Free Residential Remodel Estimate Templates (2026)
Quick answer: Room remodels run roughly $60 to $90 per square foot in 2026, so a 300 sq ft living room totals about $18,600 and an 800 sq ft basement finish about $69,300. An 850 sq ft apartment unit turnover is a separate scope at about $19,000, or $22 per square foot.
Remodeling estimates fail in two ways. Either they are too vague, and the contractor eats the cost of the items nobody wrote down, or they are so detailed that nobody has time to build them. The answer is a good template that already contains the line items you always forget.
The three templates below cover the remodel jobs we see most: a living room refresh, a full basement finish, and a multifamily unit turnover. Each breaks the job into prep, materials, labor, subcontractors, and other costs so you can see exactly where the money goes.
These are mid-range 2026 figures. Room size, finish level, and local labor rates will move them, and the descriptions note what to adjust. Edit the quantities and unit costs, set your own overhead and profit, and you have a clean estimate in minutes instead of hours.
How to Use These Templates
Each template is organized into prep, materials, labor, subcontractors, and other costs. Here is how to make them work for you:
- Walk the space and measure every room, wall, and opening.
- Check for hidden conditions such as moisture, old wiring, or damaged framing.
- Update quantities to match your measurements.
- Replace unit costs with current supplier and subcontractor quotes.
- Apply your overhead and profit to the direct cost.
- Fill in scope, exclusions, payment terms, and license details before you send.
The costs shown are mid-range U.S. estimates for 2026. Prices vary by region and finish level. Always verify pricing before sending a live estimate.
Template 1: Living Room Remodel
This living room remodel template covers a refresh of a 15x20 room (300 sq ft) with new flooring, drywall repair, paint, trim, recessed lighting, and two replacement windows. Adjust for your room size and finish level.
Demolition and Prep
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo existing flooring and baseboard (labor) | 300 | sq ft | $1.00 | $300.00 |
| Demo drywall and partial wall (labor) | 120 | sq ft | $3.06 | $367.20 |
| Remove and dispose of old light fixtures and doors | 1 | lot | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Dumpster rental (10-yard) | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Floor and furniture protection | 1 | lot | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Demolition and Prep Subtotal | $1,517.20 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 framing for modified wall section | 24 | lin ft | $3.20 | $76.80 |
| R-15 acoustic wall insulation | 120 | sq ft | $1.71 | $205.20 |
| 1/2 in drywall (4x8 sheets) | 14 | sheets | $16.00 | $224.00 |
| Joint compound, tape, and texture | 1 | lot | $140.00 | $140.00 |
| Luxury vinyl plank flooring | 330 | sq ft | $3.99 | $1,316.70 |
| Underlayment and transition strips | 1 | lot | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Replacement windows, vinyl double hung | 2 | each | $550.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Window blinds, cordless | 2 | each | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| MDF baseboard, 3-1/4 in | 72 | lin ft | $3.04 | $218.88 |
| Window casing set | 34 | lin ft | $2.39 | $81.26 |
| MDF crown molding | 70 | lin ft | $3.26 | $228.20 |
| Prehung interior door | 1 | each | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Recessed LED light fixtures (wafer style) | 6 | each | $32.00 | $192.00 |
| Dimmer switches | 2 | each | $28.00 | $56.00 |
| Outlets and wire (additional receptacles) | 1 | lot | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Primer | 2 | gallons | $38.00 | $76.00 |
| Interior paint, walls and ceiling | 4 | gallons | $45.00 | $180.00 |
| Trim paint | 1 | gallon | $52.00 | $52.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $4,767.04 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framing | 10 | hours | $62.00 | $620.00 |
| Insulation installation | 1 | lot | $140.00 | $140.00 |
| Hang and finish drywall | 1 | lot | $950.00 | $950.00 |
| Install flooring | 300 | sq ft | $2.50 | $750.00 |
| Install windows | 2 | each | $150.00 | $300.00 |
| Install interior door | 1 | each | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Trim carpentry | 18 | hours | $62.00 | $1,116.00 |
| Painting (walls, ceiling, and trim) | 1 | lot | $1,650.00 | $1,650.00 |
| Final cleanup | 6 | hours | $45.00 | $270.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $5,946.00 |
Subcontractors
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (recessed lights, switches, circuits) | 1 | lot | $1,400.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Subcontractors Subtotal | $1,400.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | 1 | each | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Contingency allowance | 1 | lot | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $800.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Demolition and Prep | $1,517.20 |
| Materials | $4,767.04 |
| Labor | $5,946.00 |
| Subcontractors | $1,400.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $800.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $14,430.24 |
| Overhead (15%) | $2,164.54 |
| Profit (12%) | $1,991.37 |
| Total Estimate | $18,586.15 |
Tips for This Template
- Measure the room yourself, even if the customer gives you a size. The materials list depends on actual wall and floor area.
- Put every finish selection in writing before you finalize the estimate. Flooring, paint, trim, and lighting are the lines that change most.
- Check the walls before promising a recessed lighting layout. Ceiling joists, ductwork, and insulation can all affect the plan.
- Photograph the room before demolition. It protects you if the customer later questions the condition of an existing surface.
Template 2: Basement Finish
This basement finishing template covers an 800 sq ft unfinished basement with framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, lighting, a half bath rough-in, and finish carpentry. Adjust for moisture conditions, ceiling height, and your local code.
Prep and Moisture Control
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture test and waterproofing prep | 1 | lot | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Dimple-mat wall membrane at exterior walls | 500 | sq ft | $1.60 | $800.00 |
| Subfloor panels (dimpled or OSB) | 800 | sq ft | $2.90 | $2,320.00 |
| Dumpster rental (10-yard) | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Prep and Moisture Control Subtotal | $3,920.00 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 pressure-treated bottom plate and studs | 1 | lot | $1,600.00 | $1,600.00 |
| Rigid foam insulation, 1.5 in at exterior walls | 800 | sq ft | $1.40 | $1,120.00 |
| R-13 batt insulation for interior walls | 600 | sq ft | $1.10 | $660.00 |
| Fire-blocking and sound insulation | 1 | lot | $420.00 | $420.00 |
| 1/2 in drywall (4x8 sheets) | 80 | sheets | $16.00 | $1,280.00 |
| Joint compound, tape, and texture | 1 | lot | $420.00 | $420.00 |
| Luxury vinyl plank flooring | 800 | sq ft | $3.99 | $3,192.00 |
| Interior doors, prehung | 4 | each | $185.00 | $740.00 |
| Door hardware | 4 | each | $35.00 | $140.00 |
| MDF baseboard | 260 | lin ft | $3.04 | $790.40 |
| Door and window casing | 160 | lin ft | $2.39 | $382.40 |
| Recessed LED lights | 18 | each | $32.00 | $576.00 |
| Switches, outlets, and boxes | 1 | lot | $420.00 | $420.00 |
| Smoke and CO detectors (hardwired) | 3 | each | $55.00 | $165.00 |
| Egress window with well kit (code requirement) | 1 | each | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Half bath: vanity, toilet, faucet, and fan | 1 | lot | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 |
| Closet and storage shelving | 1 | lot | $380.00 | $380.00 |
| Drop ceiling or drywall ceiling materials | 800 | sq ft | $2.20 | $1,760.00 |
| Primer | 6 | gallons | $38.00 | $228.00 |
| Interior paint, walls and ceiling | 10 | gallons | $45.00 | $450.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $18,273.80 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framing | 60 | hours | $62.00 | $3,720.00 |
| Insulation installation | 1 | lot | $950.00 | $950.00 |
| Hang and finish drywall | 2400 | sq ft | $2.25 | $5,400.00 |
| Install flooring | 800 | sq ft | $2.50 | $2,000.00 |
| Install doors and trim | 48 | hours | $62.00 | $2,976.00 |
| Install egress window and well | 1 | lot | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Painting | 1 | lot | $3,400.00 | $3,400.00 |
| Final cleanup | 10 | hours | $45.00 | $450.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $20,696.00 |
Subcontractors
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical (circuits, lighting, panel work) | 1 | lot | $4,200.00 | $4,200.00 |
| Plumbing rough-in for half bath | 1 | lot | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| HVAC extension and supply registers | 1 | lot | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Subcontractors Subtotal | $8,400.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building, electrical, and plumbing permits | 1 | lot | $700.00 | $700.00 |
| Contingency allowance | 1 | lot | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $2,500.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Prep and Moisture Control | $3,920.00 |
| Materials | $18,273.80 |
| Labor | $20,696.00 |
| Subcontractors | $8,400.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $2,500.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $53,789.80 |
| Overhead (15%) | $8,068.47 |
| Profit (12%) | $7,422.99 |
| Total Estimate | $69,281.26 |
Tips for This Template
- Test for moisture before you price the job. A basement with active water problems needs a different scope than a dry one.
- Confirm ceiling height and egress requirements with the local building department. They decide how much of the space counts as finished living area.
- Separate the subcontractor lines for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Each trade needs its own quote, and the half bath rough-in is rarely cheap.
- Plan the inspection sequence. Framing, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins all need to pass before you close the walls. Our basement finishing guide covers the details.
- Show the finish levels as options. A basement can be basic, mid-grade, or high-end, and giving the customer a choice helps you close.
Template 3: Multifamily Unit Turnover
This turnover remodel template covers an interior refresh of an 850 sq ft two-bedroom apartment unit: paint, flooring, kitchen and bath updates, appliances, and cleaning. Multiply by the number of units for a multi-unit bid.
Demolition and Prep
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove old flooring and baseboard (labor) | 850 | sq ft | $0.90 | $765.00 |
| Remove old cabinet hardware, fixtures, and blinds | 1 | lot | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Haul-off and disposal | 1 | lot | $325.00 | $325.00 |
| Demolition and Prep Subtotal | $1,290.00 |
Materials
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primer | 3 | gallons | $38.00 | $114.00 |
| Interior paint, walls and ceiling | 8 | gallons | $42.00 | $336.00 |
| Trim and door paint | 2 | gallons | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Luxury vinyl plank flooring | 720 | sq ft | $3.20 | $2,304.00 |
| Sheet vinyl or tile in bath | 50 | sq ft | $3.50 | $175.00 |
| Baseboard and transitions | 140 | lin ft | $2.50 | $350.00 |
| Kitchen counters, laminate or butcher block | 20 | lin ft | $45.00 | $900.00 |
| Kitchen cabinet doors and hardware refresh | 1 | lot | $650.00 | $650.00 |
| Kitchen faucet | 1 | each | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| Bath vanity faucet and shower trim | 1 | lot | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Toilet seat, supply lines, and wax rings | 1 | lot | $90.00 | $90.00 |
| Appliance allowance (range, hood, or fridge replacement) | 1 | lot | $700.00 | $700.00 |
| LED light fixtures | 6 | each | $32.00 | $192.00 |
| Outlets, switch plates, and smoke detectors | 1 | lot | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Window blinds | 5 | each | $25.00 | $125.00 |
| Door hardware and closet rods | 1 | lot | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Caulk, patch compound, and supplies | 1 | lot | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $6,786.00 |
Labor
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall patch and texture | 8 | hours | $55.00 | $440.00 |
| Painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and doors) | 1 | lot | $1,700.00 | $1,700.00 |
| Install flooring | 770 | sq ft | $2.00 | $1,540.00 |
| Install counters and cabinet refresh | 16 | hours | $58.00 | $928.00 |
| Install fixtures, lights, and blinds | 10 | hours | $58.00 | $580.00 |
| Trim and door hardware repairs | 8 | hours | $58.00 | $464.00 |
| Final cleaning (turnover clean) | 1 | lot | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Punch list and walkthrough | 3 | hours | $58.00 | $174.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $6,101.00 |
Subcontractors
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber (leaks, fixture replacement) | 1 | lot | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Electrician (fixture and device repairs) | 1 | lot | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Carpet and upholstery cleaning | 1 | lot | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Subcontractors Subtotal | $810.00 |
Equipment and Other Costs
| Line Item | Qty | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumpster or haul-off share | 1 | lot | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Contingency allowance | 1 | lot | $400.00 | $400.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal | $700.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Demolition and Prep | $1,290.00 |
| Materials | $6,786.00 |
| Labor | $6,101.00 |
| Subcontractors | $810.00 |
| Equipment and Other Costs | $700.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $15,687.00 |
| Overhead (10%) | $1,568.70 |
| Profit (10%) | $1,725.57 |
| Total Estimate | $18,981.27 |
Tips for This Template
- Price a turnover per unit, then multiply. Consistency is the whole point, so reuse the same materials and the same crew sequence for each unit.
- Ask the property manager for a standard finish package. Standardization is where you save time and money on repeat work.
- Build in a schedule for each trade. Vacant time costs the owner rent, so speed is part of what you are selling.
- Lower markup (10% overhead and 10% profit here) is common on volume work, but only if the process is truly repeatable. Track actual hours on the first few units to check.
Adjusting These Templates for Your Business
Match the Template to the Finish Level
The living room and basement templates assume mid-grade finishes. If your customer wants high-end flooring, custom trim, or designer fixtures, raise the material unit costs and the labor hours that go with them. If the job is a budget refresh, go the other way. The structure of the estimate stays the same.
Know Your True Labor Cost
Use job costing tools to track what your crew really costs. Wages plus payroll taxes, workers comp, insurance, and benefits add up quickly, and your billing rate has to cover all of it plus overhead and profit. Track hours with time tracking so your next estimate uses real numbers.
Decide How You Handle Hidden Conditions
Remodeling means opening walls. Decide in advance whether you carry a contingency line, write exclusions, or handle surprises by change order. Many remodelers use all three. Whatever you choose, put it in writing so the customer is not surprised.
Move to Digital Estimates
Homeowners often get several bids and choose the one that feels clearest. A professional, itemized estimate sent quickly makes you look organized before you pick up a hammer. Projul’s estimating tools let you build and send estimates from a template and carry them into your budget once they are approved. Projul AI Connect can shorten that even more: give ChatGPT, Claude, or another AI assistant your site-visit notes, and it drafts the estimate from your templates for you to check and send. Schedule a demo to see how it works.
How to Estimate a Remodel Step by Step
Whether you are pricing a single room or a full basement, follow this process to build accurate estimates every time.
Step 1: Walk the Job With the Customer
Listen to what the customer wants, then walk every room that will be touched. Note existing conditions, access, and anything that could complicate the work. Take photos and measurements as you go.
Step 2: Define the Scope in Writing
Write down exactly what is included and what is not. A clear scope of work prevents arguments about whether the closet trim was part of the price.
Step 3: Take Off Materials
Measure floor, wall, and ceiling area, count windows, doors, and fixtures, and add waste. Most flooring and drywall jobs need 8 to 12% extra for cuts and mistakes. Use the template as a checklist so you do not miss small items like fasteners, adhesive, and primer.
Step 4: Estimate Labor by Task
Break labor into specific tasks such as demolition, framing, drywall, flooring, trim, and paint. Assign hours and a rate to each. Be honest about how long things take your crew, including cleanup and material trips.
Step 5: Get Subcontractor Quotes
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC usually need quotes from licensed subs. Ask what each one includes and excludes, and add your own markup for managing them.
Step 6: Apply Overhead and Profit
Apply overhead to the direct cost, then apply profit to direct cost plus overhead. The Summary tables above follow that exact formula, so you can check your own math against them.
Step 7: Review, Send, and Follow Up
Read the estimate as if you were the customer. Does it explain what they are getting? Use estimating software to send it quickly, and follow up within a few days.
Room-by-Room Remodel Pricing Notes
Different rooms carry different risks. Here is what to watch on each of the jobs in this post and on closely related ones.
Living Rooms and Open Spaces
These jobs are mostly finish work, which makes the estimate fairly predictable. The risk is selections. Flooring, trim, and lighting are easy to upgrade mid-job, so lock them in early and use change orders for anything new.
Basements
Basements carry the most hidden risk: moisture, low ceilings, old plumbing, and outdated electrical. Do the inspection work before you price, and separate the rough-in trades. Read our basement finishing guide for more.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms concentrate cabinets, plumbing, electrical, and tile into a small area, so a small mistake costs a lot. We have dedicated templates for kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels.
Additions
An addition combines new construction with the challenge of tying into an existing house. Our home addition guide walks through the pricing issues.
Multifamily Units
Turnovers reward standardization. Use the same finish package, the same crew, and the same sequence on every unit, and track the real time and cost on the first few to refine your pricing.
Markup and Margin on Remodels
Remodeling is a business of small margins for error, and the way you apply markup matters.
Overhead First, Then Profit
These templates apply overhead to direct cost, then apply profit to direct cost plus overhead. That keeps your overhead recovery fully funded before profit is calculated. Our overhead and markup guide walks through the math in more detail.
Markup Is Not Margin
A 12% markup is not a 12% margin. Mixing them up is one of the most common ways remodelers underprice work. Our guide to markup versus margin explains the difference with examples.
Match Markup to Risk
Jobs with lots of unknowns deserve more markup or more contingency. Repeatable work with known conditions can run leaner. These templates use 15% overhead and 12% profit on the single-room jobs and 10% each on the multifamily turnover for that reason.
Track Actual Results
After each job, compare your estimate to the actual cost using budgeting tools. If a template line keeps coming in over, change the unit cost or hours so your next estimate is better.
Related Estimate Templates
Looking for templates for other trades? These free estimate templates follow the same format with realistic line items and pricing for 2026.
- Kitchen Remodel Estimate Templates: cabinets, counters, and appliances
- Bathroom Remodel Estimate Templates: tile, plumbing, and fixtures
- General Contractor Estimate Templates: full project estimates
- Flooring Estimate Templates: hardwood, LVP, tile, and carpet
- Drywall Estimate Templates: hanging, finishing, and repair
- Painting Estimate Templates: interior, exterior, and commercial
- Electrical Estimate Templates: panel upgrades, wiring, and lighting
- Window and Door Installation Estimate Templates: replacements and new openings
Need a template for a different trade? Check our full list of free estimate templates covering dozens of construction trades.
Common Mistakes That Cost Remodelers Money on Estimates
Skipping the walkthrough measurements. Customer-supplied room sizes are often off by 10% or more. Measure it yourself.
Forgetting small materials. Fasteners, adhesive, primer, caulk, tape, and trim nails look tiny on a list and large over a year. Keep them on the template.
Ignoring waste. Flooring, tile, and drywall all need extra material. If your estimate has zero waste, you are paying for it out of profit.
Underestimating demolition and disposal. Tearing out and hauling away old material takes real time and dumpster space. Price both.
Not planning for hidden conditions. Rot, old wiring, and moisture are common in remodels. Decide how you will handle them before you sign.
Mixing up markup and margin. If you want a 25% margin, a 25% markup will not get you there. Do the math both ways.
Letting selections drift. Without written selections and a change order process, a mid-grade job quietly becomes a high-end one at your expense.
What Every Remodel Estimate Needs Beyond the Numbers
- Detailed scope of work. State what rooms and items are included, what materials will be used, and what standard of finish applies.
- Exclusions. “Does not include hidden condition repairs, permit fees beyond the allowance, appliance purchases, or furniture moving.”
- Allowances. List allowances for selections that are not made yet, with the rule for overages.
- Timeline. Give a realistic start date and duration, and note that inspections and material lead times can change it.
- Payment terms. Use a deposit and milestone payments, and collect with invoicing software.
- Change order process. Explain how changes are priced and approved. Our change order templates can help.
- Warranty details. State your workmanship warranty and note that manufacturer warranties apply to materials.
- License and insurance. Include your license number and proof of insurance.
- Photos. Add before photos and reference images. See how photos in estimates help you win work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the FAQ section above for answers to common questions about remodel costs, hidden conditions, overhead and profit, markup, and itemizing estimates.
Start Sending Better Estimates Today
These templates give you a strong starting point for living room remodels, basement finishes, and multifamily turnovers. Plug in your local costs, adjust for your finish level, and start sending professional estimates that win more jobs.
If you want to stop rebuilding estimates from scratch, Projul’s estimating features let you build and send remodel estimates from a template and carry them straight into your budget. Built for contractors. Schedule a live demo and see the difference.
DISCLAIMER: We make no warranty of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information presented on this website. Posts are subject to change without notice and cannot be considered financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a residential remodel cost in 2026?
How do I price a remodel when I cannot see what is behind the walls?
What overhead and profit should a remodeler add?
Should I mark up materials and subcontractors?
How long should a remodel estimate be valid?
What is the difference between a remodel estimate and a bid?
Should I itemize a remodel estimate or give one lump sum?
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