Online Cost Estimating Calculators
Getting Down to Business
We've provided below some links to free cost estimating calculators to assist you in developing a rough estimate of costs for the design and construction of your custom residential project. These calculators only provide rough estimates so they don't take the place of having a qualified design professional or contractor bid on your project. These tools also assume that the information you enter is complete, accurate, and that the intended scope of work is fully entered. Hopefully they help you understand what things might cost so that you can better assess your financial ability to pursue your desired project.
Disclaimers - what would we do without them?
Some things can't be fully anticipated in these online tools so we thought we'd mention some limitations of them prior to your use. These tools were developed primarily for new construction and/or remodel projects with market-rate levels of construction quality and with conventional market pricing at this time. These tools also represent costs typical of qualified design professionals and contractors, but you may and will likely encounter a wide range between what these tools may say vs. the actual bids or estimates you may get. By using any tools like these, you acknowledge and understand that these tools are limited in their ability to predict costs. Typically we see a margin of error of approximately 20% +/- of the final contract value. There is corresponding an even higher level of potential inaccuracy for the following unique project types:
- high-end residences with extensive custom finishes and materials and a high degree of craftsmanship
- intensive remodel projects where the budget is disproportionate to the actual square footage of the project / construction area
- repairs and/or remediation work
- high dollars per square foot, low square footage projects (high cost bathroom-only remodel, etc)
- DIY projects, particularly those where the homeowner or tenant will perform the majority of the work
- project sites in jurisdictions with additional or site-specific requirements which may increase required scopes of service in order to obtain permits
Design Services
The following links will take you to calculators which will estimate the costs of design professionals that you will likely need to bring your project to fruition. Some design services are calculated hourly or lump sum so you should pay attention to what disclaimers, if any, are present.
Custom Residential Architectural Fee Estimator
Land Survey Cost Estimator (external link)
Custom Residential Structural Design Fee Estimator (external link)
Construction Costs
The following links will take you to estimating tools that will help predict construction costs for your custom residential project. The values shown include contractor's profit and overhead as well as Washington State sales tax of 9.5% (average, varies by county), reflecting a true "out the door" cost to the homeowner.