← Back to BlogMay 202610 minDan White
Free Rehab Cost Estimator for House Flippers
Rehab cost estimation is where most new investors get burned. They underestimate, they miss systems, they forget contingency. A realistic rehab budget before you make an offer is what separates profitable flips from expensive lessons.
Market Context
Live Market Data
Washington, DC Housing Market
Cool Market
Data through Mar 2026
Median Sale Price
$590,000
+0.8% YoY
Median Days on Market
44 days
lower = faster market
Sale-to-List Ratio
99.7%
buyers' market
Homes Sold
4,457
last reported month
Source: Redfin Data Center. Updated monthly. Data reflects Washington, DC residential sales.
redfin.comMajor Systems — Estimate These First
- Roof: $8,000–$18,000 for full replacement on average SFR. Partial repairs $2,000–$6,000.
- HVAC: $4,000–$12,000 for full replacement. Furnace only: $2,500–$5,000.
- Electrical panel: $2,500–$5,000 for 200-amp upgrade. Full rewire: $8,000–$20,000.
- Plumbing: Re-pipe $4,000–$15,000. Water heater: $1,200–$2,500.
- Foundation: Minor crack repair $500–$3,000. Serious issues $10,000–$50,000+.
Cosmetic Renovation Ranges
- Kitchen (mid-grade): $15,000–$35,000. New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring.
- Bathroom (primary): $8,000–$18,000. Full tile, vanity, fixtures.
- Bathroom (secondary): $5,000–$10,000.
- Flooring (whole house): $6,000–$15,000 for LVP. Hardwood refinish: $3,000–$7,000.
- Paint (interior, whole house): $3,500–$7,000.
- Exterior paint: $4,000–$10,000.
Get a Rehab Estimate for Your Property Free
Tell Freddie the property condition and what needs work — get a room-by-room rehab estimate as part of your full deal analysis. Free.
Estimate My Rehab Cost Free →Always Add 10–15% Contingency
Every rehab has surprises. You open walls and find mold. You pull permits and discover unpermitted work that has to be corrected. The HVAC quote comes in higher than expected. Budget 10% contingency on lighter cosmetic projects, 15% on heavier rehabs with unknown condition behind walls. This isn't pessimism — it's how experienced investors protect their profit.
Dan White is a licensed Virginia real estate agent at Pearson Smith Realty and founder of FreeDealCalc.com. He has been investing in real estate for 20+ years.