You are finally taking the first steps to begin your home renovation. After you have thought about it and thought about it, it is time to take action. But how do you avoid going over budget? The solution? Roll up your sleeves and be very clear on what you want.
The contractor you choose will be translating your dreams into reality. The more detail you can bring to the table about what you want, the more likely the project will go smoothly. Clarity on the little things means your expectations are more likely to be met and you will spend what you intend. In other words, upfront planning and clear communication will save you a lot of disappointment later.
Keep in mind that even with the clearest of plans there will be changes. That is just the nature of planning.
Begin by envisioning how things will look when they are done. This is the part most people overlook. And the reason most people are disappointed in the end.
These are the things that you need to make sure you take care of on the front end to make the project go smoothly. Alair Homes Saskatoon works to guide you through the process and our reputation is built on keeping within your budget and project scope.
To keep costs within your budget, pay close attention to these 3 basic steps:
1. Decide up front what the end product will look like
Take your time. Don’t get in a hurry. Use your imagination to clarify what you want and what the result to look like. The more specific you can be the better. If you have a spouse or partner, it is wise to get there buy-in on the end product before any work is begun.
2. Keep it simple
You can always come back and add flair at a later date. Catherine Campbell explains the benefits of not getting things too complicated in her article about managing your costs and keeping them within a budget.
3. Plan to manage the process yourself
As the person who has the most to gain from the outcome, you will benefit the most by overseeing the details. Oversee them from the very beginning and along the way. Set up in advance a schedule to check on the progress the contractor is making.
So, make your plan, check it twice, and check in with your chosen contractor frequently! Envisioning what you want before you begin and tight follow up are the keys to keeping costs in bounds.