About HomeOutlay
Free calculators that tell you what your home project will cost before you spend.
Why HomeOutlay exists
Most home projects go over budget for a simple reason: nobody does the math before the first trip to the store. HomeOutlay turns your measurements into a shopping list and a price range in seconds, so you can plan, compare quotes and decide whether to do it yourself or hire out.
Every calculator is free, works in US and metric units, and doesn't ask you to sign up.
Who makes it
HomeOutlay is a small, independent project run by Sábio System, a software studio that builds web tools. We write the calculators, the guides and the code ourselves, and we fix mistakes as soon as readers point them out. You can reach us at hello@homeoutlay.com.
How the calculations work
Each calculator shows its formula in the guide below it, so you can check the math by hand. In short:
- Quantities come from geometry: wall area, slab volume and so on, minus openings, times coats or depth.
- Coverage and yield rates come from manufacturer data. Paint coverage (about 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon on smooth walls, less on texture) follows the coverage printed on major brands' cans and data sheets. Concrete bag yields (0.60 cu ft for an 80 lb bag, 0.45 for 60 lb and 0.30 for 40 lb) are the figures printed on premixed concrete bags.
- Waste factors follow common trade practice, such as 5 to 10 percent extra on concrete, and you can change them.
- Prices are typical US big-box retail prices for mid-range products. They are averages, not quotes: your local store, region and brand will differ. Every price field can be edited, and the totals update as you type.
- Rounding always goes up to the units stores actually sell (gallons, quarts, bags), because nobody can buy 1.9 gallons.
We review default prices and rates regularly. If something looks off for your area, tell us.
What HomeOutlay is not
Our results are estimates for planning. They don't replace a licensed contractor, an engineer or your local building code. See our Terms of Use.
How the site is funded
HomeOutlay is supported by ads. A paid Pro plan with PDF quotes and saved projects is on the way. Ads never change the numbers a calculator gives you.