Home Renovation Estimate Template (Free, with a Sample Quote)
Part of Cost & Estimating
Quick answer
A home renovation estimate budgets the whole house room by room (or trade by trade), splits materials from labor, and adds permits, overhead and a contingency. Build one free: ballpark each space with the construction cost calculator, itemize it in the estimate maker, and download a PDF.
A whole-home renovation estimate is really several project estimates stacked together. Budget each room or trade, total them, then add permits, overhead, profit and a contingency. Set a realistic allowance for finishes you haven't picked yet.
What a renovation estimate should include
- Your company name, license and contact details.
- The customer and the property address.
- A budget line per room or per trade across the whole house.
- Materials and labor split out, with allowances for unpicked finishes.
- Permits, design fees, dumpster and temporary protection.
- Overhead, profit and a 10–20% contingency.
- Scope, exclusions, a phasing/payment schedule and a valid-until date.
Sample renovation budget (1,500 ft² home, standard)
| Area | Budget |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | $30,000 |
| Bathrooms (2) | $22,000 |
| Flooring (whole home) | $12,000 |
| Paint & trim | $8,000 |
| Electrical & plumbing updates | $10,000 |
| Contingency (15%) | $12,300 |
| Estimate total | $94,300 |
Whole-home renovations commonly run $20–$120 per square foot depending on how much you touch — cosmetic refreshes at the low end, full gut renovations at the top. Use the construction cost calculator to budget each space, itemize the rooms in the estimate maker, and download the PDF. Source: 2026 US renovation cost references. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
What should a home renovation estimate include?
A budget line per room or trade, materials and labor split out, allowances for unpicked finishes, permits and design fees, disposal, overhead and profit, and a 10–20% contingency, plus a phasing or payment schedule.
How much does it cost to renovate a house per square foot?
Roughly $20–$120 per square foot — a cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures) is at the low end, while a full gut renovation with new kitchens, baths, wiring and plumbing is at the top. Kitchens and bathrooms dominate the budget.
What's the difference between a renovation estimate and a quote?
An estimate is approximate and can change as scope firms up; a quote is a fixed price that's binding once accepted. The estimate maker toggles the wording between the two.