How to Calculate Renovation Costs in Maryland

Measure the space. Whether it is a bathroom or a kitchen remodel -- or any other area -- you can't begin to figure costs without knowing how big the space is. Get an area measurement with a tape to measure the length and width of the room. Multiply those numbers to get the room's square footage. Renovaters will ask for this number repeatedly throughout the remodel.

Decide what you will replace and what you will reuse. This is easier is a bedroom (where the remodel concerns the walls, ceiling and floor) than in the kitchen (full of appliances, cabinetry and accessories). Make a list of the things that you want to keep and a separate list of throwaway items. Find replacements for the throwaway items. Measure for the replacement items, too.

Contact city hall about permits and costs. Home projects tend to bog down under permits and permit costs. Find out what you will need and begin applying, adding the costs to a list set aside for tallying up the costs.

Get estimates from contractors. Call contractors before looking for materials because some may help you get a discount on materials, reducing your costs. Get pricing, references and ask about materials discounts during each interview.

Go to building supply stores and price materials according to your measurements. Get prices for your throwaway items. If you've hired the contractor, get him to come along to help you consider everything from the nuts and bolts to the plaster and paint. Bring along your square footage number.

Add the contractor's cost to the materials and permit cost. Tally them. Multiply by the local sales tax rate to get the tax cost. Add it to the list.

Build a margin of error into your budget to cover extras. This will help against cost overruns. Add at least 15 percent but feel free to build in more if you'd like.