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Rehab Cost Calculator (Quick Estimate)
A quick rehab cost estimate multiplies a property's square footage by a per-square-foot rehab rate: roughly $20–$30/sq ft for cosmetic work, $30–$50 for a moderate rehab, and $50–$100+ for a full gut. For a 1,500 sq ft moderate rehab at $40/sq ft, that's about $60,000 — before adding a 10–20% contingency.
Rough rates: cosmetic ~$20–30/sq ft · moderate ~$30–50 · full gut ~$50–100+.
Rehab Estimate ≈ Square Footage × Cost per Sq Ft (+ contingency)
How it works
The per-square-foot method gives a fast budget ballpark early in a deal, before you have contractor bids. Pick a rate that matches the depth of work — light cosmetic, a moderate refresh, or a full gut — and multiply by the home's livable square footage. Always add a contingency of 10–20% for the surprises every rehab hides.
This is a screening estimate, not a bid. Once a property is under contract, replace it with a line-item estimate by room and system and real contractor quotes — that's the number you actually budget and hold contractors to.
Run the whole deal in FlipOS
This tool covers one number. FlipOS underwrites the full deal across 12 strategies — ARV, the 70% rule, rehab, holding costs, and worst/base/best scenarios — then manages the project end to end. 14-day free trial, no credit card.
Get started freeFrequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to rehab a house per square foot?
- As a rough guide, cosmetic work runs about $20–$30 per square foot, a moderate rehab $30–$50, and a full gut $50–$100 or more. Local labor and material prices and the scope of work move these figures significantly.
- How accurate is a per-square-foot rehab estimate?
- It's a ballpark for screening deals, not a precise budget. It ignores room-by-room specifics, structural surprises, and local pricing. Use it early, then refine with a line-item estimate and contractor bids before you commit.
- Should I add a contingency to my rehab budget?
- Yes. Most experienced flippers add a 10–20% contingency to cover surprises found during demolition and price changes. The deeper the rehab and the older the home, the larger the cushion should be.