Room Planning guide
How to budget a room makeover
A room budget is easier when it is built from quantities instead of guesses. Measure once, turn each surface into a material quantity, price it with your own quotes, then add a contingency you are comfortable with.
1. Measure the room once
Floor area, wall area, and perimeter cover almost every line in the budget. The room size calculator gives all three from length, width, and ceiling height.
2. Build the budget surface by surface
| Line | Measurement | Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Wall paint | Net wall area | Paint cost |
| Primer | Net wall area | Primer |
| Flooring | Floor area | Flooring cost |
| Tile | Tiled area | Tile cost |
| Baseboard | Perimeter minus doors | Baseboard |
3. Do not forget the small things
- Rollers, brushes, tape, drop cloths, and patching compound.
- Underlayment, transitions, and thresholds for new floors.
- Thinset, grout, spacers, and edge trim for tile.
- Nails, caulk, and wood filler for trim.
- Delivery, disposal of old materials, and sales tax.
4. Add a contingency
Surprises such as damaged subfloor or an extra coat of paint are common. Many people hold back a percentage of the total for them; choose an amount that fits your project and risk tolerance, and keep it separate so you can see whether you used it.
5. Compare quotes the same way
When you get installation quotes, compare the cost per square foot of floor or wall, not just the total. The cost calculators show that figure so you can line options up side by side.