Project Management
11 min read February 27, 2026 PropertyARV TeamHow to Estimate Rehab Costs Accurately: A Room-by-Room Guide
Why Accurate Rehab Estimates Matter
The #1 reason new flippers lose money isn't a bad purchase — it's underestimating rehab costs. A $10,000 budget miscalculation can turn a profitable flip into a loss.
This guide breaks down renovation costs by room and category so you can build reliable estimates every time.
The 3 Levels of Rehab
Light Rehab ($15–$25/sq ft)
Medium Rehab ($25–$50/sq ft)
Heavy Rehab ($50–$100+/sq ft)
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
Kitchen (Typically 15-20% of total rehab budget)
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $3,000-$5,000 | $8,000-$15,000 | $20,000+ |
| Countertops | $1,000-$2,500 | $3,000-$6,000 | $8,000+ |
| Appliances | $2,000-$3,500 | $4,000-$7,000 | $10,000+ |
| Flooring | $800-$1,500 | $2,000-$4,000 | $5,000+ |
| Backsplash | $400-$800 | $1,000-$2,500 | $4,000+ |
| Plumbing/Sink | $500-$1,000 | $1,500-$3,000 | $5,000+ |
Bathroom (Each)
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanity + Sink | $300-$800 | $1,000-$2,500 | $4,000+ |
| Toilet | $150-$300 | $300-$600 | $800+ |
| Tub/Shower | $500-$1,500 | $2,000-$5,000 | $8,000+ |
| Tile | $500-$1,200 | $2,000-$4,000 | $6,000+ |
| Fixtures | $200-$500 | $500-$1,500 | $3,000+ |
Exterior
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Roof (full replacement) | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Siding repair | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Paint exterior | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Landscaping | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Driveway | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Windows (per window) | $300-$800 |
| Front door | $500-$2,000 |
Mechanical Systems
| System | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | $500-$2,000 | $5,000-$12,000 |
| Electrical panel | $1,000-$2,000 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Plumbing (re-pipe) | $2,000-$5,000 | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Water heater | $300-$800 | $1,000-$2,500 |
5 Tips for More Accurate Estimates
1. Always Walk the Property
Photos miss water damage, foundation cracks, mold, and electrical issues. In-person inspection is non-negotiable.2. Get 3 Contractor Bids
Never rely on a single estimate. Get at least 3 bids for major work and compare scope, not just price.3. Add a 10-20% Contingency
Unexpected issues always arise. Budget an extra 10% for light rehabs and 20% for heavy rehabs.4. Know Your Market's Labor Costs
Labor rates vary dramatically by region. A $15,000 kitchen in the Midwest might cost $30,000 in a coastal city.5. Track Every Dollar
Use project management software to track actual costs against estimates. This data makes future estimates more accurate.Build Better Budgets with PropertyARV
PropertyARV's Repair Estimator helps you:
