How to estimate rehab costs
Estimate rehab costs from a walkthrough: separate area, kitchens, bathrooms, systems, exterior work, permits, and contingency, then replace every allowance with a contractor bid. The free rehab cost calculator does that screen in your browser with no account. Do not turn the screen into an offer until you have measured the house.
Updated November 3, 2026. Written by Red.
A short sequence
- Open the rehab cost calculator and enter what you can see.
- Write the rooms and trades in the scope of work template.
- Move the dollars into the rehab budget template.
- Read the repair budget guide before you waive an inspection.
The calculator, the scope, and the budget are three views of one job. Keep the same line names in each so a bid can be matched to a number.
Questions
How do I estimate rehab costs?
Walk the house and price the work in separate lines: renovated area, kitchens, bathrooms, major systems, exterior, permits, and a contingency. Treat a calculator result as a screen until written bids replace each allowance.
Is a cost per square foot enough?
No. A single square-foot rate hides kitchens, baths, roofs, and electrical work. The free rehab calculator keeps those lines separate so one blended rate cannot swallow them.
What is the difference between a budget and a scope of work?
A rehab budget is the dollar estimate. A scope of work is the written list of rooms, trades, quantities, and specifications that contractors bid against. Update the budget when the scope and the bids change.
Should the estimate include contingency?
Yes. Contingency is the reserve for conditions you cannot see yet. It does not replace a missing scope.