Here at RHILLC we’ve been busy with a variety of projects. One of these jobs was incredibly robust. It involved a 10,000 sq ft home that had been neglected and was in such disrepair, the entire house had to be lifted and a new foundation constructed. The home needed to be gutted. Though starting from scratch may be exciting, it drastically cut the budget for everything else. Not surprisingly, this is a common scenario, but over the years I have learned to make the best of it. Here are my tips to help stretch your renovation design dollars.
MAKE A PLAN
Ending well ALWAYS depends on how one begins. I can’t stress this enough. Creating a plan – means one has a clear vision and strategy. This entails wise decisions that will pay off in the end. In the midst of a large renovation, it is easy to get sidetracked and, for example, buy tile simply because it’s on sale. But if the tile does not match the overall vision, or work with other elements, the money is wasted.
PERCEIVED VALUE VS ACTUAL VALUE
I remember the first time I specified a hopscotch tile pattern. Due to budget concerns, we used a very simple faux travertine tile in a bathroom renovation. The experienced installer said he had never done the hopscotch pattern and he asked why I didn’t just do it “normally.” I answered that my clients pay me to provide the BEST design possible – even when using utilitarian materials. When the project was completed, my clients loved it, as did I, and the skeptical tile installer took photos to show his wife. Now THAT’S the power of perceived value!
MIX & MATCH
Another way I stretch budgets is to mix inexpensive materials. For example, I recently designed a bathroom using inexpensive subway tile with a marble chair rail and an insert of marble hex tile.
PRIORITIZE
When faced with budgetary concerns I need to make a decision: does my client break the work into phases, or make adjustments to the wish list? I have learned that once clients have their hearts set on something, they will ALWAYS be disappointed if they do not get it. So, as I advise clients, decide what matters most – quartz countertops, an induction range, marble bathroom tile – and make budget cuts elsewhere.
Have a well-designed day,
