Dealing with money is often one of the most stressful parts of life, and working within a remodel budget is no exception. Once you’ve made the decision to renovate and decided on a budget that works for you, it is important to follow a plan of action that will let you stick to your budget. Today we’ll talk about great ways to plan your project, plan your budget, and find great deals on amazing materials.
Decide What’s Important
When beginning your remodel, it’s important to think about whether there are certain features or design options that are more important to you than others. Sometimes parts of your remodel are set in stone, like that gorgeous range you fell in love with at the home improvement store, or those gorgeous granite countertops you can’t live without.
Make sure you let us know what items are not up for negotiation. This will allow us to consider cutting costs on other things if paring down becomes necessary. We can also help you find great deals on materials from a variety of locations that you may not know exist.
Have a Contingency Plan
A really important part of budgeting, and sticking to a budget, that people often forget is having a contingency. During remodels, unexpected things happen. It could be anything from price changes on those must have items to faulty wiring to uncovering rotted wood or sheetrock. Begin your project with a 15-20% contingency set aside, and as the project progresses you can pare down until at the end of the project you’re down to 0% set aside.
Start at the Beginning
Before work starts, make sure you have a plan. If you don’t make decisions in the beginning, you may get to the point where we need an answer and you’re feeling pressured, and that makes it harder to freely choose the components you really want. Make as many decisions and choices before work begins, that way we know exactly what we’re working with from start to finish.
Reuse Some Elements
One great way to stay on budget is to consider reusing elements of your before kitchen. If cabinets are in good shape, consider sanding, painting, and replacing hardware rather than replacing the entire cabinet system. Before cabinets make a wonderful bar area or a kitchen island, as they may be completely refinished to take on a brand new appearance. For countertops and flooring, consider shopping around for remnants and remainders to see if you can find a good deal.
Choose the Right Contractor
This is probably the most important factor for your remodeling project. You should ideally interview at least three local contractors before hiring one. Call us any time to schedule a consultation and to discuss your project in detail. We’ll help you create a budget and design the perfect remodeling project to fit your home.
