Estimate early budgets
Use CostIntel calculators to create planning-level budget ranges for common home improvement projects, from interior updates to wider renovation decisions.
About CostIntel
About CostIntel
CostIntel helps UK homeowners create early planning estimates for home improvement projects, compare renovation scenarios and prepare more confidently before requesting quotes.
The site is built for people who want a clearer starting point before speaking with builders, installers, designers or other qualified professionals. Our calculators and guides help organise project assumptions, typical cost factors and budget allowances in one place.
What CostIntel helps homeowners do
CostIntel is designed to make early renovation planning easier to understand. The tools help turn rough project ideas into clearer cost assumptions before you start comparing quotes.
Compare project scenarios
Test different renovation options, finish levels, allowances and planning assumptions before deciding which route may be worth exploring further.
Prepare for quote discussions
Use the results to ask clearer questions, spot missing quote details and understand which parts of a project may affect the final price.
Why CostIntel exists
Many homeowners begin a project with only a rough idea of what they want to do. Before quotes are requested, it can be hard to judge whether a budget is realistic, which assumptions matter, or where costs might change.
CostIntel exists to make that early stage easier. The site gives users a structured way to think about home improvement costs without pretending that an online estimate can replace a proper site visit, specification or professional quote.
The aim is simple: help homeowners make better-prepared decisions before they commit time, money or expectations to a project.
Our planning-first approach
A useful estimate should show the assumptions behind it. CostIntel focuses on ranges, selected inputs, project allowances and visible limitations, rather than presenting a single number as a fixed answer.
Scope of estimates
What CostIntel estimates
CostIntel focuses on planning estimates for UK home improvement and renovation projects. Each tool is built around selected project assumptions rather than live contractor pricing.
| Planning area | How CostIntel can help |
|---|---|
| Project planning | Compare renovation budgets, value uplift scenarios, build-vs-buy decisions and project allowances. |
| Interior costs | Estimate planning ranges for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, carpets, plastering and painting. |
| Cost guides | Understand the practical factors behind extensions, roofing, driveways and landscaping projects. |
| Budget preparation | Organise likely allowances, contingency and quote questions before contacting professionals. |
The figures and outputs on CostIntel are planning estimates only. Actual costs may differ after a site inspection, detailed specification, professional assessment or formal quote.
Clear limitations
What CostIntel does not do
CostIntel is built to support early planning. It does not replace qualified professional advice, detailed surveys, contractor quotes or regulated services.
CostIntel is not a contractor
We do not inspect properties, price jobs on behalf of trades, provide fixed project quotes or confirm what a builder or installer will charge.
CostIntel is not a valuation service
Our planning tools do not provide formal property valuations, mortgage advice, investment advice, tax advice, legal advice or guaranteed value uplift.
CostIntel does not guarantee results
A calculator result is shaped by user inputs, selected assumptions and broad planning ranges. It should not be treated as a guaranteed final cost.
CostIntel does not replace professional checks
Structural work, electrics, plumbing, roofing, drainage, planning issues and building regulations should be checked with qualified professionals where needed.
Using the tools well
How our tools should be used
CostIntel is most useful before the quote stage. You can use the tools to test whether a project feels broadly affordable, compare possible routes and prepare a more detailed brief for contractors.
Start by choosing the closest calculator or guide, entering realistic assumptions and reviewing the result as an estimated range rather than a final price. If the project depends on access, structural condition, hidden defects or specialist work, allow for extra uncertainty.
Once you have a clearer planning estimate, the next step is to request quotes from suitable professionals and compare what each quote includes, excludes and assumes.
Transparency
Our approach to transparency
A planning estimate is only useful when the assumptions are visible. CostIntel is built around clear language, traceable inputs and honest limitations.
Visible assumptions
We aim to explain how project type, size, finish level, contingency and other selected assumptions can affect an estimated range.
Range-based guidance
Home improvement pricing can vary widely. Ranges are used to reflect planning uncertainty rather than presenting one figure as certain.
Clear next steps
CostIntel points users towards quote checks, professional advice and related pages where a project needs more detailed review.
You can read more about our assumptions on the Methodology page and the Pricing Data page.
Explore CostIntel
Related CostIntel tools
These sections can help you move from early research to more structured planning.
Project Planning
Compare budgets, project scenarios and renovation decisions using planning-focused calculators.
Renovation Budget Planner
Renovation ROI Calculator
Property Value Uplift Calculator
Build vs Buy Calculator
Interior Cost
Estimate planning ranges for common interior projects and compare cost factors before requesting quotes.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Calculator
Bathroom Renovation Cost Calculator
Flooring Cost Calculator
Cost Guides
Read practical cost factor guides for larger home improvement and outdoor projects.
Extension Cost Guide
Roofing Cost Guide
Driveway Cost Guide
Landscaping Cost Guide
FAQs
About CostIntel: common questions
What is CostIntel?
CostIntel is a UK home improvement cost estimation and planning website. It provides calculators, cost guides and decision-support pages to help homeowners form early planning estimates before requesting quotes.
Does CostIntel provide professional quotes?
No. CostIntel does not provide professional quotes, formal valuations or contractor pricing. The tools provide planning estimates only and should be checked against quotes from suitable professionals.
Are CostIntel estimates guaranteed?
No. CostIntel estimates are not guaranteed. They are based on selected assumptions, user inputs and planning-level ranges. Actual project costs can vary due to specification, site condition, access, location, trade availability and quote inclusions.
How should I use CostIntel before getting quotes?
Use CostIntel to understand likely cost drivers, compare renovation scenarios, test budget ranges and prepare clearer questions before speaking with contractors, designers, surveyors or other qualified professionals.