Budget breakdown (a simple way to think about spending)

By Cali Dream Construction | January 09, 2026 | Escondido

Instead of chasing a single price, it’s smarter to understand where dollars typically go. A healthy remodel budget often resembles this mix (varies by scope):

Labor + project management: ~35–50%

Materials/finishes (tile, cabinets, counters, fixtures): ~30–45%

MEP work (plumbing/electrical/HVAC): ~10–20%

Permits/engineering/inspections (when applicable): ~2–8%

Contingency (especially for older homes): ~10–15%