Rehab cost calculator
Build a room-by-room rehab cost estimate before you make the offer.
Use scope categories, quantities, photos, and low-to-high cost ranges to turn a walkthrough into a repair budget that can be reviewed and shared.
Rehab Cost Calculator
Estimate a low and high repair range from square footage, rehab intensity, and contingency.
Category ranges
Save the scoped estimate, photos, notes, and PDF report in Rehab Estimator.
What to capture during the walkthrough
A useful rehab estimate starts with the property condition, not with a single dollar amount. Walk the house by area, separate visible repairs from assumptions, and note the trade, quantity, unit cost, and confidence level for each task.
Keep photos next to the line items they support. A note like “replace lower kitchen cabinets due to water damage” is easier to review when the photo, quantity, and cost range stay attached to the same task.
Common rehab cost categories to price
- Interior work: demo, framing, sheetrock, flooring, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
- Exterior work: roof, siding, gutters, garage, concrete, landscaping, septic tank, foundation, and exterior paint.
- General work: permits, termite treatment, mold remediation, and other project-level items.
- Contingency: unknown items that are likely to appear after demo, inspection, or contractor review.
How to build a defensible estimate
Start with obvious scope items, then add ranges where the final number depends on measurements or trade pricing. Use the low number for a clean version of the work and the high number for the realistic downside. Keep allowances separate from confirmed contractor prices so the report shows which parts of the budget still need proof.
| Estimate input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Scope category | Keeps interior, exterior, and general work from blending together. |
| Quantity | Prevents one-room assumptions from being applied to the whole property. |
| Low and high cost | Shows the spread between optimistic and conservative repair math. |
| Photos and notes | Explains the reason behind each line item when the report is shared. |
When to update the estimate
Update the rehab cost estimate after measuring rooms, receiving contractor feedback, finding hidden damage, or changing the planned finish level. The estimate should move from a quick walkthrough range toward a tighter scope-backed budget as the deal or project gets closer to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rehab cost calculator include?
A rehab cost calculator should include interior, exterior, and project-level work, plus quantities, low-to-high cost ranges, photos, and notes that explain why each repair is in the estimate.
Is a rehab estimate the same as a contractor bid?
No. A rehab estimate is an early planning range for offers, underwriting, and scope review. A contractor bid should come later when trades inspect the property and price the exact materials and labor.
Why use cost ranges instead of one repair number?
Ranges keep the estimate honest when measurements, hidden damage, labor pricing, or material choices can still change. The high number is useful for conservative offer and reserve planning.
Build a rehab estimate in the app.
Download Rehab Estimator to create the budget, attach photos, and export a PDF report.