If I could offer one bit of advice in maintaining a budget, it would be planning. Home remodeling projects can take on a life of their own if not controlled up front. It’s easy to say during construction, “while we are at it, I have always wanted….” After a few of those conversations, you realize your project is now 10%, 20%, 50% above what you had originally planned. Once you decide on a budget, make a plan and stick to it, resist making changes as you are moving through your project. It can be like shopping while you are hungry; everything on the shelf is on your list.
Planning your project must start with assessing your needs, and separating them from your wants. Don’t rush into your project; take some time to write down your needs. First decide if this is a DIY project or one for a professional. Next, are you planning on staying in your home for a while or getting ready to market your home? Are you expanding your family or making living conditions safer? The answers to these questions will be key to your next steps.
Sometimes less is more. Small changes can have a huge impact if well designed and thought-out. Dark spaces can be lighten up without adding an expensive window, consider adding a Velux sun tunnel®. Updating flooring, wall coverings and colors are an inexpensive way to update without major construction. Using recycled products can give a fresh look; doing it yourself can add sense of accomplishment, saving thousands of dollars. Have older flush lights; consider using LED retrofit trims into the existing cans. This will update the look, adding efficiency to the operation of your lights.
Next, decide what your real needs are. For instance, if you are planning a kitchen remodel, do you really need new cabinets? While evaluating your project you decide your current kitchen needs updating, maybe new counters, maybe some storage solutions, but overall the layout works for you, why replace all your cabinets. If your face frames and cabinet boxes are in good shape, maybe the door style needs updating, consider just replacing doors and drawer fronts. With a little imagination, painting/staining your cabinets, replacing counters, plumbing fixtures and appliances can save you tens of thousands of dollars over tearing out and replacing everything, giving you the look of a brand new kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
Not every project needs a general or specialty contractor, but if it does, obtain referrals first, check online reviews, and check the Contractors State License Board. Staying on budget can be as easy as working with a contractor experienced in value engineering. Design-Build contractors can offer cost saving innovations that only a “team approach” can provide.
No matter what your income level is, we all have budgets. Whether it means available funds or what you think the value of your project is to you and your family, we know what we want to spend. Before ripping out one wall or driving one nail, establish a reasonable scope, plan your project, and stick to your plan.
Baccaro Construction is a premier “Design and Build” contractor with NKBA certified kitchen and bath designers, working with our clients from the initial “Wish List” to setting the final finishing nail. If you are ready for your first free consultation, call us.
If you have any specific questions or suggestions for future posts, please contact me at Peter@baccaroconstruction.com.