Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen can be an exciting, creative process. You get to choose all the colors, materials, and decor to create the room of your dreams. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Before you get to the fun part of the design process you’ll need to sit down and create a budget to help you separate fantasy from reality. Budgeting is an essential part of planning, but it can be daunting if you aren’t familiar with the process. Don’t worry! Here are some of the easy ways to help you budget for your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project!
You won’t want to hear this but the first thing you should add to your budget is a home inspection. Yes, it’ll add upfront costs before you even begin the design process, but it’s better to find out about any problems you might encounter now (like mold, rotted wood, or plumbing issues) so that you can budget accordingly. Otherwise you could discover an issue halfway through the process and see your costs skyrocket!
It’s helpful to see a breakdown of cost percentages for a remodel. For a bathroom you should expect to divvy up your budget like this: 4% design fees, 20% installation fees, 15% fixtures, 16% cabinetry and hardware, 7% countertops, 5% lighting and ventilation, 9% flooring, 4% doors and windows, 5% walls and ceilings, 14% faucets and plumbing, and an extra 1% for miscellaneous expenses. Yes, installation fees are a big cost for a remodel and need to be done properly. Keep in mind that custom materials or high-end materials like marble have additional associated costs. A marble counter requires you to buy the whole slab, have it finished, and have it delivered. So don’t blow the full 7% countertop budget on the marble alone!
Keeping your remodel in the realm of reality is the most important part of staying on budget. Be very upfront and honest about your total budget. It can be awkward for many people to admit their limitations, but deep down you know what you can afford. Don’t splurge unless you know you can afford it! Keep in mind that even a midrange, minor kitchen remodel can cost over $20,000. It’s also important that you set remodeling boundaries and stick to them. This means that a bathroom remodel needs to stop at the bathroom door. Don’t let remodeling fever sweep across the rest of your house! Create the budget. Keep the budget.
Budgeting is not fun. It can be downright sobering. But it’s essential for a successful remodeling project that you can actually afford. Make the right decision by following this budget advice!
Read the full article here: 7 Easy Ways To Budget Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Costs