Project guides, budgets & shopping lists
Each guide collects every calculator a job needs in build order, the materials to buy, a typical budget and the steps to finish. Download the matching template to print a shopping checklist and track your real spending in Excel.
Build a Deck
Footings, framing, decking boards, fasteners, and railings for a 12 × 16 ft deck.
Typical budget ≈ $2,853 · 7 calculators
Paver Patio
Excavation, base gravel, bedding sand, pavers and edging for a 12 x 12 ft patio.
Typical budget ≈ $1,165 · 4 calculators
Build a Fence
Posts, concrete, rails, pickets and hardware for 100 ft of 6 ft privacy fence.
Typical budget ≈ $1,781 · 3 calculators
Raised Garden Beds & Landscaping
Soil, mulch, edging and plants for four 4 x 8 ft raised beds and surrounding paths.
Typical budget ≈ $1,252 · 5 calculators
New Lawn (Sod or Seed)
Topsoil, sod or seed, fertilizer and rentals for a 1,000 sq ft lawn.
Typical budget ≈ $1,181 · 3 calculators
Concrete Slab or Driveway
Base gravel, rebar, forms and ready-mix for a 20 x 20 ft slab.
Typical budget ≈ $1,902 · 4 calculators
Bathroom Remodel
Tile, grout, thinset, backer board, paint and fixtures for a 5 x 8 ft bathroom.
Typical budget ≈ $1,611 · 6 calculators
Kitchen Backsplash & Paint Refresh
Backsplash tile, thinset, grout, trim and paint for an average kitchen.
Typical budget ≈ $442 · 4 calculators
Room Renovation (Floor, Paint & Trim)
Flooring, underlayment, paint, baseboard and crown for a 12 x 14 ft bedroom.
Typical budget ≈ $1,051 · 7 calculators
Finish a Basement
Studs, insulation, drywall, flooring and paint for a 400 sq ft basement.
Typical budget ≈ $4,326 · 8 calculators
Roof Replacement
Shingles, underlayment, ice shield, drip edge and ridge cap for a 2,000 sq ft roof.
Typical budget ≈ $4,942 · 6 calculators
Retaining Wall
Blocks, base gravel, drainage stone and caps for a 40 ft x 3 ft wall.
Typical budget ≈ $2,167 · 4 calculators