I spent the weekend chillin' out watching HGTV for some inspiration. At some point, the station changed from decorating and design to real estate shows and "do it for 100.00" shows. Some of these shows are pretty good but their budgets are not realistic in that, no one pays for labor. The show does it for free. So a 2000.00 budget, really is a 4000.00 budget because labor is usually the same price as the materials. The problem comes in when clients are under the impression that they can get all the bells and whistles done for the same small budget. It really doesn't work that way. It got me to thinking. I am going to start a series showing the design and remodel process for a master bedroom. It is a pretty middle of the road redo with some items being very budget conscience but some upgrades made as well that a lot of clients not needing or wanting. The budget for this client was $5000.00. We will try to stay as close to that as possible so some concessions will have to be made. I will take you through the process as it progresses step by step and explain what is being done as well as the cost incurred and the savings that were or could be made.
Unfortunately we don't have any before pictures but the room started as a rectangle bedroom with white carpet and a set of triple floor to ceiling windows as well as another single floor to ceiling window. This master bedroom is on the main floor of the house and the owners have small children who come and go. They decided to pull up the white carpet verses having it cleaned. They had already installed wood flooring on the whole main floor and decided to continue it into the bedroom for ease of cleaning. They also wanted a fireplace but having a gas fireplace installed would have run around $2500-$4000. They opted instead for an electric fireplace insert that has 4 flame controls as well as a heater that can be used in the winter. It also came with a remote control. The 40 inch unit cost around 700.00 with construction cost for the fireplace wall and adjoining bookcase as well as electrical for tv and cable running another 800.00.
Five thousand sounds like a lot, and it can be for sure but when you are looking at having things done custom and paying the labor and materials, it can really add up fast. If you are considering a design or remodel, you really need to sit down with a budget and be willing to forgo some items that you can live without in order to stay within budget.
More pictures of this remodel coming soon so check back with us. Until then, have a great week.
Unfortunately we don't have any before pictures but the room started as a rectangle bedroom with white carpet and a set of triple floor to ceiling windows as well as another single floor to ceiling window. This master bedroom is on the main floor of the house and the owners have small children who come and go. They decided to pull up the white carpet verses having it cleaned. They had already installed wood flooring on the whole main floor and decided to continue it into the bedroom for ease of cleaning. They also wanted a fireplace but having a gas fireplace installed would have run around $2500-$4000. They opted instead for an electric fireplace insert that has 4 flame controls as well as a heater that can be used in the winter. It also came with a remote control. The 40 inch unit cost around 700.00 with construction cost for the fireplace wall and adjoining bookcase as well as electrical for tv and cable running another 800.00.
Five thousand sounds like a lot, and it can be for sure but when you are looking at having things done custom and paying the labor and materials, it can really add up fast. If you are considering a design or remodel, you really need to sit down with a budget and be willing to forgo some items that you can live without in order to stay within budget.
More pictures of this remodel coming soon so check back with us. Until then, have a great week.
No comments:
Post a Comment