About HomeBuildCalcs
HomeBuildCalcs is a free set of calculators, converters and finders. This page explains who runs it, where the numbers come from and what the site does not do.
Who runs this site
HomeBuildCalcs is run by Chris Jensen, an independent individual based in Florida. It is not a company. I started it because information people were looking for was missing or hard to find, and I wanted the numbers in simple tools that show their method. Where the site says “we”, that is me. You can reach me at rusticreckoner@gmail.com or through the contact page.
Why this site exists
Almost every home project starts with a quantity: how much concrete to order, how many sheets of drywall, how much paint, how many bundles of shingles, what size wire. The answers depend on a few formulas and a lot of small details, such as waste, coverage and bag yields, and an error means a second trip to the store or a delivery that comes up short. HomeBuildCalcs puts the working in one place and says plainly where a figure is an estimate.
What you will find here
- Concrete, Masonry & Footings and Aggregates & Hardscape: slabs, footings, blocks, mortar, rebar, gravel, sand, mulch and pavers.
- Framing & Stairs, Decks & Fences and Roofing, Siding & Insulation.
- Drywall & Flooring and Paint.
- Electrical: wire gauge, voltage drop, conduit fill, load and generator size.
- Converters & Lookups: length, area, volume and weight conversions and size charts.
- Finders: four short quizzes for flooring, paint sheen, roofing and siding.
Where the numbers come from
Each calculator explains its method on the page. Most are geometry and unit arithmetic, such as the volume of a slab, the area of a wall or the number of sheets in an area, with allowances for waste. Coverage and yield figures come from typical product labels. The electrical tools follow standard wiring practice. The how we calculate page explains our approach and its limits. Your product's label, your local building code and a licensed professional have the last word.
What this site does not do
- It does not replace the building code, a permit, an inspector or a licensed contractor, engineer or electrician. Read our disclaimer and safety notes.
- It does not know your product's exact coverage, your local code or the condition of your house.
- It does not sell products or services, and it does not take payment to favor a brand.
- It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any manufacturer, retailer or organization named on it. Names appear only to identify products and standards.
Corrections
Standards, prices and rules change, and people who use the tools often spot a mistake before we do. If a result looks wrong or a page is out of date, use the Report an Issue form and name the calculator. If you want a tool that is not here, suggest it.
Part of the Calcs family
HomeBuildCalcs shares its layout and standards with a group of free reference and calculator sites. You can see the others on the Meet the Calcs Family page.