Disclaimer and Safety Notes

General information only

HomeBuildCalcs explains common guidelines and does the arithmetic for you. Every situation is different, and a result on this site can be wrong for yours, so please treat it as a starting point and not as an instruction. Always check important figures against the manufacturer's documentation, the applicable standard or a qualified professional. Use of this site is at your own risk.

Building codes, permits and licensed work

Building codes, permit rules and licensing requirements differ by place and change over time. Structural work, footings, roofing, electrical work, gas, plumbing and anything that affects safety usually needs a permit and an inspection, and some work must be done by a licensed professional. These tools help you plan quantities and do not tell you what the code requires or allows.

Electrical work

Electricity can kill and start fires. The wire gauge, voltage drop, conduit fill, load and generator tools give general estimates based on standard practice. Real circuits depend on the wire type, the insulation rating, the temperature, the breaker and your local electrical code. Turn off and test the power before you work on a circuit, and use a licensed electrician where the law requires one or if you are not trained. A generator must never be connected to a house without a proper transfer switch, and never run it indoors or in a garage.

Concrete, masonry and silica dust

Wet concrete, mortar and cement are caustic and can burn skin and eyes, so wear gloves, eye protection and waterproof boots, and wash splashes off quickly. Cutting, grinding or mixing concrete, tile, brick, block and fiber cement makes fine silica dust, which is harmful to breathe. Use wet cutting or dust control and a properly rated respirator. Footings, foundations, steps and driveways have local depth, reinforcement and soil requirements, and the footing and rebar tools give estimates only.

Structure, framing and stairs

The framing, stair, deck and rebar tools give planning figures. Real sizes depend on the loads, spans, species, grade and code. Stair dimensions, guard heights and baluster spacing have strict code limits that vary by area. For load-bearing work, use the code's tables or a licensed engineer.

Older homes: lead and asbestos

Houses built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and some older flooring, joint compound, siding, insulation and roofing contain asbestos. Do not sand, scrape or demolish suspect materials without testing and without following the rules for safe work. If you find or suspect either, ask your local health or environmental agency or a certified professional.

Roofs, ladders and heights

Roofing, siding and high work carry a serious risk of falls. Use stable ladders, fall protection and a helper, and do not work on a roof in wet, icy or windy conditions. Roofing and some siding jobs are better left to experienced contractors.

Quantities, coverage and prices

Quantities are estimates. Product coverage, bag yields, waste and local prices vary, so confirm figures against your product's label and your supplier, and order extra for waste and mistakes. Cost figures are typical examples, not quotes.

Prices, quizzes and links

Prices and cost figures are typical examples that vary by region, brand and time. The finders choose from a short list of options based on a few answers, and they cannot see your situation or recommend a particular brand or product. Links to other websites are provided for convenience, and we are not responsible for their content. To report an error, use the Report an Issue form. HomeBuildCalcs is independent and is not affiliated with any manufacturer, retailer or organization.