Feature — Rehab Budgeting
From back-of-napkin estimate to trade-level scope of work
Underwrite with a $/sqft estimate, then graduate to a trade-by-trade budget once the deal goes under contract. Compare contractor bids side-by-side and track every change order against the original.
- Cosmetic, mid, heavy, gut presets
- Trade-level line items with quantities and unit costs
- Side-by-side bid comparison per trade
- Built-in contingency line
- Change-order tracking separate from original scope
- Budget rolls into the lender packet automatically
What it is
A rehab budget is the dollar plan for turning a distressed property into the after-repair condition the comps assume. Under-budgeting kills profit; over-budgeting kills offers. DealForge gives you a structured, defensible budget that you can build in 30 seconds for underwriting and refine into a contractor-ready scope of work for execution.
Who it's for
Flippers
Tie scope directly to MAO and projected profit.
BRRRR investors
Hit the after-repair condition the appraiser needs for refinance.
GCs and project managers
Issue clean bid packets and track contractor performance.
First-time investors
Lean on category presets while you build your own pricing book.
How it works
- Step 1
Pick a scope level
Start with a $/sqft preset based on condition.
- Step 2
Add trades and line items
Quantities, unit costs, and notes per trade.
- Step 3
Collect and compare bids
Multiple contractor bids per trade with side-by-side view.
- Step 4
Lock the budget
Snapshot saved; change orders tracked separately.
- Step 5
Execute against it
Mark items complete in project management and watch variance.
Rehab budget tools compared
| Tool | Trade-level | Bid comparison | Change orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook / phone notes | No | No | No |
| Spreadsheet template | Yes, manual | Manual | Manual |
| DealForge | Yes | Built-in | First-class |
Frequently asked questions
How detailed should a rehab budget be?
For underwriting you need a $/sqft estimate by scope level (cosmetic, mid, heavy, gut). For execution you need a trade-level breakdown — demo, framing, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, paint, kitchen, baths, exterior, landscaping, contingency. DealForge supports both and lets you graduate from one to the other as the deal moves forward.
Can I compare contractor bids?
Yes. Add multiple bids per trade and DealForge shows them side-by-side, highlights the lowest and the median, and rolls the chosen bid into the master budget automatically.
Does it handle change orders?
Yes. Change orders are first-class line items with a separate approval state. The original budget stays intact for variance analysis.
Is there a built-in contingency?
Yes. Default 10% contingency that you can override per project. The number is shown on the budget and rolled into MAO calculations.
Can my contractor see the budget?
You can share read-only views with contractors and partners without giving them full org access.
Related features
Invite-only beta
Run every deal through one operating system.
Stop juggling spreadsheets, PDFs, and group chats. Join the waitlist and we'll send your invite in the next wave.