The Douglas Residential Cost Guide

Home Insurance Replacement Cost Calculator

Researched, Compiled, and Published in Canada

The Douglas Cost Guides have been developed in Canada, as a resource for professionals and homeowners to accurately estimate the Replacement Cost New of a wide variety of dwellings. The costing data is market sourced and is reflective of current conditions and trends within the residential construction field. It is a must for the library, desks, and computers of all professionals, where an accurate, quick, and reliable estimate of Home Replacement Cost New and Actual Cash Value is required.

Developed by Karl Douglas 

The developer of the residential cost guide, Karl Douglas, has been involved in the estimating and appraisal of agricultural use buildings and residential occupancies, for over 30 years. Karl Douglas utilizes his extensive industry experience and unique knowledge to continually update the Douglas Cost Guides to ensure that only the most accurate information is available to those who use it.

Canadian Home Replacement Cost Calculator

This home insurance cost calculator is intended as a resource for:

• Assisting with home insurance coverage recommendations
• Assisting with the settlement of residential insurance claims
• Financial management
• Accounting functions
• Budgeting for new home construction
• Assisting with obtaining financing
• Assisting in the settlement of disputes/litigation

Home Building Insurance Calculator for Canadian Homes

The Douglas Residential Cost Guide encompasses a wide variety of residence models for home insurance rebuild cost estimating and calculating purposes, including:

• Bungalow / 1 Storey
• Raised Ranch / Bi-Level
• Side Split / Back Split
• 1-1/2 Storey
• 1-3/4 Storey
• 2 Storey
• 2-1/2 Storey
• Victorian Double and Triple Brick Homes
• Fieldstone
• High Valued Residences
• Semi-Detached

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Features of the Douglas Residential Cost Guide:

• Unique Location Adjustment Factors

  Within the Douglas Cost Guides, there are location adjustment factors, as required, to allow for differences in residential construction costs between the various provinces. There are also adjustments for unique construction situations.

• Physical Depreciation Schedule

  The Douglas Cost Guides include a physical depreciation schedule for estimating the Actual Cash Value and Depreciated Value of the residence or structure being valued.

• Available in Online The online version of the Douglas Cost Guides is updated on an ongoing basis. The costing data, with respect to the online versions, is updated as market conditions indicate and change whether that be on a monthly basis or every few months as new costing data is gathered.  

The Canadian Standard for Estimating Residential and Agricultural Replacement Cost

Trust the Canadian standard and go-to resource for estimating the Replacement Cost for both residential and agriculture buildings. Gain industry-trusted insights and data to acquire the most accurate Replacement Cost.

• What is home replacement cost?

  Home replacement cost refers to the estimated price of rebuilding a home after a total loss. This entails factors such as local construction costs based on labour, materials, and other pertinent items. The estimate is based on a new construction estimate to restore the structure with a similar level of quality. Replacement costs estimates are not necessarily the same as the market value of a home.

• How do I calculate the replacement cost of my home?

  It’s important to understand that rebuilding costs and a property’s value are mutually exclusive. To calculate replacement cost, you will need to know the square footage and multiply that times the local cost of new construction. With that base figure, additional costs such as specialty materials, permits, fees, razing, specific home design, number of floors, and many other items must be taken into consideration. Each home has unique aspects that drive costs.

• How do you measure for total square footage?

  To measure for square footage of your home, always the exterior of the perimeter walls, calculating for angles, possible upper level overhangs which are finished living space, but not below grade level / basement level. 

• What is the 80% insurance rule?

  Insurance companies may not reimburse the full amount of rebuilding unless a homeowner has taken out a minimum of 80 percent of the structure’s total replacement cost. This remains a significant issue for homeowners who make home improvements without increasing their insurance. In the event of a loss, you may not be fully reimbursed. 

• Does home insurance impact replacement value?

  Your home insurance policy will outline your home’s replacement value. Each home insurance policy is different, and it is important to check your replacement cost or “blanket” amount. This amount is the insurance provided to rebuild your home if it were destroyed in a fire or other disastrous events.

• Does replacement cost impact insurance premiums?

  Yes, replacement cost does impact the cost of your insurance premiums. A lower replacement value and lower levels of coverage can reduce your insurance rates.

• What is the difference between market value and replacement cost?

  Market value is an estimation of the price that your property can sell for on the current market between a buyer and a seller. Replacement cost is the estimated cost to replace a building with equal features and utility to the building being assessed.

• What is the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?

  Replacement cost insurance will ensure you receive a payment equal to what would be required to replace the home, whereas Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the estimated depreciated value of your home at the time of the loss.

See all Frequently Asked Questions About Home Replacement Cost

Trusted Valuation Tool for Home Replacement Cost Estimates 

The Douglas Residential Cost Guide is updated on a continual basis to ensure that quality, accurate costing is provided for users across Canada. If you’re looking for the most accurate replacement cost estimates on dwellings, contact the Douglas Cost Guide today or register online to get started.  

The intent of the Douglas Residential Cost Guide is to provide the user with a tool for making general estimates of replacement costs for specific residential use buildings. Each cost estimate must be considered in light of actual conditions encountered as of each specific date and structure being valued. This cost guide is not to be construed as a substitute for a detailed evaluation or quantity survey where more specific detail and / or data is required. Click here to read the full disclaimer.