1. Enter Your Total Budget
2. Select Your Project Type
3. Adjust Your Priorities
Drag sliders to reprioritizeYour Budget Breakdown
Based on NAHB benchmarks for custom new build
View all 12 categories
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About these benchmarks
Default percentages are derived from NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) cost-of-construction surveys and Houzz renovation data. Actual costs vary significantly by region, material quality, and market conditions. Use these figures as a starting point, not a guarantee.
How to Use This Tool
Enter your budget
Type your total build or renovation budget, or pick a preset. The tool instantly calculates dollar amounts for every category.
Choose your project type
Selecting custom new build, production build, or renovation adjusts the default percentages to match typical spend patterns for that project type.
Adjust your priorities
Drag any slider to reprioritize. If you want a luxury kitchen, slide it up and watch the remaining budget update in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these percentages accurate for my area?
The defaults are national averages from NAHB survey data. Costs in high-cost-of-living markets (San Francisco, New York, Seattle) can run 30 to 50% higher than the national average, while rural markets may be 20 to 30% lower. Treat these as a starting framework and validate with local builders.
What does the contingency category cover?
Contingency is money set aside for surprises: unexpected structural issues, material price increases, scope changes, and permit delays. Most builders recommend 8 to 15% for custom builds and 10 to 20% for renovations of older homes.
How is this different from a cost estimator?
A cost estimator tries to predict your total project cost from a list of specifications. This tool works in reverse: you start with a budget you have already set and allocate it across categories. It is a planning and prioritization tool, not a cost prediction tool.
Can I save my results?
This tool runs entirely in your browser and does not save data between sessions. To track your actual selections and stay on budget as your project progresses, use RoomSnap, which is built specifically for that purpose.