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Whether something broke unexpectedly or you want to change the squeaky floor and door and change the design and feel of your home, a renovation project is something that can feel intimidating to tackle. Even if you only want to spruce up the place a bit, the prospect of a few weeks or months of dirt, hard work, and stress might keep you awake at night. Not to mention the high costs associated with remodeling a home.
But, here’s the thing: you don’t need a bottomless money pit to turn your home into a Pinterest-worthy place. You just need to get smart about how you budget.
Here’s what we mean by that.
Set a Realistic Budget
You don’t always get the chance to be flexible with your budget. That’s why it’s paramount to set a realistic expectation about how much money you are willing to spend. A lot of homeowners exceed their initial budget when it comes to remodeling not only due to unexpected costs but also because they change their mind along the way.
First of all, try to get a clear idea of what you need to change, what options you have and then settle on the best option for your budget. It might not be the best quality or an exclusive design you fell in love with, but choices that are budget-friendly will ultimately help you finish your project and not pay an arm and a leg for your dream house.
Be Very Clear about the Result You Want
Even if you hire an experienced Winnipeg renovation company for the renovation, you can’t expect them to read your mind about what you want. The workers will be as flexible as you will let them be, and vagueness encourages that. If you do have a clear image of the result, share it, discuss it in detail and come up with examples. Don’t be embarrassed to bring a lot of pictures you have collected from home design magazines, Pinterest or any other inspiration source you may have.
Have a Backup Fund for Unexpected Situations
Having a plan B is a must, especially when it comes to remodeling your house. A home renovation project can bring numerous variables and unexpected outcomes that it is impossible to calculate your budget precisely. Usually, difficulties appear when it comes to old structures, plumbing, pests or other unseen obstacles. But the list does not end here, as you might have the surprise of having to change your contractor in the middle of the project, for example.
While you can’t predict every possible way, your project could go wrong, settle an emergency fund for unexpected situations and be prepared to have a certain flexibility. Many renovation projects don’t need a supplement to the budget, but compromise is needed to finish the job. So, always consider a change of plan and, ideally, be prepared with a plan B, just in case.
Keep Your Focus on the Initial Plan
Don’t stray too much from your initial plan, as tempting as it may be when you see the huge variety of materials and options that are on the market. If we would have the time and money to renovate according to our spontaneous plans, our homes will constantly be under renovation.
Not only it will save your budget, time and inner peace, but that initial plan allows you to focus on the job you have and invest yourself in making the best of it. Starting multiple micro-projects at once is doomed to be ineffective, nerve-consuming and unsatisfying, in the end.
If you have a long, difficult project, take a step back from time to time and evaluate your progress. Keep good communication with your team and don’t hesitate to express the concerns you have or questions that may arise. Keep focused and remember that it’s better to come back to your project later than to stick to something you don’t want.
