Meta Title: How to Plan a $100K Renovation Using Estimero: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Excerpt: Planning a major remodel with a $100,000 budget? Follow this step-by-step guide to break down costs, prioritize upgrades, and build a rock-solid estimate using Estimero.

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Introduction

So you’ve got a $100K renovation budget. 💰
That’s a solid chunk of change—enough to transform your home... or totally blow it if you don’t plan it right.

The challenge? Renovation dollars disappear fast. And if you’re not working with the right tools, it’s way too easy to go over budget, miss something critical, or end up compromising on your dream features.

That’s where Estimero comes in.

In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to:

• Build a $100K renovation plan from scratch
• Allocate your budget by room and priority
• Use Estimero to estimate, edit, and adjust in real time
• Track every line item so you don’t get blindsided
• Compare “good-better-best” upgrade options

Let’s get into it—step by step.

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🧱 Step 1: Define the Scope of Your $100K Remodel

Before you touch the calculator, ask yourself:

What’s your goal?

• Full interior refresh?
• Kitchen + bath overhaul?
• Addition or layout change?
• Prep for resale?

What spaces are included?

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your scope tight. Creep = chaos.

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💰 Step 2: Set Budget Buckets by Category

Break your $100K into clear buckets. Here’s a sample allocation:

You’re not locked into this—but starting with buckets gives you structure for building your estimate.

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🧮 Step 3: Open Estimero and Choose a Starting Template

1. Go to Estimero
2. Choose: “Whole Home – $100K Budget” Template
3. Enter your ZIP code (regional pricing matters!)
4. Select your finish level:
   • Budget
   • Mid-range ✅
   • High-end (skip unless you're scaling back scope)

Now you’re inside the editable proposal.

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🛠️ Step 4: Customize Each Line Item

You’ll see categories like:

• Demolition
• Kitchen remodel
• Bath #1 and Bath #2
• Flooring by square foot
• Paint by room
• Labor breakdowns
• Permits + design fees
• Contingency
• Optional upgrades

Go room by room. For example:

Kitchen Line Items

• Cabinets (mid-range, pre-fab): $9,500
• Countertops (quartz): $6,000
• Plumbing fixtures: $2,500
• Appliances (package): $7,000
• Labor (demo + install): $8,000
• Subtotal: $33,000

Click “Add/Edit” to swap materials, adjust quantities, or switch finishes.

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💡 Step 5: Use “Good / Better / Best” Options for Flexibility

Each major line item in Estimero includes upgrade toggles. Example:

Bathroom Flooring:

• Good: Ceramic tile ($1,500)
• Better: Porcelain tile ($2,200)
• Best: Natural stone ($3,000)

You can build multiple versions of your estimate:

• “Essential Scope”
• “Nice-to-Have”
• “Dream Scenario”

Then compare them side by side—or share them with your contractor or spouse for discussion.

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🧾 Step 6: Add Notes, Tags, and Expiration Dates

Don't forget the admin stuff.

• Add notes to each category: “Client prefers matte black fixtures”
• Tag permit-required tasks (helpful for planning with city inspections)
• Set a proposal expiration (prices change fast in 2025)

📄 You can export this as a PDF or share a live link with collaborators.

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📉 Step 7: Watch Your Budget Total Like a Hawk

Estimero auto-calculates your subtotal and flags when you’re over budget.

🟢 Under budget? You’ve got room to upgrade.
🔴 Over budget? Scale back before it gets out of hand.

Don’t touch your contingency fund unless you have to. Keep that 10–15% reserved for real surprises (mold, plumbing reroute, delivery delays, etc.).

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🧰 Optional: Phase the Project

If you’re tight on timing or want to break the job up:

• Use Estimero’s “Phase Tags”
• Example:
  • Phase 1: Kitchen + bath 1
  • Phase 2: Guest bath + flooring
  • Phase 3: Paint + exterior (if funds remain)

Each phase can have its own schedule, payment plan, and contractor.

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📊 Final Estimate Snapshot (Mid-Range $100K Remodel)

🎯 Success! You’ve got wiggle room and a pro-level plan.

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FAQs: Planning a $100K Renovation with Estimero

Q: Can I import contractor bids into Estimero?
A: Yes—you can add custom pricing or compare line-by-line bids inside your proposal.

Q: Can I track change orders?
A: Absolutely. Use the “Clone Estimate” feature to create a revised version that shows scope changes, add-ons, or price updates.

Q: What if I need to revise the scope mid-project?
A: Estimero lets you adjust estimates in real time—then re-export updated PDFs or share new links instantly.

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Final Thoughts: $100K is Powerful—If You Plan It Right

A six-figure renovation budget can do serious work—but only if you treat it like a business plan.

Here’s how to win with it:

• Be clear on goals and spaces
• Break the budget into buckets
• Use Estimero to scope, swap, and save
• Stick to your contingency
• Plan for phases if needed

💡 Ready to plan your $100K renovation the smart way? Start your Estimero estimate and build a detailed, editable, budget-friendly plan that keeps your project on track from start to finish.

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Helpful Links:

• Estimero Mid-Range Project Calculator
• Top Renovations That Boost Appraisal
• How to Finance a Large-Scale Remodel

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Need help structuring your $100K renovation?
Reach out to Estimero Support and we’ll walk you through every line item, scope phase, and savings opportunity.