Construction Cost Estimator

Our estimator provides ballpark figures based on average retail prices from Home Depot, Lowe's, and similar big-box stores. It uses standard construction formulas for material quantities and labor hours. While it's a reliable starting point for budget planning, actual project costs depend on site conditions, local pricing, project complexity, and contractor rates. We always recommend getting a professional on-site estimate before committing to a budget.

Material prices are sourced from average retail pricing across major home improvement retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, and Floor & Decor. We offer three pricing tiers — Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium — to reflect different quality levels available at these stores. Prices are periodically updated to reflect current market conditions.

Use our 'Calculate from Home Size' feature! Enter your home's total square footage, number of stories, and ceiling height. The estimator automatically calculates the paintable wall area using standard construction formulas (accounting for interior partition walls and deducting for windows/doors). Then choose your paint quality tier and set the labor rate to get a detailed cost breakdown.

The waste factor accounts for material that's cut, damaged, or otherwise unusable during construction. Industry standards range from 5–15% depending on the project. We default to 10% — which covers normal cutting waste, mistakes, and material defects. For projects with complex layouts or patterns (like diagonal tile), you may want to increase this to 15–20%.

Labor rates vary by trade, experience, and location. In San Diego, typical rates are: Handyman/General Labor $35–$55/hr, Painters $40–$60/hr, Electricians $65–$100/hr, Plumbers $65–$100/hr, and Concrete Workers $45–$70/hr. Our default of $45/hr is a reasonable starting point for general residential work. Adjust up for specialized trades or high-cost areas.

The contractor markup (typically 15–30%) covers overhead costs that go beyond materials and direct labor. This includes: business insurance and licensing, project management and coordination, tool and equipment costs, vehicle and fuel expenses, office and administrative costs, warranty and callbacks, and profit margin. If you're doing the work yourself (DIY), set the markup to 0%.

Based on our estimator, painting the interior of a typical 2,000 sq ft, 2-story home costs roughly $2,500–$6,500 depending on paint quality and labor rates. This includes approximately 4,700 sq ft of paintable wall area, mid-range paint ($40/gallon), primer, supplies, and labor at $45/hr. Exterior painting for the same home typically runs $3,000–$7,000. Use our estimator for a detailed breakdown.

A 4-inch concrete slab costs approximately $6–$12 per square foot for materials and labor. This includes ready-mix concrete, rebar reinforcement, and basic finishing. Premium concrete with decorative finishes can run $12–$20+ per sq ft. Factors that increase cost include: thicker slabs, colored or stamped concrete, difficult site access, and slope grading. Use our estimator for exact numbers based on your project dimensions.

Currently, you can print your estimate using the 'Print Estimate' button at the bottom of the results panel. This creates a print-friendly version you can save as a PDF or print on paper. We're working on adding save, email, and share features in a future update.

Yes! Subworkit Contracting provides free professional on-site estimates throughout San Diego County. Our licensed team (CA License #945572) will measure your project, discuss materials and options, and provide a detailed written quote. Call (424) 384-7624 or visit our contact page to schedule.