Cost & contract · Glossary
Hard cost
Also called: direct cost
Hard cost is the portion of a renovation budget that covers physical construction: labor, materials, equipment, and on-site work. Hard cost typically runs 70–80% of total project cost for residential renovations.
Why this matters for renovation projects
Hard cost shows up on permits, contracts, or estimates that Renology covers across LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Denver. Most homeowners encounter the term once a project is already mid-flight, when there is no time to learn its mechanics without slowing the contractor. Knowing what it means before signing the contract is the difference between a clean project and an avoidable surprise. For how Renology calibrates cost ranges against permit valuations and contractor invoices, see the methodology.