Creating and sticking to a budget during a remodel can be a difficult task for a homeowner.

 

There are many reasons why your client's budget can change (usually increase) during the course of their remodeling project including add-ons, unforeseen expenses or simply because they decided at the last minute to splurge on a specific item.  However, there are a few pretty simple ways to help them create a budget and stick to it. If your client struggling to put it all together, here are some tips and advice you can offer them.

 

• Decide how much you want (are able) to spend
  
  Many factors contribute to outlining a budget. Deciding on your budget of course means calculating how much you can afford to spend but also clearly identifying the objectives behind your remodel.   Do you plan to sell within 5 years?  Is the remodel an improvement on your real estate investment?  Is this a long-term family home?  Is the neighborhood a “high end neighborhood”? 
   

• Understand the breakdown of costs
  
  Know where your money is going.  On average, cabinets will make up 35% of your budget, followed by labor (20%), appliances (20%), windows (10%), fixtures (5%), fittings (3%) and the all-important other (7%). By knowing where your money is going, you can figure out what you can cut if money gets tight.
   

• Planning, planning, planning
  
  Every hour you spend planning will save 3-4 hours in execution. That includes planning financially for the unexpected. Even the most experienced contractor is unable to know the challenges that might be uncovered during your remodel - like dry rot in the walls or corroded plumbing.  A good rule of thumb to budget an additional 20% for these unforeseen issues.
   

• Set your priorities.
  
  Make a list that includes “must have,” “nice to have” and “willing to forego” items.  This will make it easier to make decisions if money becomes an issue.
   

• Factor in “non-remodel” costs.
  
  Other expenses include the cost of eating out if your kitchen won’t be available during the remodel or if you need to leave your house entirely for a period of time incurring costs to stay elsewhere.
   

• Changes and extras.
  
  Try not to be tempted to deviate from your budget in the middle of the project by changing the scope of work. This will increase all your costs including contractors, products and time.
   

Helping client's manage their budget probably isn’t the only question you have moving forward with a kitchen remodel project. Check out our other articles for more tips and information. Better yet, drop us a line - we'd love to hear from you!