A kitchen remodel or a handful of smaller jobs means estimates, quotes, deposits and surprises. This budget keeps each project's numbers in one place, adds a contingency, and tells you early when something is drifting over.
Curious what it looks like inside? Here's how quotes get compared, step by step. Most owners use it alongside our household budget planner.
What the Home Project and Renovation Budget does
- Up to 20 projects with budget, contingency, target dates, status and how you'll pay
- 300 budget lines with estimated, quoted and actual cost, and what's been paid
- Each project marked On track, Watch or Over budget
- Compare up to 3 contractors for up to 5 projects, with a 0 to 100 score you weight yourself
- 100 payment rows with due dates: Overdue, Due soon, Upcoming or Paid
- Monthly savings needed to fund each project by its start date
- Dashboard with budget vs spent, payments due in the next 30 days, and costs not matched to a project
What's inside
8 tabs: Start Here, Dashboard, Projects, Budget, Quotes, Payments, Lists, Settings.
Who it's for
Homeowners planning a remodel, a deck or a list of smaller projects, who want to stay on budget and pick contractors with clear eyes.
What you get
Two spreadsheet files (.xlsx): one filled with examples so you can see exactly how it works, and a blank copy ready for your household. For Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. No macros, no subscription.
The formulas are locked, so a stray keystroke can't break them. You only type in the yellow cells.
What you need to use it
- Microsoft Excel 2010 or newer, on Windows or Mac, including Microsoft 365
- Or Google Sheets in any web browser, free with a Google account
- A laptop or desktop works best for setup. Phones and tablets are fine for checking numbers and quick entries.
- No macros, add-ins or internet connection needed once it's downloaded. Apple Numbers isn't supported.
The quote score is a decision aid, not a recommendation. All costs are estimates, not financial advice.
Questions
What's contingency?
Money set aside for surprises. The default is 10% of the budget, and you can change it per project.
Can it pick a contractor for me?
No. It scores quotes on the factors you choose to help you compare. The choice is yours.
Is there a blank version?
Yes. Every download has two files: one filled with examples so you can see how everything works, and a blank copy ready for your own household. Your rates and settings come filled in as a starting point, so change them to match yours.
Can I change the formulas?
The gray formula cells are locked so they can't be erased by accident. If you really want to change one, open Review in Excel and choose Unprotect Sheet. There's no password.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. The math works the same. Locks don't carry over, so just type in the yellow cells.
How do Free Lifetime Updates work?
Whenever we release a new version, you can download it free from your account, forever. We'll email you when there's something new.
