Standard-complexity planning examples
Each row uses the ProjectCostWise default project size, the current editable low and high cost-per-square-foot assumptions, and the 1.00× standard-complexity multiplier. The result is a planning range only. It is not a local quote, appraisal, market survey or promise of what a contractor will charge.
2026 estimator assumptions
| Project | Example size | Starting rate | Planning range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 200 sq ft | $150–$300/sq ft | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Bathroom remodel | 80 sq ft | $120–$250/sq ft | $9,600–$20,000 |
| Primary bathroom remodel | 120 sq ft | $150–$300/sq ft | $18,000–$36,000 |
| Whole-home interior remodel | 2,000 sq ft | $100–$250/sq ft | $200,000–$500,000 |
| Basement finish or remodel | 1,000 sq ft | $50–$150/sq ft | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Attic finish or remodel | 600 sq ft | $60–$180/sq ft | $36,000–$108,000 |
| Garage remodel | 500 sq ft | $30–$100/sq ft | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Laundry room remodel | 80 sq ft | $50–$140/sq ft | $4,000–$11,200 |
| Home or room addition | 300 sq ft | $150–$350/sq ft | $45,000–$105,000 |
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft | $5.50–$11/sq ft | $11,000–$22,000 |
| Siding replacement | 1,800 sq ft | $8–$20/sq ft | $14,400–$36,000 |
| Deck build or replacement | 300 sq ft | $25–$60/sq ft | $7,500–$18,000 |
| Concrete slab or patio | 400 sq ft | $8–$15/sq ft | $3,200–$6,000 |
| Flooring installation | 1,000 sq ft | $4.50–$10/sq ft | $4,500–$10,000 |
| Interior painting | 1,000 sq ft | $1.80–$3.20/sq ft | $1,800–$3,200 |
| Drywall installation or repair | 500 sq ft | $2.50–$6/sq ft | $1,250–$3,000 |
What this dataset is—and is not
The figures are the current default assumptions built into the ProjectCostWise estimator for these project types. They are intended to make the calculator transparent and give homeowners a reproducible planning baseline. They should not be represented as observed national averages, contractor-bid medians or government statistics.
Real projects can differ materially because of geography, labor availability, materials, demolition, permits, access, hidden conditions, design changes and contractor scope. ProjectCostWise currently does not apply an automatic ZIP-code price multiplier; users can edit the rate assumptions before calculating.
How to use or reference this table
You may refer to these as ProjectCostWise estimator defaults and link to this page. Always include the example size and state that the rates were internally selected for planning; they are not observed contractor prices or independent market research.
Download the estimator assumptions
The CSV contains the project name, default size, low and high rate assumptions, standard-complexity multiplier, resulting planning range and related guide URL.
Download CSVWhat would make these rates stronger
These defaults have not been calibrated against a published sample of contractor bids. A future update should document the source, date, geography and scope of any real quote data, separate observed prices from modeled examples, and explain how outliers are treated. Until then, adjust the inputs using your own local written proposals.
Published: September 11, 2026 · Clarified: October 1, 2026