Kukun helps homeowners buy and renovate to maximize home equity

Overview

Levels of detail

Cost accuracy

Cost sourcing

ROI

Trend data

Project-level costs that are easily understood and scoped.

Kukun’s renovation cost data bridges the gap between the estimator and the contractor

This means the homeowner, insurance estimator, or project manager can easily define the work they want done and get results contractors will work with.

Results by providing high-level descriptions of a project
  • Size, shape, and slope of roof
  • Square feet of room additions
  • Total kitchen costs based on selection items like cabinets, counters, floors
Specs are provided for each component of the project
  • Square feet of flooring, counters, backsplash, etc.
  • Size and type of HVAC units
  • Number and type of doors and windows

Three tiers of cost detail are available for three different purposes

  1. Top level results – sets the range
    This shows the cost of each project on the estimate, plus the total cost of all projects combined.
    The middle-tier finish level is the default selection, yet the user can select the less expensive or more expensive options to get a quick feel for the cost range.

  2. Design level – the ability to adjust the size and finish level of each component of a project
    Users can define exactly what details they want to account for to create a project spec. Contractors and designers use this with clients to scope projects.
    Examples include adjusting the exact square feet of a room, specifying different finish levels for the components of a kitchen, removing project components that do not need replacing, etc.

  3. Contractor detail – a report that breaks out the project specifications
    This includes all the details that a contractor needs to create a firm bid:

    • Dimensions: Square feet of rooms, counters, floors, etc.
    • Materials: Stone or tile counters, hardwood or LVT floors, etc.
    • Homeowner selection allowance/budget: The things the homeowner will buy and their budget.
    • Builders cost elements: Construction materials, labor, profit, and overhead.

Cost accuracy is achieved by tailoring renovation costs to the exact property

Estimators face a challenge determining the many variables that drive cost - Kukun solves this with recommended finish levels and a comprehensive approach built into every estimate.

Location

Kukun’s costs are based on local costs – down to the zip-code level

Material & Labor costs are set for each local market

Value of home

The largest variable in determining overall project cost is to identify the finish level that is in-line with the value of the home

A $200,000 home will have entirely different cabinets, counters, and appliances than a $2 million dollar home. The challenge? There are infinite variables in-between.

Because Kukun has a home valuation division, we know where to start when targeting finish levels.

Kukun provides a target finish level that matches the norm for the value of the home. We then provide one finish level above, and one level below the target finish level, so the estimator has easy control. Custom options for any number of finish level tiers are possible.

Home size

Kukun’s deep data on each home means we know the size of the home and the approximate sizes of each room, so the initial estimate can be created quickly

Typically, no information is needed from the user for kitchens, bathrooms, paint, etc

Other items will need the user to provide inputs, such as roof style and slope, number of garage doors, number of windows, type of air conditioning, etc.

Actual measurements can be entered for more precise estimates.

Economies of scale, and dis-economies of low scale

Scale economies play a big part in the price of construction, so Kukun costing incorporates scale economies in a way that reflects real-world efficiencies at very large-scale projects, and penalties for small scale projects.

Other factors

  • Demolition & disposal: Whenever disposal is typical, we include it in the cost. For example, the partial demolition of a kitchen for a remodel, or the removal of the old roof before a new roof is applied.
  • Material waste: Material waste factors are built into every estimate.
  • Swings in supply and demand variables included: When prices change for certain items, like the price of lumber following the 2020/2021 Covid period shortage, these changes are incorporated into the estimates.

Cost data from dozens of sources, including Kukun proprietary sources

Material and labor costs are regularly updated
We also conduct contractor surveys and price checks
Kukun runs periodic in-field checks with a network of professional estimators
Feedback from contractors is consistently very high

In one study, 100% of the contractors said they would use Kukun to help their clients scope projects.

Return on Investment is calculated for every project

Kukun’s home valuation expertise paired with deep data on homes and renovation provide valuable insight for investment

ROI varies by the items being renovated or repaired.

A lower cost finish level is available for homes that are being Prepped to Sell, as a quick refresh of a home is often done at lower quality/cost.

The ROI feature helps owners and investors understand the different ROIs between finish levels so they can optimize investments.

Flexible access and solutions

Insurance & enterprise solutions

Full home or structure replacement costs.

The cost application UI is available white-labeled, and can be customized to suit.

Available in API.

Custom analytics and solutions available.

Consumer facing solutions

Successful lead generation for lenders.

Kukun is the leader in consumer-facing renovation cost estimator solutions.

Easy, quick, accurate.

Commercial and residential activity trend data for a city, county, state, or the entire country

Renovation activity and pace of activity
  • New construction
  • Additions
  • ADUs
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Roofs
  • Solar
  • Air Conditioning
  • Swimming pool installations
Available dimensions
  • Point in time
  • Trend over time
  • City, County, State, or Country level