The Importance Of A Budget

So, you've decided to enter into the journey of a remodel - congratulations!

…Now what?

First and foremost YOU. NEED. A. BUDGET.

Before you meet with any professionals for your project, you need to have a budget in mind. At minimum, you should know the total amount you want to spend. Having a clear budget from the beginning - and being up front about that budget with your designer - is the key to a smooth and successful project.

BE REALISTIC

Coming to your designer with no budget is a recipe for disaster. It is impossible for your designer to create a budget for you from thin air. The truth is, I have designed and installed $12,000 kitchens, but I have also designed $150,000 kitchens. It all boils down to how much you want to spend and the selections you make. There is a product for every budget, and a budget for every project. At the end of the day, only you know how much money you are comfortable spending.

Remember, designers are dreamers. We see incredible and beautiful things every day that we are dying to put into someone's home and, when we are given no budget, we dream big...and sometimes expensive. Having a budget from the very beginning helps us keep our selections at a price you can afford, keeping our clients happy and our designs on track. Additionally, if I know what my clients are hoping to spend, I can recommend specific services that will better fit their needs; Design in a Day is a great solution for clients who want a designer's expertise on a room or two, but can implement the design themselves, whereas clients with a larger budget may be better suited for our full-service design.

BREAK IT DOWN

There are lots of moving parts with any design, but let's stick with the kitchen example for now. In order to complete a kitchen, you have the obvious necessity of cabinets, but have you thought about appliances? Countertops? If you're changing the layout at all you will likely need new flooring. There is also plumbing, lighting, hardware (knobs and pulls), a range hood, and maybe even furniture! All of these details need to be considered, and your designer can help with every one. Keeping all details in mind from the get-go will help everyone stay on the same page and in budget. If you aren't sure how much you should set aside for each piece of your puzzle, your designer can help you determine how to divide your total budget - as long as they have somewhere to start.

Ultimately, as designers, it's not our goal to squeeze every last penny out of you. In fact, we'd really rather not! What we DO want is to give you the home of your dreams at a price you can afford. That can only happen if you budget at the start!