Home building calculators
Run the numbers on your build.
Three free calculators. Change any number and the answer updates as you type.
Build cost
What will your house really cost?
Builders quote the house. This adds the land, the fees and a cushion for surprises, so the first number you plan around is the real one.
How this calculator worksPut 0 if you already own the lot.
Plans, engineering, surveys, permits, loan fees.
Cushion for surprises
Most builders suggest 10 to 15% of the build.
All in, about
$770,000
The builder's quote is $600,000. Land, fees and a 10% cushion add $170,000 on top.
- House$600,000
- Land$85,000
- Fees$25,000
- Cushion (10%)$60,000
Open “Check it against your loan and cash” to see whether your money covers it.
Groundbase turns this into a budget you can track as real bills come in.
Start freeLoan interest
How much interest will you pay while you build?
A construction loan only charges interest on what has been drawn so far. Here is what that adds up to while the house goes up.
How this calculator worksWe assume the builder draws the loan in even steps each month. Most real draw schedules land close to that.
Interest over the build, about
$26,406
Starts around $339 a month and climbs to $4,063 a month by the time the loan is fully drawn.
First month
$339
Last month
$4,063
Groundbase tracks each real draw and the interest it costs you.
Start freeAffordability
Can you afford the finished house?
Getting approved and being comfortable are not the same thing. See the payment you will live with after move-in.
How this calculator worksDebts means car, student loans and card minimums. Not groceries or utilities.
Your payment after move-in
$4,954/mo
With your other debts, that's 35% of your income before tax.
Comfortable
Under 36%, where lenders and budgets both tend to be happy.
Mortgage you’d need
$625,000
While building, about
$3,459/mo
Groundbase keeps this number updated as the budget moves.
Start freeThese answer one question each. Groundbase keeps them connected.
When the budget moves, your funding, draws and finished payment move with it.