Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Budgeting

Throughout any renovation, we remind clients that this journey comes with a whirlwind of emotions. Budget concerns are one of the most nerve-wracking phases of the home renovation emotional rollercoaster.

You might be wondering, "How can I avoid this stressful phase?" or "Do you have any tips for budgeting?" Of course, we do!

Remember, there are almost always some costs we can’t foresee, but we can plan for them by setting aside emergency funds. Without a proper budget, you might find yourself freaking out when you hit the budget concerns phase. Creating a budget is more than just crunching numbers; it's an art of team collaboration of great subcontractors and a thorough design that requires careful planning, thoughtful consideration, and a healthy dose of decision-making.

Let's be real—making all those selections can be overwhelming and lead to decision fatigue. It’s tempting to push off decisions or think you can figure it out later. The reality of this common assumption is immeasurable onsite communication issues and frustration (drawings likely don’t match) and most importantly always impacts the budget. The ‘small change’ has ripple effects as labor and additional materials are not cohesively considered when items are added to the construction mid stream.

The hard truth is, your budget won't be accurate unless you make your selections upfront.

Here are some crucial do's and don'ts that can help you navigate the budgeting process and serve you well throughout your project:

Do’s

DO take the time to understand your plans and ask questions.

DO seek professional guidance.

DO make early decisions.

DO your research and due diligence.

DO choose materials and craftsmanship that align with your project's objectives.

Don’ts

DON’T assume perfection.

DON’T rush into the project.

DON’T overcommit.

DON’T neglect contingencies.

DON’T ignore the importance of professional estimates.

With these do's and don'ts in mind, you'll be well-prepared to create a budget that reflects your project goals accurately.

Remember, the emotional ups and downs are part of the journey; however, careful planning and clear communication can turn those challenges into triumphs felt in the Iconic Stage.

If your budget comes in too high, a quick redesign or omission seems easy enough. Once again this comes at a cost as well. Your plans will likely need to be redesigned with additional fees for architecture annd interior design and jobsite headaches for your construction team to remember all the changes. Ultimately, any changes might mean your project won’t meet your iconic vision at the end either. And trust us, you are never going to want another truck or installation van pulling into your home again!

Your goal is to reach the iconic phase as quickly and efficiently as possible. While it might seem audacious at times to achieve this, we recommend buckling in for your safety on the emotional rollercoaster.

For a more extensive education of the Do's and Don’ts, check out our downloadable Deconstructionism eBooks!