3 SIMPLE STEPS TO BUDGETING FOR A REMODEL

It seems like every day at least someone comes into our showroom with a very confused and perplexed look on their face.  Sheepishly and nearly afraid to ask, they approach our designers to inquire about a kitchen or bathroom project.  “What does a kitchen or bath project cost?”  If you are like most homeowners who would very much like to update an outdated or broken space, but are terrified that a job like yours is going to cost much more than the home is worth, let us offer a warm smile and an arm around your shoulder.  Relax, help is here.

It is funny how television and the internet have both enlightened homeowners and petrified them at the same time.  There is no shortage of programs and websites touting the latest in remodeling trends.  Unfortunately, most of them never stop to educate people on the real costs of such an endeavor or explain why they cost what they do.  The price range for a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel project can actually vary thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.  Instead of immediately worrying about what a “typical” kitchen or bath will cost to build, perhaps the best way to start with these three steps:

1.  Decide What the End Game Is.  If the intent of the remodel project is to help with the resale value of your home or to prepare it for a faster sale, than follow the rule “K-I-S-S, Keep It Simple Sweetie.”  If you won’t be there to enjoy the space for at least seven more years, than all you really want to do is spruce it up while keeping costs to a minimum.  You will also want to keep style and color choices to neutral ranges.  Follow the general style of the house and neighborhood.  Play it safe here.

However, if you have no plans to move anytime soon, feel free to insert your own tastes and desires into the equation.  You also can expand the budget and not be overly concerned about resale.  Don’t get hung-up with overspending the value of the home.  Creating a space that makes your life that much easier and enjoyable has value.  Make an honest assessment of the room: are items stored properly and easily accessible; how much walking around the space is needed to get things done; do the appliances and fixtures actually work for how you live; what things could be added or moved that would greatly improve the room; do you actually enjoy being in that space?  These are all great questions to ask and take note of.

2.  Understand Costs and Know Options.  Having an open discussion with a qualified local remodeler will be the best way to truly get a grip on what the expenses will be.  Sit down with someone who can explain what the project costs are and why things cost what they do.  There are many details that go into the remodeling of a space that, while not plainly seen, are necessary.  Also, ask about the various options for updating a space.  Options can range from budget-friendly ones that are purely cosmetic, to full-blown gutting of spaces that customize the room for specific needs and tastes.

3.  Be Mindful of the Budget, But Also Be Open to New Ideas. 
Throughout the design and selection process, expect to be guided in the direction of items that fit your established budget.  Also be open to new ideas you might not have been aware of.  These may greatly help cure the pain of the room.  A good designer will help identify those pains, propose possible solutions with explanations, and let you pick and choose what is worth the added expense.  Understanding the cost vs. value of each idea can help you decide if that built-in refrigerator or heated floor is worth it to you.

Look for a licensed professional remodeler in your area who offers a variety of cabinetry and fixtures.  Bring photos of your space and measurements if possible.  That way they can fully understand the breadth of the project and give you some preliminary ideas on what can be done and rough estimates where the budget may fall.  They can also begin to show you products that would best fit within that preliminary budget.  Be wary of anyone willing to give out free estimates in writing or someone who bases pricing solely on “allowances.”  That can often lead to misunderstandings and unrealistic numbers.

CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio,6527 Jimmy Carter Blvd #C2 Norcross, GA  30071                                                         770-729-1999