How to budget a build

Turn a parts list into a realistic total, with the costs people forget.

Start from the parts list

Each draft gives price ranges per part. Use the middle of each range for a first total.

Add what's not on the list

Shipping, tax, tools you don't own, test parts and consumables like glue, screws and sandpaper.

Price the labor

Your own hours count. For hired help, use local hourly rates times the hours in the build phases.

Add permits and inspections

Fees, plan reviews and inspections can add hundreds to thousands.

Add a contingency

10 to 20% for surprises. First builds usually need the high end.

Replace ranges with quotes

Before you commit, get real quotes for the biggest items. The free build budget calculator adds it all up.

Concept drafts are for planning, budgeting and talking to professionals. They are not engineering or build plans. Have a qualified professional check any design before you build or use it.

More guides

How to write a great concept draft request

The five things to put in one sentence so your first draft is close to what you want.

Guide

From concept draft to a real build

The steps between a planning draft and a finished thing, and who does each one.

Guide

Permits 101 for things you build

What usually needs a permit or registration, and how to find out for your build.

Guide

Choosing materials for your build

How to pick between materials for strength, weight, weather and cost.

Guide

Working with professionals

Who to involve, when, and how a concept draft saves you money with them.

Guide

How to read a concept draft

What each section of a draft tells you, and what to do with it.

Guide

How to get real quotes from a parts list

Turn price ranges into real prices without wasting a week.

Guide

Prototype before you build the real thing

Small, cheap tests that save expensive mistakes.

Guide

Battery, solar and DC power basics for builders

The few numbers that size most battery and solar builds.

Guide

Measure your space before you plan

The measurements that change a draft, and how to take them.

Guide

Keep your plan current while you build

A plan only helps if it matches what you actually built.

Guide

Start with an idea. Finish with a plan.

Describe it in one sentence. Your concept draft is ready in about a minute.

Draft my idea

For planning only: have a qualified professional check any design before you build or use it.