BUDGETING:
Plan carefully. Making alterations to your plan on paper costs nothing, while making changes mid-construction becomes very costly. If changes must be made, always consider how this will alter other areas of the overall budget and plan accordingly.
Allow for the “unknowns”. When making your budget, it is always a good idea to add in an extra 10-15% for unknown items you may not think of at first, or may not know you will need. Some examples include any unknown plumbing or electrical issues that come up when you tear open walls, sales tax, the costs associated with getting permits for contracted work, or estimating the removal of the demo materials from a big job to a dump site. The experienced staff at Interior Design Boston can help you make sure you have everything you need and avoid any hidden costs.
Don’t cut corners on materials or installation for structural, plumbing, or electrical. These are long-term investments for which strength, durability, and performance are of utmost importance, and trying to scrimp to save a few bucks in these areas can be a safety hazard later on. Also, always make sure that you are following all building codes regulated in your area, as well as having a licensed contractor do any major renovations. The Interior Design Boston staff will provide you with a minimum of 3 estimates for any work we help you with, and can put you in contact with some of the best skilled craftsmen in the area.
Decide which features are most important to you- these will be the larger share of your budget. If a luxurious whirlpool tub or granite countertops are high on your wish list, for instance, work it into your budget and then make less costly choices for other product categories.
Don’t be afraid of a discount. At Interior Design Boston, we know where to find a bargain and how to make the most of your money. For example, we know that stores will often slash prices when they have less than 50 square feet of a tile style remaining—more than enough for most bathroom renovations. Instead of buying expensive wall tiles, you may opt for a custom look by using two or more colors of less-expensive tiles. We can also show you that by spending a little extra money on a few custom detail tiles you can get that expensive designer look you are going for.
Neutral or subtle colors and fixtures are timeless and are most practical. Designer colors, hip patterns and boldly colored fixtures come with a designer price tag, and may go out of style later- resulting in future unnecessary remodeling or redecorating projects. This is especially true for big ticket items such as cabinets, counters, hardware and appliances. If you love color and want to make your remodel unique, consider using it in paint, wallpaper, and accessories that are inexpensive to replace.
When possible, try to avoid moving any existing plumbing stacks. Because plumbing changes usually require opening up walls and floors, always try and incorporate an existing plumbing plan when on a tight budget. Relocation can be a big budget eater.
Synthetic versus Natural. Synthetic surfaces replicate the look and feel of natural products but save you big money over all. Choose stone-look laminate or ceramic tiles instead of granite or marble for the countertops and backsplashes. Check out composite materials or vinyl instead of slate or marble for the floors.
Consider going for a vintage look. Long ago, craftsman took great pride in their work, adding in lots of details and interesting elements to their building materials. Examples include everything from doorknobs to fireplace mantels, claw foot tubs to wood and plaster moldings. It may take some shopping around, but blending in older, used fixtures and details with the new more modern plumbing and electrical components can look great and cost far less than high-end new products. Many of these antiques can be found at discounted rates with many different styles to choose from. Recycling vintage building materials is one way to retain a little bit of history, as well as being better for the environment!