Learn how to stay within your remodeling budget

Tips That Will Help You Stay Within Your Remodeling Budget

Unless you built a custom home that meets your families exact lifestyle needs, chances are you're always going to find something you'd like to change. Whether it's adding space for new family members, or updating the kitchen, or adding a new master suite, your needs may have changed since you moved in.

When you're home doesn't meet your needs, remodeling is always a great option. With a skilled design-build partner, you can transform your house into the perfect home you've envisioned. Home remodeling can be a disruptive, dirty, experience, and that can intimidate many homeowners. The key is to work with a design-build firm that understands how to make the process run smoothly with as little disruption as possible.

A fear homeowners may have is that they simply don't know if they have the budget available to go from beginning to end with a renovation project. They worry about finances and going over budget. But with proper planning and a basic understanding of the remodeling process, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience!

Start With A Plan For Your Remodeling Budget

The key to keeping your remodeling project on budget, and on time is nailing down a plan. Before you begin, think about the features you want, whether it's an addition to create a new master suite, or a gut remodel of your kitchen. Creating a plan means taking a long look at what you can afford, and what is most important to you.

Determine Important Remodeling Features

Before you begin vetting potential remodelers, you need to look at the features you want. Depending on the project, think about what's working for you, and what issues you want to address. Sit with your family and discuss your needs in-depth before coming to a conclusion. Come up with a basic plan that you can approach your design-build firm with to refine.

Talk To Kitchen Design-Build-Remodel Professionals

there were three keys to achieving all the work in this kitchen in a way that met the clients’ budget: the appliances all used their original rough-ins, no walls were moved, and the flooring was not replaced. this allowed the premium features such as cabinets to the ceiling, lighted cabinets, and premium quartz countertops could be selected, all on budget.

Once you've come up with a dream list of features, it's time to talk to professional home remodelers. They can look at your wishes, and your budget, and bring everything into line. They will work with you to fill in the details. For example, if your dream kitchen includes beautiful Carrara Marble countertops, but your budget doesn't support it, your remodeler can find and present you options that have a similar look. For example, semi-custom cabinets instead of custom, or porcelain floor tile instead of stone or Cambria countertops in place of marble. They will present alternatives that give you the look you want at a more affordable price.

Schedule A Meeting With Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

When you work with a full-service remodeling firm, they can handle every aspect of your project, from planning, budgeting, and design through installation. Your design-build-remodeler will come to your home to assess the situation and to be able to provide you with an accurate estimate. Based on your initial budget, they will offer recommendations on a range of options for how to best allocate your remodeling budget to achieve the results you're seeking. They will next come to you with a preliminary design and several options for materials and features.

Finalizing Your Design and Remodeling Budget

creating a design that stays within your remodeling budget bathroom remodeling — eliminating an unused jetted tub during this ensuite bathroom remodel helped to keep it on budget

Your kitchen design-build-remodeler will present you with a design plan that meets your needs and options for materials. At this point, it's time to come up with the final list of features to add to your home. The right remodeling firm will understand your lifestyle and take that into account when coming up with a plan and a budget.

Click Here To Learn The Cost Of A Bathroom Remodel in Greater Madison

Depending on the scope of work, you will next have to determine the materials, fixtures, and finishes that you'll use. Your contractor, taking your remodeling budget into account, will work with you to make choices that will meet both your aesthetic and functional needs. You want to choose materials that are durable, reliable, and fit within your budget. They will take into account materials that provide value to your home, should you ever wish to sell, while meeting all of your current lifestyle needs. A professional remodeler will help you to consider resale value, material life, and overall quality when making these decisions.

Consider your remodeling project on two levels. First, the “must-haves.” What features do you absolutely need to have in your home? These are the basis of your design. Next, think about the “extras.” Once the basics have been met, a design-build-remodeler will work with you to make room in the budget to include the extra features you are dreaming of. The right contractor will help you to choose the features, materials, and finishes that best meet your needs. Some features may be able to be added at a later date, while others may be more cost-effective if installed during your renovation. Your design-build firm can help guide you through the decision making process.

Expect the Unexpected

look for evidence of hidden obstacles inside walls when you are planning a remodel. by checking the basement, 1st floor and 2nd floor you can find telltale signs that plumbing, electric or heating runs through the wall, and plan for it ahead of time.

Almost every remodeling project will have some unexpected “surprises” that come up once the project has begun. It's impossible to anticipate what problems might arise. It could be moving a ventilation stack to accommodate a kitchen island, or needing to bring plumbing or wiring up to current codes.

A professional contractor has the experience to know that stuff happens! They'll build a contingency into your budget for just such an occurrence. In the event your job runs smoothly, there may be additional money in your budget to upgrade materials – like that marble countertop in the kitchen.

Proper planning can help you to create the home you've been dreaming of at a budget you can afford. Working with a qualified professional design-build firm can help you to create the space you want, on time and within budget. They will work with you from the earliest planning stages to give you the features you require and meet your needs for both functionality and style.

If you're planning a home remodeling project in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We'll work closely with you to plan, budget, design, and install all of the features you want in your home, at a price you can afford. Call today for a free consultation and let us show you the Degnan difference!

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 10/23/2022.