Renovation Budget +
Contingency Calculator
Every renovation has surprises. The question is whether you budgeted for them. See your true total cost — including the reserve you actually need.
Your Project Scope
Your True Total Budget
Working with a contractor? Track budget vs actual in real time.
Track My Renovation Budget →Why Your Contractor's Quote Is Never Your Final Budget
A contractor quote covers the scope you discussed. It cannot cover what's behind the walls, under the subfloor, or inside the electrical panel until demolition begins. This isn't a contractor problem — it's a physical reality of renovation work. The contingency reserve exists to absorb these discoveries without stopping the project.
Industry data from thousands of residential renovations consistently shows that 72% of projects over $20,000 encounter at least one unexpected cost event. The median unexpected cost event runs $3,800. On a $40,000 project, a single surprise can erase your entire expected margin — or, as a homeowner, force a mid-project financing scramble.
How to Set Your Contingency Percentage
| Scenario | Recommended Contingency |
|---|---|
| New construction (<10 years old), cosmetic scope | 8–10% |
| Home built 1980–2000, kitchen/bath remodel | 12–15% |
| Home built 1960–1980, any structural scope | 15–20% |
| Pre-1960 home, any renovation | 20–25% |
| Whole-home renovation, any age | 20%+ |