By Gail Bicknell, ASIDS, CAPS
One of the most common issues I hear from clients is how difficult it is to stay within budget when renovating. As we all know, remodeling costs add up quickly, and often, one unexpected issue leads to another. In my experience, it’s important to anticipate everything you can with good planning, put your money where it matters most-on your functional and big-impact items-and save wherever you can. The help of a professional can be a real asset.
I can’t overstate the value of doing your homework and hiring knowledgeable professionals to work with. To get a clear vision of what you want, rely on visual aids. When you find an image of a
room you love or even a small detail; a fabric, tile, or lighting solution; save it in a file to show your designer and contractor. The clearer your idea of what you want, the more efficient your process will be. Your pros can also help you visualize, through plan and elevation drawings or even quick sketches, so you’re on the same page with your retailer or builder when you purchase or build.
One aspect of renovating that can become monumental is getting bogged down with details (which is easy to do). Remodeling is overwhelming! Keep circling back to your original goals-be that: adding square footage, aging in place, refreshing your look, or improving function. Keep asking yourself, “At this juncture, how can I best accomplish that goal?” Again, working with a designer who can narrow things down and present you with two or three good choices can save you a load of time, money, and frustration, giving you options that are appropriate, cost-effective, tasteful, and up-to-date.
Some retailers offer complimentary in-house design services which can be very helpful. Just keep in mind that a pro, employed by a retailer, is ultimately going to try and sell you products from that retailer! And remember, as tempting as something looks in a showroom, in a glossy magazine, or online, it may not look the same in your space. Scale, in particular, is vitally important and often, can be difficult to assess.
One pro tip-when renovating kitchens or baths, you can often save on your cabinets. Many cabinet lines offer custom lines and stock lines in the same style and finish. If you plan your kitchen with as many stock cabinets as possible and only add custom where necessary, you can often save a bundle. Also, if you’re working within a tight budget, really think about the high-end specialty items such as pull-out spice drawers, narrow cabinets to store a single row of bottles or jars and pot fillers. These extras look fabulous but may not be as practical as a simpler alternative and will certainly eat at your budget. Make smart choices.
Finally, if you do your research and come to realize that your vision is beyond the reality of your budget, scale back your project size, wait until you can afford it, or do the project in stages. A professional designer can work with you to accomplish what you’re dreaming of within your budget. The end goal of a good renovation is one that suits your needs and tastes and is a solution you can afford.
Ready to update the heart of your home? I’d love to talk with you! Email: fairstreetinteriors@gmail.com
Fair Street Interiors