Money set aside for surprises

Renovation Contingency Calculator

A contingency is money you hold outside the contractor’s base price for unexpected work. Use what you know today to set a planning reserve - not to predict overruns.

Example valuesReplace the $75,000 budget and sample risk selections with your current project information.
See the current reserve result ↓
HomeScope Guide · Planning-reserve decision record

Home renovation

Prepared September 27, 2026

PropertyNot entered

Current project budget$75,000

Planning reserve13% · $9,750

Working budget$84,750

Selections used for this scenario

Plans and selections
Defined
Existing-condition visibility
Some unknowns
Occupied during work
Yes
Approximate building age
Pre-1980

Conditions to confirm before reducing the reserve

Educational reserve scenario - not an overrun prediction:This record is not a quote, requirement, guarantee, inspection, estimate of concealed damage, or financial advice. Actual project conditions and written agreements control.homescopeguide.com/tools/renovation-contingency-calculator
Planning note: The suggested reserve is an educational scenario based on your selections - not a guarantee, quote, or industry requirement.