Plan your renovation by category, track actual spend against budget, and keep a contingency buffer — auto-saves in your browser. Print or export CSV. Free.
| Category | Budget ($) | Actual ($) | Variance |
|---|
💾 Your figures auto-save in this browser as you type — come back anytime on this device. Export a CSV as backup.
Renovation blowouts rarely come from one big surprise — they come from twenty small ones: the extra waterproofing, the switchboard that had to be upgraded once the wall opened, the tile delivery that changed. That's why the contingency line exists as its own number rather than padding hidden in each category: you can watch it deplete and know precisely how much surprise-absorbing capacity remains. Older homes deserve a 20% buffer; anything involving wet areas or structural walls, treat 15% as the floor.
Enter actuals from real quotes and invoices as they arrive, not estimates — the variance column then tells you the truth per category while there's still time to trim elsewhere. Renovating to sell or refinance afterwards? Sense-check your end value against our Home Equity Calculator, and if it's an investment property, log the works in the Property Maintenance Tracker — capital improvements matter at CGT time.
How much contingency should I allow?
15% of the budget is the sensible minimum for a straightforward renovation; 20% or more for pre-1980s homes, structural changes, or anything involving plumbing behind walls. If you don't spend it, it's a bonus — if you didn't allow it, it's debt.
What categories should I include?
Beyond the obvious rooms: demolition and disposal, council approvals, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, painting, floor coverings, and a line for professional fees. The forgotten categories are the ones that blow budgets.
Should GST be in my figures?
Yes — enter quotes as the GST-inclusive amounts you'll actually pay. Homeowners can't claim renovation GST back, so the inclusive figure is your real cost.
Where is my data stored?
In your browser on this device only — it auto-saves as you type and will be here when you return. Clearing browser data erases it, so export the CSV periodically as a backup.
Does renovation spending affect capital gains tax?
For investment properties, capital improvements add to your cost base and reduce CGT when you sell — keep every invoice. Our Capital Gains Tax Calculator shows the effect; your accountant classifies repairs versus improvements.