How to Plan a $100K Renovation Using Estimero Step by Step

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?

| Priority Area | Included? |

|----------------------|-----------|

| Kitchen | ✅

| Primary bathroom | ✅

| Guest bath | ✅

| Flooring throughout | ✅

| Interior painting | ✅

| Electrical upgrades | ❌ (optional)

| Exterior work | ❌ (future phase)

💡 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:

| Category | Budget Allocation |

|-----------------------|-------------------|

| Kitchen Remodel | $35,000

| Two Bathrooms | $30,000

| Flooring (whole home) | $12,000

| Interior Paint | $6,000

| Contingency (15%) | $13,000

| Total Budget | $100,000

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

• Interior painting

• Contingency

Key Don't just accept the defaults. Click into each line item and adjust based on your specific scope.

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📊 Step 5: Track Your Budget in Real Time

As you edit line items, watch your total. The magic happens when you can see:

• Current Total $98,450

• Remaining $1,550

• Contingency $13,000 (untouched)

This real-time tracking prevents budget creep.

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🔄 Step 6: Iterate and Refine

Found a better faucet? Want to upgrade the backsplash?

Instead of "We'll figure it out later" Do this Adjust line items right now and see the impact.

Example:

• Original backsplash: $2,500

• New backsplash: $4,200

• Impact +$1,700

• Solution Reduce flooring budget by $1,700

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📋 Step 7: Document Your Decisions

For every major choice, note:

• What you chose

• Why you chose it

• Budget impact

• Alternative considered

This creates a decision trail for later reference.

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🎯 Step 8: Final Review and Approval

Before you lock in your estimate:

✅ Budget Check

• Total under $100K?

• Contingency intact?

• No hidden costs?

✅ Scope Check

• All must-haves included?

• Nice-to-haves prioritized?

• Future phases planned?

✅ Reality Check

• Timeline realistic?

• Contractor availability?

• Material lead times?

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🚀 Step 9: Execute with Confidence

With your $100K plan locked in:

1. Share the estimate with contractors

2. Track actual costs against estimates

3. Adjust as needed (but stay within budget)

4. Document lessons learned for next time

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💡 Pro Tips for $100K Success

Budget Management

• Start with 85% of your budget in estimates

• Keep 15% for surprises

• Track weekly during construction

Scope Control

• Define "done" before you start

• No "while we're at it" additions

• Phase big projects if needed

Communication

• Share estimates with all stakeholders

• Update weekly on progress

• Document changes immediately

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🎉 You're Ready to Renovate Like a Pro

With this systematic approach and Estimero's real-time tracking, your $100K renovation will stay on budget and on schedule.

Remember The best renovation isn't the most expensive one—it's the one that delivers your vision within your budget.

Ready to start planning? Open Estimero now and build your first estimate.

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Need help with your specific renovation? Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process.