Budget Builder
Know the real number before you start. Free, instant, and private — everything runs on your device.
- $0.00
10% for cosmetic work, 15–20% when opening walls or plumbing
Enter a real quote to see your DIY savings
Your project budget
- Subtotal
- $0.00
- Contingency (10%)
- $0.00
Saved automatically on this device — no account needed. Print it and it becomes your shopping list.
Projects don't blow their budgets on the big purchases — those get researched. They blow up on the forgotten line items: the primer, the transition strips, the second box of screws, the drop cloths. The Budget Builder makes you list everything, adds a contingency buffer for what you still missed, and gives you one honest number.
Start from a template for common projects or from a blank sheet. Enter a contractor quote alongside and you'll see exactly what doing it yourself saves. Your budget stays on this device — no account, no signup — and prints cleanly for the store run.
How it works
No black box — this is the exact math the calculator runs.
- Add line items with a category (Materials, Tools, Labor, Other), quantity, and unit cost.
- Subtotals roll up per category; the grand total updates as you type.
- Contingency adds a safety percentage (10% default — use 15–20% for demolition or anything touching plumbing).
- Enter a contractor quote to see your projected DIY savings side by side.
- Templates pre-fill typical items for painting, flooring, and fence projects so you don't start from zero.
- Everything saves automatically in your browser and prints as a clean shopping list.
Last reviewed July 24, 2026 · Budget & Planning
Frequently asked questions
How much contingency should a DIY budget include?
10% minimum for straightforward cosmetic work like painting. Use 15–20% when opening walls, touching plumbing or electrical, or working on an older home — hidden conditions are the rule there, not the exception.
Should I count my own labor in a DIY budget?
For deciding DIY vs. contractor, yes — value your weekend honestly. For the spending budget itself, most people track only cash outlay. The Budget Builder has a Labor category so you can do either.
Is my budget saved anywhere?
It's stored in your browser's local storage on your device only. Nothing is uploaded and no account exists. Clearing your browser data clears the budget, so print or screenshot the final version before a long project.
How accurate are contractor quote comparisons?
A contractor quote includes labor, overhead, licensing, and warranty — your DIY total is materials and tools only. The comparison shows the honest cash difference; whether the difference is worth your time and skill level is the real decision.