Budget doesn't have to be a dirty little secret. In fact, it's actually a good thing to air it out!
I have been on countless sales calls and I love seeing the excitement people have about their
project as they show me their goals for the space and their vision for what it will look like.
Their eyes light up as they start thinking of the prospect of changing all the things they hate about their current layout or dated finishes.
As soon as I ask about their budget, the mood quickly shifts... You can feel the tension in the room as they try to avoid the question. I often hear "Well, we have never done anything like this so we have no idea what it should cost." That's not what I asked. I asked what your budget is, and thats a very different question.
What I want, scratch that, what I need to know, is how much you are willing to invest into your project. I don't ask that question so I can spend all of your hard earned dollars. I ask it so that I can help steer you accordingly toward a scope of work and finishes that will work within your budget. Everyone has a budget whether it be big or small. I don't want you to invest more into your home than you can get a return on.
My job is to advise you in ways that help you to maximize your budget. It is also my job to set realistic expectations. The work is going to cost what it's going to cost, and anything can be done for the right price. You have control over the cost by modifying the scope of work and the selections. There is no point in sitting down to design your dream home, meeting at showrooms and drawing up plans until we know your budget.
When a client has not idea what to expect to pay, I tell them that a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel should generally be around 15-20% of the value of your home. That is a general rule of thumb for what you can expect to spend and still get a return on that investment. That doesn't include opening up walls, or changing the layout, so if you are looking to make structural changes then be prepared to spend a lot more.
Even when I worked as a General Contractor, I have always advised my clients to get a couple of different bids. There is nothing wrong with doing your due diligence and making sure you are getting the best bang for your buck, and also choosing a contractor who is the right fit for you and your project. Just keep in mind that you typically get what you pay for.
That is why it is especially important to make sure that each contractor is bidding apples to apples. The best way to do that is to figure out the design and the scope before committing to your contractor. Otherwise, you are playing the telephone game and hoping that each of them interpreted what you said in the same way. We have all played that game, so I am sure you know how that will work out...
I work with clients on the front end to ensure we are keeping their budget in mind during the design process, and while refining the scope of work and all of their material selections. My clients can then take that design and shop it around if they want!
Knowing your budget and what you can afford to spend helps us both to plan a space that balances your goals, your wishlist, and your finances!
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