Budget Tips for Your Remodel

Establishing your budget is one of the first steps in planning a remodel project, and an important one at that!
Here at FBC, our designers work with you to craft a stunning design that fits your vision with a cost you’re comfortable with.
Our design team are experts in helping you find a number of ways to pare down the cost of your project to fit your desired price. In this blog, Amber, one of our designers, notes some ways you can hit your budget goals while still getting the remodel of your dreams.

Set Your Priorities

Why are you doing this project? What value is your remodel adding to your life?
For example, are you remodeling your basement for a little extra room, or do you have specific functions in mind for the entire space? Is it more important for you to have higher-end finishes, or to create more space in your home? Knowing your priorities and timeline will help your designer guide you to the best decisions for what you’re desiring in the end. It’s also important to figure out your “must-haves” versus your “nice-to-haves” so it’s easier to cut costs if you need to.

Choose the Right Service for Your Goals

If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, do you need space planning (e.g. knocking down walls, reconfiguring the space) or are you looking to simply change out cabinets, fixtures, and finishes? If your goal revolves around your finishes, you could opt for an FBC Update rather than a remodel — which can cut the cost and timeline of your project significantly.
If you’re planning to complete a basement finish project in phases, or do the finishing end yourself, take a look at our Nearly Finished Basement option to learn more.

Can You DIY?

We find many of our clients are handy and prefer to do some parts of their project themselves to help stick to their budget. It’s easy to cut costs by taking on some of those final touches of your project yourself.
Some ways our clients save money include:

• Installing carpet after the project is completed
• Putting in your decorative touches yourself — like shiplap, reclaimed wood, beams, or wallpaper
• Opting for a freestanding table for your island vs a custom built-in island
• Buying and installing shower rods or doors
• Purchasing the TV wall cabinet as a furniture piece
• Picking out and installing your own barn doors
• Purchasing an electric (vs. gas) unit for the fireplace
• Applying your own accent paint

Utilize Your Designer’s Expertise

A huge part of your designer’s job is helping you get that stunning end result within your set budget. Use your designer as your advisor — we have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge around your available options.
The more information you share about your preferences, the better! As you’re considering your selections, send over any inspiration you may find online. This gives your designer a better idea of what you’re looking to achieve. From there, they can advise you on what selections work and look good while still being cost-friendly.

At-Home Design with FBC Remodel

Every remodeling partner is different. FBC’s design process works in three major phases — the virtual design consultation, ideas meeting, and final plan review — where we work with your budget every step of the way. Whether you choose us or another partner for your project, we invite you to be up-front with your designer or contractor about your budget from the beginning. That way, they can make your remodel work for you.
Do you have more questions about designing on a budget? We’re happy to chat with you! Give us a call today to tell us all about your project.