Renovation Cost Calculator
PlannedFrame the budget for a renovation project across rooms, finishes and scope. Educational estimate only.
Checklists · planners · planning aids
Planning Tools & Checklists
Practical planning aids for construction, renovation, materials, budgeting and landscape projects. Each tool is educational — structured around the decisions a project actually has to make — and does not replace advice from licensed architects, engineers, contractors or other qualified professionals.
Available now
Published planning tools and checklists
Five practical, source-aware planning tools — covering renovation, contractor hiring, materials, budgets and small backyard projects.
Checklist · Renovation
Renovation Planning Checklist
A practical, source-aware renovation planning checklist — scope, budget, permits, contractors, materials, timeline, safety and documentation — to use before contacting contractors or starting work.
Open the tool →Checklist · HiringContractor Hiring Checklist
A practical, source-aware contractor hiring checklist — scope, written estimates and agreements, references, licensing where applicable, insurance, communication, change orders, payment cautions and red flags.
Open the tool →Checklist · MaterialsMaterial Comparison Checklist
A practical, source-aware framework for comparing construction and finish materials across use, durability, moisture, fire, maintenance, availability, lifecycle and installation complexity.
Open the tool →Planner · BudgetProject Budget Planner
A safe planning framework for organizing renovation and building budget categories — scope, labor, materials, permits, professional services, contingency, disruption, logistics — without producing unsupported cost estimates.
Open the tool →Checklist · LandscapeBackyard Planning Checklist
A practical checklist for planning small backyard and landscape design projects — zones, circulation, hardscape, planting, drainage, lighting, irrigation, privacy, material choices and maintenance.
Open the tool →Free resources
Free printable planning templates and worksheets
Printable web templates you can read, print (Cmd/Ctrl + P) or copy by hand — no sign-up, no download gate. Use them alongside the checklists above and before speaking with professionals. Educational planning aids only, never contracts or a substitute for licensed professional advice.
Free template
Home renovation planning template
A free printable planning template for organising home renovation goals, rooms, priorities, constraints and the questions to bring to professionals. Educational planning aid only — not a contract.
Open the template →Free templateRenovation scope of work template
A free printable scope-of-work planning template for renovation conversations — areas, included and excluded work, materials, responsibilities, assumptions, change-order notes and acceptance criteria. Educational planning aid only, not a legal contract.
Open the template →Free worksheetRenovation budget planning worksheet
A free printable worksheet for organising renovation budget categories — design, demolition, labour, materials, kitchen, bathroom, flooring, lighting, storage, waste and contingency. No price estimates, no totals, no invented averages.
Open the template →Free checklistContractor comparison checklist
A free printable checklist for comparing contractors before hiring — scope alignment, written estimates, references, licensing and insurance discussion, communication, schedule, change orders, payment caution and red flags. Build Design Hub does not verify or endorse contractors.
Open the template →Free worksheetMaterial selection worksheet
A free printable worksheet for comparing materials by room, intended use, moisture exposure, maintenance, installation complexity and compatibility — with space for questions for professionals and decision notes. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free templateKitchen renovation planning template
A free printable planning template for kitchen renovation decisions — layout goals, workflow, storage, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting, ventilation and material notes, with a reminder to route plumbing and electrical work to professionals.
Open the template →Free templateBathroom renovation planning template
A free printable planning template for bathroom renovation decisions — layout goals, fixtures, storage, lighting, ventilation, tile and materials, with reminders to route moisture, waterproofing, plumbing and electrical work to qualified professionals.
Open the template →Free checklistApartment renovation checklist
A free printable checklist for apartment renovation planning — building rules, management approval, neighbours and access, rooms, kitchen, bathroom, storage, materials, timing, professionals, visual references and documentation. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free worksheetRoom-by-room renovation planner
A free printable room-by-room planning worksheet — current problems, desired outcome, must-have changes, materials, lighting, storage, questions for professionals and decisions still open. One sheet per room. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free checklistPatio planning checklist
A free printable checklist for patio planning — use cases, location, sun and shade, drainage, surface materials, furniture, privacy, lighting, maintenance and professional review. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free templateLandscape project planning template
A free printable landscape project planning template — outdoor zones, planting areas, hardscape, pathways, drainage, lighting, privacy, maintenance level, materials and questions for professionals. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free checklistPre-construction questions checklist
A free printable checklist of questions to ask before renovation, construction or major home-improvement work begins — scope, permits and local requirements, access, schedule, site protection, materials, safety, communication, changes, documentation and handover.
Open the template →Free checklistHome maintenance checklist
A free printable home maintenance checklist covering exterior, roof and gutters, windows and doors, moisture, ventilation, safety, materials and notes for professionals. Educational planning aid only — not an inspection or compliance checklist.
Open the template →Free worksheetSeasonal home maintenance planner
A free printable seasonal home maintenance planner — spring, summer, autumn and winter sections covering exterior, drainage, interior moisture and heating/cooling preparation, with notes. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free templateHome problem documentation template
A free printable template for documenting a home problem before contacting professionals — issue description, location, when first noticed, photos taken, weather and usage context, changes over time, and questions for professionals.
Open the template →Free checklistWater damage documentation checklist
A free printable checklist for documenting visible water damage — location, visible signs, smell, timing, weather and plumbing context, photos and professional contacts. Educational planning aid only — no insurance or legal advice.
Open the template →Free checklistContractor repair visit prep checklist
A free printable checklist for preparing for a repair-related contractor visit — access, photos, notes, previous repairs, questions, budget categories without amounts, safety concerns and documentation. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free checklistHome safety review checklist
A free printable high-level home safety review checklist — exits, electrical concerns, gas concerns, moisture, trip hazards, work zones, children and pets, and professional review. Educational only — not an inspection or compliance checklist.
Open the template →Free checklistSpace conversion planning checklist
A free printable checklist for attic, basement, garage and room-conversion planning — intended use, access, daylight, ventilation, moisture, comfort, storage, professional review and open questions. Educational planning aid only; does not determine feasibility.
Open the template →Free checklistKitchen remodel decision checklist
A free printable checklist for kitchen remodel decisions — layout, storage, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, lighting, ventilation and professional questions. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free checklistBathroom remodel decision checklist
A free printable checklist for bathroom remodel decisions — layout, fixtures, shower or tub, vanity, tile, lighting, ventilation, storage and professional questions. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →Free worksheetKitchen and bathroom materials worksheet
A free printable worksheet for selecting kitchen and bathroom materials — room, surface, material option, moisture exposure, maintenance, cleaning, supplier and contractor questions and decision notes. Educational planning aid only.
Open the template →How to use the tools
Educational planning aids, not professional advice
These tools help structure conversations with your household, your designer and any contractors you talk to. They do not output exact prices, permit decisions or engineering judgements.
- Building codes and permit requirements vary by location. Confirm with the local building authority.
- Costs vary by project size, labor, materials, site conditions and jurisdiction. Tools do not produce price estimates.
- Structural, electrical, plumbing, gas, fire, drainage and safety-critical work should be reviewed by qualified professionals.
- Sources used for context are listed on each tool page in a visible “Sources and further reading” section.
Coming soon
Calculators planned for this section
The next wave of tools will add quantity and cost-framing calculators alongside the checklists above. Each will be transparent about the variables it does and does not include.
Cost calculators
House Building Cost Calculator
PlannedExplore the cost factors involved in building a house, from foundation to finishes. Educational estimate only.
Roofing Cost Calculator
PlannedFrame the cost ranges for common roofing systems based on size and material category.
Material calculators
Paint Calculator
PlannedEstimate paint quantity needed for walls, ceilings and trim based on room dimensions.
Flooring Calculator
PlannedEstimate flooring material quantity based on room area, layout and waste factor.
Material Comparison Tools
PlannedCompare common construction and design materials across cost, durability and use case categories.
Planning tools
Landscape Project Planner
PlannedPlan a yard or garden project across hardscape, planting and outdoor features.
Related reading
Pair the tools with the cost-framing and guide content
The checklists work best alongside the longer-form planning guides and the data-backed /insights pages.