% contingency.

About this calculator

Rehab budgets fall into three tiers. Cosmetic ($15-25/ft²): paint, flooring, light fixtures, hardware. Mid ($35-55/ft²): kitchen + bath remodels, some flooring, paint. Heavy gut ($80-150/ft²): walls down, new plumbing/electrical/HVAC, full kitchen/bath rebuilds. Old houses (pre-1980): always heavy due to lead/asbestos/knob-tube. Contingency is non-negotiable: 15% mid-tier, 20-25% gut.

Frequently asked

Kitchen and bath drive resale. Then exterior curb appeal. Bedrooms/halls are cheap upgrades. Don't over-improve mechanicals beyond functional.

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