When embarking on your ultimate remodel, your first step should be to establish a budget. There are two parts to creating an effective budget: What do you want to invest versus what can you invest?
You probably have an idea of what you would like to spend on your remodel, but you also need to know what you are capable of spending. Remodeling is a you-get-what-you-pay-for industry and a good designer should tell you when it’s worth it to spend the extra cash. It’s important to have a budget that you ideally would like to stick to, but know what your absolute maximum is too, so you can make a few upgrades if you want to. You’re not going to remodel many times in your life, so do it right the first time.
Needs versus Wants
Be upfront with your designer and tell them what you’re looking to get out of your remodel. Are you just trying to spruce things up? Are you dying for more counter space? If you give your designer a list of needs and wants, they will try to incorporate as many as possible within the budget you have given them.
Communication is Key
Many homeowners shy away from telling their designers what their true budget is -Don’t! As a design/build firm, our responsibility is to keep you within your budget. When clients aren’t upfront about their budget, time is wasted over-designing or trying to cut back wherever possible, when maybe that’s not what you’re really looking for. On the other hand, your designer should be open with you about any and all additional costs that may come up along the way. If you begin adding items to your wish list, your designer should remind you that these items may be pushing your budget farther than you were originally comfortable. Make sure you have an open, honest relationship with your designer and your remodel will run much smoother.
Larger Scope = Larger Budget
The scope of your project will determine your budget. If you’re considering an addition, or removing an interior wall to create a great room, remember that you will have architects and engineers involved in your project. If you are just looking to remove and replace your cabinets, you can easily keep costs down, but if you are looking to move appliances, other costs will have to be factored in. Again, if you are going to go through the remodel process which includes dust, and let’s be honest, some stress, then do it the way you want it.