How to Plan Your Renovation Budget With Our Free Cost Calculator

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Peachtree City and throughout Fayette County is, "How much will my renovation actually cost?" It's a question that can be surprisingly hard to answer without understanding the full scope of your project, the materials you prefer, and the specific conditions of your home.

That's exactly why we built our free Renovation Cost Calculator. It gives you an instant, locally-relevant estimate for kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room renovations based on real Peachtree City and Fayette County area pricing. In this article, we'll walk you through how to use the calculator effectively and how to plan your renovation budget like a pro.

Why Budgeting Matters Before You Start

We've seen it happen too many times: a homeowner gets excited about a renovation, starts demolition, and then realizes halfway through that the project will cost significantly more than they expected. Running out of budget mid-renovation is stressful, costly, and entirely preventable.

A solid budget does three critical things for your renovation:

• Sets realistic expectations — You'll know upfront whether your dream kitchen requires a $30,000 or $100,000 investment.
• Helps prioritize spending — When you see the cost breakdown, you can decide where to splurge and where to save.
• Prevents mid-project surprises — A well-planned budget includes permits, labor, and contingency funds so nothing catches you off guard.

How Our Free Calculator Works

Our Renovation Cost Calculator walks you through four simple steps to generate a personalized estimate. Here's what to expect:

Step 1: Choose Your Room

Select from three room types: Kitchen, Bathroom, or Laundry Room. Each room type has its own pricing data calibrated to the Peachtree City and Fayette County market. Kitchen renovations typically range from $5,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $150,000+ for a full gut renovation, while bathrooms run $3,000 to $80,000+ and laundry rooms $2,000 to $30,000.

Step 2: Define Your Project Scope

Tell us three things about your project:

• Room size (Small, Medium, or Large) — This adjusts costs based on square footage.
• Renovation level — Are you doing a cosmetic refresh, mid-range upgrade, high-end renovation, or full gut? Each level has dramatically different cost implications.
• Layout changes — Moving plumbing, electrical, or walls? Toggle this on to include the additional cost for structural and mechanical changes.

Step 3: Select Materials & Features

This is where the calculator gets really useful. For each component of your renovation (cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, etc.), you can choose between three tiers:

• $ (Budget-Friendly) — Stock or basic options that get the job done well
• $$ (Mid-Range) — Quality materials that balance cost and longevity
• $$$ (Premium) — High-end, custom, or designer options

Each tier shows you the price range so you can see exactly how material choices affect your total budget. You can also skip categories you don't plan to change.

Step 4: Get Your Results

The calculator generates a comprehensive estimate including:

• Total cost range — A realistic low-to-high estimate
• Visual cost breakdown — See exactly where your money goes with bar charts
• Materials checklist — Items you'll need for the project
• Tools needed — Whether you're DIY-ing portions or just want to be informed
• Timeline estimate — How long the project will likely take
• Peachtree City-specific tips — Local insights on permits, humidity considerations, HOA requirements, and more

What Makes Our Pricing Locally Accurate

Unlike national renovation calculators that use averaged data from across the country, our tool is calibrated specifically for the Peachtree City and Fayette County market. Here's why that matters:

• Labor rates in Peachtree City run 10-15% lower than intown Atlanta, but material costs are comparable across the metro area.
• Fayette County permits for plumbing, electrical, and structural work typically cost $200-$500 with 2-4 week processing times.
• Georgia's humidity (70%+ average in Fayette County) means moisture-resistant materials aren't optional — they're essential.
• Local styles in Peachtree City neighborhoods like Braelinn, Glenloch, and Kedron favor transitional and modern farmhouse designs, which influences material and fixture pricing.

Factors That Can Affect Your Final Cost

While the calculator provides excellent estimates, several factors can influence your actual renovation cost:

Hidden Conditions

Older homes in established Peachtree City neighborhoods may have outdated wiring, galvanized plumbing, or water damage behind walls. A professional assessment can identify these before they become costly surprises during construction.

Permit and HOA Requirements

Many Peachtree City planned communities have HOA guidelines that may affect exterior modifications, venting, or even material choices. Check your community's requirements early in the planning process.

Seasonal Timing

Contractor availability in Peachtree City varies seasonally. Winter months (December-February) typically offer better availability and sometimes better pricing, while spring and summer are peak seasons with longer lead times.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Don't forget that ENERGY STAR appliances qualify for Georgia Power rebates of $50-$200+. Tankless water heaters, popular in newer Fayette County homes, also offer long-term savings that offset their higher upfront cost.

Tips for Getting the Most Accurate Estimate

To get the most useful results from the calculator:

1. Measure your room first — Knowing your actual square footage helps you choose the right size category.
2. Be honest about your renovation level — If you're keeping the existing layout and just updating surfaces, that's a cosmetic refresh, not a mid-range renovation.
3. Select materials for every category you plan to change — The more selections you make, the more accurate your breakdown will be.
4. Factor in the layout change toggle — This adds realistic costs for plumbing, electrical, and structural modifications.
5. Use the results as a starting point — Print your estimate and bring it to your consultation for a more precise quote.

Understanding Your ROI

Renovation costs are one side of the equation — return on investment is the other. In the Peachtree City real estate market:

• Kitchen renovations return 60-75% at resale, with mid-range upgrades typically offering the best ROI.
• Bathroom renovations return 55-70%, especially master bathroom upgrades in homes with dated fixtures.
• Laundry room improvements have strong appeal to buyers in family-oriented communities like Peachtree City, particularly when they add functional storage and modern amenities.

When to Move From Calculator to Consultation

Our calculator is a powerful starting point, but it's just that — a starting point. You should consider scheduling a professional consultation when:

• You're serious about moving forward and want an exact quote
• Your project involves structural changes or complex plumbing/electrical work
• You want help selecting materials and designing your space
• You need to see 3D renderings before committing to a plan
• You want a design-build firm to handle everything from concept to completion

At Turan Designs, we provide free consultations at our Tyrone showroom, just minutes from Peachtree City. We'll evaluate your space, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed, transparent estimate that accounts for everything the calculator can't see — like your home's specific conditions, structural opportunities, and design potential.

Try the Calculator Now

Ready to get a quick estimate? Try our free Renovation Cost Calculator — it takes less than two minutes and gives you a solid starting point for your budget planning.

And when you're ready for the next step, schedule your free consultation or call us at (404) 394-2038. We've been helping Peachtree City and Fayette County homeowners bring their renovation visions to life for over 20 years.