Is it worth it?

Renovation Payoff Calculator

DIY cost, hire cost, resale effect and hours saved, side by side.

DIY comes out ahead, even counting your time.

DIY cash cost

$2,100

Hire cost, typical midpoint

$3,715

Cash saved by doing it yourself

$1,615

DIY hours

18 to 36

Each DIY hour saves about

$60

DIY counting your time

$2,910

Likely resale effect

$2,229 to $3,715

Typical hire range

$2,680 to $4,750

At the middle of the resale range, doing it yourself nets $872 after your cash cost and hiring nets -$743. Resale assumes the work is done to a professional standard.

Rough US ranges, not an appraisal. Ask a local agent before spending for resale.

How it works

  1. Pick the project. Choose the renovation and enter your material cost and any contractor quote.
  2. Value your time. Enter what an hour of your time is worth to you.
  3. Compare. See the DIY and hire totals, the likely resale effect and what your hours earn.

Questions

How accurate is the resale figure?

It is a rough range of how much of a project's cost typically comes back at sale. Local markets vary widely, so ask an agent before you spend for resale.

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