Free cost calculators for homeowners

What will your home project really cost?

Get an itemized budget before you call a contractor, or check a quote you already have for missing permits, disposal fees, and other extras that show up later.

Materials, labor, permits & disposal Adjusted for 17 US metros No sign-up or sales calls
Cost calculator

Estimate your project

Pick a project, enter the size, and choose a finish level. Change the city to see local labor rates, permit costs, and sales tax.

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Contractor proposal and plans on a table
Contractor Quote Checker

Got a quote? Check it before you sign.

Paste the text of any contractor proposal. The Quote Checker compares it with typical costs for your city and flags what is missing or vague:

  • Permits and inspections left to you
  • Dumpster, haul-away, and cleanup excluded
  • Low allowances that turn into change orders
  • Questions to ask the contractor before paying a deposit
How it works

A better estimate starts with visible line items

Projects go over budget when costs hide inside one round number. Here is how we keep every dollar visible. Read our methodology →

01

Split out every cost

Materials, labor, permits, and haul-away each get their own line instead of one lump sum.

02

Adjust for your city

A kitchen in Austin costs less than one in New York. We adjust for local trade wages, permits, and sales tax.

03

Compare quotes fairly

A lower quote is only cheaper if it includes the same scope, permits, disposal, and materials.

Cost Guides

Latest cost guides

Cost breakdowns, material comparisons, and what to watch for in quotes. Each links to a free calculator.

Browse all cost guides →
FAQ

Home project cost questions

How does HomeJobCost estimate project costs?
Each calculator breaks a project into line items (materials, labor hours, permits, disposal, and sales tax), multiplies them by your project size and finish level, adjusts for your metro’s labor rates, and adds a contingency. See our methodology page for details.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
An average-size kitchen (about 150 sq ft) with mid-range finishes typically costs $31,000 – $42,500 at national-average prices. Use the kitchen remodel calculator for a range based on your size, finishes, and city.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
A full hall bath (about 55 sq ft) with a tiled shower and mid-range finishes typically costs $16,000 – $22,000. A cosmetic refresh costs much less; a primary suite costs much more.
Why do contractor quotes for the same project vary by $10,000 or more?
Usually because of scope, not labor rates. One contractor includes permits, a dumpster, and quality materials; a lower bid leaves out permits, excludes drywall repair, or uses small allowances for finishes. Our Quote Checker flags these gaps.
How much should I set aside for contingency?
About 10% for cosmetic projects in newer homes, and 15–20% for older homes or projects that open walls and floors, where hidden rot or outdated wiring is common.
Are my estimates and quotes private?
You never need to give a phone number or email, and we do not sell contact details to contractors. The calculators run in your browser. When you check a quote, its text is sent to our server and an AI provider to produce the report (see our Privacy Policy).