Free Calculator — No signup required
Rehab Cost Estimator
Estimate renovation costs for any investment property by selecting the condition level and specific work categories. This estimator provides ranges based on national averages for investor-grade rehabs. Adjust for your local market -- costs in coastal metros are 20-40% higher than the Midwest or South.
Select Work Categories
Estimated Total
Low estimate $15,000
High estimate $41,000
Categories selected 4 of 14
Condition multiplier 1x (moderate)
These are estimates based on national averages. Get contractor bids for accurate project pricing. Costs vary by market, material quality, and project complexity.
Understanding rehab levels
| Level | Cost/sqft | Typical Work |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | $10-$20 | Paint, flooring, fixtures, cleaning, minor repairs. Structure and systems are sound. |
| Moderate | $25-$45 | Cosmetic plus kitchen and bathroom remodel, some systems updates. Most common for standard flips. |
| Full renovation | $45-$75 | Everything in moderate plus all major systems (roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Down to studs in some areas. |
| Full gut | $75-$120+ | Complete teardown of interior. New everything. Possible structural work and layout changes. |
Tips for accurate estimates
- Always walk the property. Photos help but miss hidden issues: mold behind walls, galvanized pipes, foundation cracks, termite damage. Budget a 10-15% contingency on top of your estimate for unknowns.
- Get multiple contractor bids. Three bids on major categories (kitchen, bath, roof, HVAC) gives you a realistic range and negotiation leverage.
- Rental vs. flip finishes. Rental rehabs use durable, landlord-grade materials (LVP, laminate, basic fixtures). Flip rehabs use retail-quality finishes (tile, granite/quartz, upgraded fixtures). The cost difference is 20-40%.
- Don't forget soft costs. Permits ($500-$2,000), dumpster ($400-$800), utility reconnection ($200-$500), and cleaning ($300-$800) add up.
For a detailed guide on repair estimation, see our repair estimate glossary entry or how to estimate repair costs.
Related
- Repair Estimate Guide
- MAO Calculator -- plug your estimate into the MAO formula
- ARV Calculator
- Deal Run AI Repair Analysis