How to Use the Input Tab The Input tab is your starting point in the 2025 Cost to Build Calculator. This video walks you through all 11 sections — from entering your location and main floor square footage to selecting your structure class and describing additional spaces like decks, basement, and garage. The more accurately you complete the Input tab, the more precise your final estimate will be.
The Summary tab gives you a full breakdown of your estimated construction costs, organized by category and subcategory. This video covers how to navigate the summary, add and manage contractor bids, include or exclude individual bids from your totals, and adjust overhead and profit percentages to arrive at your final project cost.
The Statistics tab provides a high-level overview of what is driving the cost of your home. This video explains how to read the area sections — which show total and per-square-foot costs for spaces like the main floor, upper floors, and garage — as well as the item sections, which break down the cost contribution of kitchens, bathrooms, and other key components.
The Items tab is the most advanced section of the Cost to Build Calculator, designed for users who want precise control over how every cost in their estimate is calculated. This video walks through item groups, default variables, quantity formulas, and locations — showing you how to customize pricing and calculations at a granular level to produce a highly tailored and accurate construction estimate.