Rehab cost estimator
Build a renovation budget line by line, add a cushion for surprises and see whether the deal still works under the 70% rule.
What this answers: How much will the work cost, and how much can I still pay for the property? These examples are round starting points, not local prices.
Start from an example, then change any number:
Rehab budget
$81,075
Cost per sq ft
$54.05
Max purchase price
$128,925
- Interior
- $42,500
- Exterior
- $19,000
- Systems
- $5,500
- Other costs
- $3,500
- Contingency
- $10,575
How this is calculated
- 1Interior = kitchen + bathrooms × cost each + flooring area × cost per sq ft + home size × paint cost per sq ft.
- 2Exterior = roof + siding and paint + windows and doors + landscaping. Systems = HVAC + electrical + plumbing. Other = demolition + permits + anything else.
- 3Total = those four groups + contingency (a percent of their sum).
- 4Max purchase price = ARV × rule % − total.
The figures are yours: example values are round starting points, not local prices. Get contractor quotes before relying on a budget. Holding, financing and selling costs aren't included.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do the example costs come from?
- They're round starting points to show how a budget adds up, not local prices. Labor and materials vary a lot by market, so replace them with quotes from contractors before relying on the total.
- How much contingency should I use?
- Many investors use 10–20%. Lean higher on older homes or when you haven't seen behind the walls, since hidden problems like wiring, plumbing and water damage are the usual surprises.
- What does the 70% rule check tell me?
- It's the most you could pay for the property if purchase plus repairs should stay within 70% of the after-repair value. It's a rough screen that leaves the rest for holding costs, selling costs and profit.
- Does this include holding costs?
- No. Loan interest, taxes, insurance and utilities while the work happens are separate. Use the budget in the fix-and-flip calculator to see them and your profit.
- Should I do the work myself to save money?
- You can save on labor, but count your time and the slower schedule, which adds holding costs. Some electrical, plumbing and structural work also requires licensed contractors and permits.