Cladding Cost Estimate Calculator

• Net cladding area: Net = Gross − Openings (converted to m²).
• Purchase/order area: Purchase = Net × (1 + Waste%/100).
• Material cost: Material = MaterialRate × Purchase.
• Labor cost: Labor = LaborRate × (Net or Purchase, per option).
• Accessories cost: Accessories = AccessoriesRate × (Net or Purchase, per option).
• Preliminaries: Prelims = Scaffolding + Transport + Equipment (lump sums).
• Direct total: DirectTotal = Material + Labor + Accessories + Insulation + Sealant + Prelims.
• Contingency: Contingency = DirectTotal × Contingency%/100.
• Overhead: Overhead = (DirectTotal + Contingency) × Overhead%/100.
• Profit: Profit = (DirectTotal + Contingency + Overhead) × Profit%/100.
• Tax: Tax = (DirectTotal + Contingency + Overhead + Profit) × Tax%/100.
• Grand total: Grand = DirectTotal + Contingency + Overhead + Profit + Tax.
• Unit cost: UnitCost = Grand ÷ Net (per m²).
• Panel quantity: Panels = ceil(Purchase ÷ PanelArea).

1. Choose your unit system and enter gross area from drawings.
2. Deduct openings to obtain the net cladding area.
3. Set a waste allowance based on panel type and geometry.
4. Enter unit rates for material, labor, and accessories.
5. Add lump sums for access, transport, and equipment as needed.
6. Apply contingency, overhead, profit, and tax to match your bid strategy.
7. Press Calculate to view totals above the form.
8. Download CSV or PDF summaries for submittals and approvals.

1) What this estimate covers

This calculator is designed for early-to-intermediate façade budgeting. It combines measured wall areas, an allowance for cutting loss, and unit rates to produce a transparent total. The breakdown separates material, labor, fixings, optional layers, and lump‑sum preliminaries. Use it to compare systems (ACP, fiber cement, metal panels, stone veneer backing) under the same commercial assumptions.

2) Area measurement that holds up

Start with gross elevation areas, then deduct openings such as windows, doors, louvers, and permanent voids. For irregular geometry, segment the façade into rectangles and triangles and sum them. Net area is the basis for unit cost, while purchase area includes waste for ordering. Keep a measurement sheet so quantities can be audited later.

3) Rates and realistic inputs

Enter supply rates per square meter for the cladding face material, plus accessories and fixings for rails, brackets, screws, and trims. Labor rates usually reflect crew productivity, access difficulty, and joint complexity. Typical waste allowances are 3–12%, rising for tight module coordination, many corners, or color‑batch control.

4) Markups, risk, and pricing strategy

Contingency addresses unknowns (often 3–10% in concept stages). Overhead and profit vary by contractor and market; many bids fall in the 5–15% overhead range and 8–20% profit range, depending on competition and risk. Tax should reflect the applicable VAT/GST rules. Adjust these parameters instead of inflating unit rates.

5) Using outputs for procurement

The estimated panel quantity uses the nominal panel size and purchase area, helping you sense-check lead times and packing. Validate the result against manufacturer module recommendations and typical wastage for your layout. Export the summary to share with procurement, estimators, or clients, and revise as drawings and specifications mature.

1) Should I enter gross area or net area?

Enter gross wall area and openings separately. The calculator derives net cladding area and applies waste for purchase quantities, keeping measurement assumptions clear and reviewable.

2) What waste percentage is reasonable?

Many projects use 3–12%. Use the low end for simple grids and large modules, and the high end for many corners, reveals, tight color control, or high damage risk.

3) Are the rates per square meter?

Yes. Material, labor, accessories, insulation, and sealant are entered as per m² rates. Scaffolding, transport, and equipment are treated as lump sums added to the subtotal.

4) How is panel quantity calculated?

Panel quantity equals purchase area divided by panel area, rounded up. It is a planning figure; finalize ordering using the approved layout, module coordination, and manufacturer cutting optimization.

5) Should labor include the waste area?

Enable the option if waste increases handling and installation time, such as complex cutting or heavy panels. Keep it off if labor is paid strictly on measured net installed area.

6) What if insulation or sealant is not in scope?

Set the relevant rate to 0. This keeps the estimate aligned with your scope while still allowing you to model alternates that include thermal layers, membranes, or enhanced weathering details.

7) How should I use the CSV and PDF exports?

Use CSV for internal spreadsheets and rate reviews, and PDF for sharing a clean snapshot with stakeholders. Re-export after any change to areas, rates, or markups to keep versions consistent.