Build vs Buy Calculator

Compare present-value costs of building versus buying.

Build cost ($)

Buy price ($)

Annual maint. (build)

Annual maint. (buy)

Years

Discount rate (%)

Present value of build

$342651.01

Present value of buy: $275590.61

Difference (build - buy): $67060.41

Recommendation: Buy (cheaper NPV)

This compares NPV of costs using a constant discount rate.

Provide realistic maintenance and cost estimates; adjust discount rate for time preference.

Building at $300k vs buying at $250k with higher maint may still be cheaper over time.

Q: Should I include tax implications? A: Not here — add taxes externally.
Q: Can I account for resale value? A: Include resale as a negative cashflow in the years array.

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Build Vs Buy Calculator