GUIDE CATEGORY

Budget & Planning guides

Renovation budgets, contingency, quotes, sequencing and the planning behind a home project.

1 guide

Guide

How Much Contingency Should a Renovation Budget Have?

Renovation contingency percentage by house age and project: 10% for newer homes and surface work, 15% when walls open, 20% for old houses and guts. Worked $40k kitchen.

October 11, 2026 · 6 min read

Calculators for these projects

Renovation Budget Calculator →Add up your own quotes for materials, labor, permits, fixtures and disposal. Apply sales tax and a contingency reserve, track what you have paid and compare against your ceiling.