Rebuild Cost Estimate Calculator

Work out rebuild cost estimate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Rebuild Cost Estimate Calculator

Rebuild cost is what it would take to reconstruct the building from scratch, which is not the same as market value. It comprises construction at current rates, demolition and clearance of the damaged structure, and professional fees for design, approvals and supervision.

Formulas

Construction cost

Construction = Floor area x Construction rate per square foot

Total rebuild cost

Total = Construction + Demolition and clearance + Professional fees

Worked example

With the default values below, Rebuild Cost Estimate Calculator returns Total rebuild cost of $5,478,000.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Total floor area to rebuild: 2,000 sq ft
Construction rate per square foot: 2,400
Demolition and site clearance: 180,000
Architect, engineering and approval fees: 10

Results

Total rebuild cost: $5,478,000.00
Construction cost: $4,800,000.00
Professional and approval fees: $498,000.00
All-in cost per square foot: 2,739.00

Step by step

1Values used
2Construction cost
3Total rebuild cost
4Total rebuild cost= 5,478,000.00
5Construction cost= 4,800,000.00
6Professional and approval fees= 498,000.00
7All-in cost per square foot= 2,739.00

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is rebuild cost sometimes higher than market value?

In areas where land is cheap and construction expensive, yes. In prime urban locations market value is dominated by land and far exceeds rebuild cost.

Should I index the figure annually?

Yes. Construction cost inflation is often faster than general inflation, and most policies apply average to any shortfall.