Renovation Budget Calculator
Get a rough estimate for your renovation project. Choose your room type, size, and finish level to see planning figures.
Your Project Details
Enter the area of your room or space
Choose your region to see costs in local currency
Recommended: 10-20% for unexpected costs
Fill in your project details and click "Calculate Budget Range" to see your estimate.
Important Information
- These are planning figures only, not quotes.
- Actual costs vary by region, material choice, labour rates, permits, and surprises behind walls.
- Always get multiple written quotes before committing.
Related Pages
Understanding Your Renovation Estimate
Our calculator provides a cost range rather than a single figure because renovation costs depend on many variables that can't be captured in a simple form. The low end of the range assumes efficient use of materials, competitive labour rates, and minimal surprises. The high end accounts for premium material choices within your finish level, higher labour costs in expensive areas, and typical complications.
The cost-per-square-metre figures are calculated from real-world project data across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Kitchen and bathroom renovations command higher per-metre costs because they involve specialised trades (plumbing, electrical, tiling, waterproofing) concentrated in smaller spaces. Bedrooms and living rooms are generally less expensive because the work is primarily cosmetic — painting, flooring, and lighting — unless structural changes are involved.
Example Scenarios
To illustrate how the calculator works in practice, consider these common scenarios:
- Small bathroom (4 m², basic finish, UK): Expect £3,600-£5,600 before contingency. Adding 15% contingency brings the range to roughly £4,140-£6,440. This covers a simple white suite, basic tiles, and standard fittings with fixtures staying in place.
- Medium kitchen (12 m², mid-range, US): Approximately $18,000-$30,000 before contingency. Mid-range includes decent cabinets, quality worktops, and good appliances with some layout flexibility.
- Whole home (85 m², high-end, UK): A comprehensive renovation with premium finishes could range from £127,500-£212,500 before contingency. This covers complete rework including structural changes, premium materials, and bespoke joinery throughout.
Common Budgeting Mistakes
The most expensive mistake in renovation budgeting is underestimating costs and running out of money mid-project. Unfinished renovations are costly to resume and can leave you living in a construction site. Other common mistakes include:
- • Skipping contingency: Every renovation has surprises. Properties over 30 years old almost always reveal issues once walls are opened up.
- • Comparing unlike quotes: One contractor's £15,000 quote might exclude items another's £20,000 quote includes. Always compare on a like-for-like basis.
- • Forgetting temporary costs: If your kitchen is being renovated for 4-6 weeks, budget for takeaway food or temporary cooking arrangements.
- • Changing scope mid-project: Each change order during construction typically costs 20-40% more than if specified upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these estimates?
These are general planning figures based on market averages. Real quotes from contractors in your specific area will give you more precise costs. Use this tool as a starting point to understand the ballpark, then refine with professional quotes.
Why does the same room size cost more in different regions?
Labour rates, material costs, building regulations, and market conditions vary significantly between countries and even between cities. Our regional multipliers account for these broad differences, but local variations within each country can be equally significant.
Should I always choose the cheapest option?
Not necessarily. Basic finishes are perfect for rentals, tight budgets, or rooms you'll renovate again soon. But for your forever home, mid-range or high-end finishes often provide better value over time because they last longer and add more to property value.
Can I renovate in phases to spread costs?
Yes, phased renovation is common. However, be aware that mobilisation costs (getting trades on-site) apply each time, so phasing usually costs 10-20% more in total than doing everything at once. Plan phases carefully to avoid re-doing work.
Last updated: February 2026