Home Improvement- Keeping Your Budget In Check

By Author: Jason Delmar
Total Articles: 335
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Going over your budget on a remodeling project is very easy to do, and seldom planned for. Doing so can lead to settling for unexpected options, disagreements with contractors and worst case, an unfinished room!

By following a few simple guidelines before before starting your remodeling project, you can help reduce the chances that your project will go over budget.

Identify needs vs. wants. There is often a fine line between the two, and they can be hard to distinguish. Research prices and specifications on everything from the big ticket appliances, down to the smallest accessories. Major appliances should be at the top of your list since they will cost the most. Know the difference between needing something and just wanting it. Factor in what you absolutely need, then you can add items that you want. By laying out your budget this way, you can minimize the chances of .

Make a top 10 list. Look around your kitchen and/or bathroom and decide what needs to be replaced the most and what can be wait for future projects. Remember the needs of the rest of your household. If you have small children, safety ...
... should be taken into consideration when prioritizing or if a family member is handicapped or elderly, this should be budgeted into your costs and design as well.

Avoid Upgrades. Layout exactly what you want and what you are willing to pay for it before buying anything. Not planning ahead may leave you vulnerable to purchasing unnecessary products and to choosing materials that will burst your budget. Know what features are most important to you so it's easier to choose when the time comes. There's an abundance of different appliances that offer different features but most will get the job done, so if you're budget doesn't allow it, don't pick anything too fancy or high-tech. By simply paying a couple of extra dollars per square foot for nicer cabinets or countertops, you can easily blow your budget by a couple of thousand dollars. By making your choices ahead of time and knowing the impact each item will have, you will be able to avoid the temptation of making upgrades.

Get a quote. It is important that any contractor or builder that you are planning on working with makes a site visit and knows exactly what is needed for the project. Don't always go for the lowest quote. It is important to research past projects they worked on and past clients. Make sure the quote is thorough to avoid overspending down the road and any misunderstandings. It is important that any contracts include clauses for completion dates, how changes will be handled, and the process for making changes during the project.

Double-check. Always inspect the products and materials first-hand in order to determine the quality of what you're buying before you buy it. Magazine and Internet photos are not as reliable as they may seem and may be overpriced for what you're getting. In the case of ordering products on-line, make sure you order a sample when possible. Try to get referrals from people you trust. Don't be afraid to ask friends, neighbors and family members to see their kitchens and ask who they hired. This is a great way to envision the quality of the result of your kitchen if you decide to use the same designer and contractors.

Keep track of your budget. Arrange a clearly defined payment schedule, and keep an accurate record of all payments and receipts. Ask for several installments throughout the project, and hold a portion of all payments until the goods or services are completed in full. This will give you the leverage you need to ensure that the project is completed accurately and to your satisfaction (once they have your full payment, it is harder to get problems fixed).