Your build
Adjust the inputs — every number on this page updates live.
County applies a ±5% planning factor. Site conditions matter more than county lines.
2026 planning estimates, not bids or quotes. Payment is principal & interest only — taxes, insurance, and land are not included, and this is not a loan offer. Always price the same written scope with multiple builders.
Where the money goes
Approximate share of the turnkey mid-estimate.
The Pro Budget Worksheet.
Everything above, itemized. A line-item budget built from your inputs, a printable bid-comparison sheet that forces every builder to price the same scope, and a finish allowance tracker that does the variance math for you.
Line-item budget
Built from your current inputs.
| Line item | Low est. | High est. |
|---|
2026 planning estimates derived from the turnkey range above — not bids. Contingency is 10% of the mid-estimate. Septic/well and permits vary widely by parcel; verify locally.
Bid comparison sheet
Print this page and make every builder bid the same written scope. Comparable bids are the whole game.
| Scope line | Builder A | Builder B | Builder C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site work & clearing | |||
| Foundation (type: ____) | |||
| Building shell & erection | |||
| Framing & interior walls | |||
| Plumbing (rough + finish) | |||
| Electrical | |||
| HVAC | |||
| Insulation, drywall & paint | |||
| Flooring & finishes | |||
| Allowances total | |||
| Total bid | |||
| Timeline (weeks) |
Finish allowance tracker
Type what you actually spend — variance updates live. Allowances are the #1 budget-buster.
| Allowance | Budget | Actual $ | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | $– | $– | $– |
Unlock the Pro Worksheet — $19
- Line-item budget auto-built from your estimate
- Printable bid-comparison sheet
- Finish allowance tracker with live variance math
One-time payment. Yours to keep and print.
What this tool is (and isn't).
Are these real quotes?
No. These are 2026 planning estimates built from Texas market ranges ($150–$190 per sq ft turnkey, adjusted for finish level and county). Steel prices, labor markets, and your specific site move the real numbers. Use this to budget and to sanity-check bids — then get real bids on a written scope.
Why does finish level change the range so much?
Finishes are where barndominium budgets live or die. Basic assumes builder-grade everything; luxury assumes custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and premium flooring throughout. The 0.9× / 1.0× / 1.35× multipliers reflect how finish choices compound across every trade.
Does the estimate include land?
No — construction only. If you select "still need land," we show a DFW-fringe land reference (~$23k–$37k per acre) so you can add it to the total yourself.
What is the monthly payment based on?
A 30-year fixed loan at a 7% placeholder rate with 20% down, principal and interest only. Taxes, insurance, and PMI are not included, and this is not a loan offer — talk to a lender for real numbers.
How do I use this with builders?
Unlock the Pro worksheet ($19): it turns your estimate into a line-item budget and a bid-comparison sheet. Make every builder price the same written scope — comparable bids are the whole game.