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Comps And Analysis

05 Repair Estimator

The Repair Estimator generates construction cost estimates for residential properties. It provides room-by-room breakdowns and average total ranges based on the property's specifics and your chosen finish level.

3 min read

How It Works

Enter the property address or manually describe the scope of work. The AI estimates costs based on:

  • Property type, size, and age.
  • Local labor and material costs for your market.
  • The finish grade you select.
  • Room-by-room or system-by-system scope items.

Finish Grades

Choose the level of finish that matches your strategy:

Rental Grade — Cost-efficient and durable finishes for long-term holds or BRRRR. Focuses on refinishing instead of replacing where possible. Lower total cost. Appropriate for tenant-occupied properties where luxury finishes would not generate a return.

Flip Grade — Resale-focused and inspection-ready for market appeal. Emphasis on finishes that pass buyer inspections and appraisals. Higher total cost but supports a higher ARV.

If you are not sure, use Flip Grade. The estimator defaults to Flip Grade if you do not specify.

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Results include cost estimates per room or system:

  • Kitchen (cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring)
  • Bathrooms (vanity, tub/shower, tile, fixtures)
  • Bedrooms and living areas (flooring, paint, trim)
  • Exterior (roof, siding, windows, landscaping)
  • Systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heater)
  • Structural (foundation, framing, if applicable)

Each line item shows material cost, labor cost, and total installed cost.

[SCREENSHOT: Repair Estimator results showing room-by-room breakdown with materials and labor columns]

Range vs. Fixed Estimate

Estimates are shown as low/mid/high ranges, not fixed numbers. The range accounts for:

  • Local pricing variation.
  • Unknown conditions behind walls or under floors.
  • Contractor availability in your area.

Use the mid-range number for initial underwriting. Use the high range for conservative projections.

Customizing the Estimate

You are not locked into the AI's estimate. Adjust individual line items:

  • Click any line to edit the cost.
  • Add or remove scope items.
  • Change the finish grade for specific rooms (e.g., flip-grade kitchen but rental-grade bathrooms).

The total updates automatically as you make changes.

Saving to a Property

Click "Save to Property" to attach the repair estimate to the property profile. It appears in the property's Documents or Reports section. From there, you can reference it when running underwriting or generating a presentation.

Limitations

The Repair Estimator is a planning tool, not a contractor bid. Always get at least two contractor quotes before committing to a budget. The estimate does not include permit fees, dumpster rental, or contingency unless you add them manually.

Next steps: - Underwriting Tools - How AI Comps Work - Reading a Comp Result - ReiSearch Reports