Establishing a Budget for Your Home Remodeling Project!
Establishing a budget for your next remodel is the most important step—and one of the most overlooked. Many homeowners think of a budget as simply “what I can afford” or “cash I have on hand.” In reality, a budget is about much more than that.
A true remodeling budget is not about cutting corners, skipping design, avoiding permits, or trying to squeeze a contractor into your price point with “what if” scenarios. After more than 20 years in the industry, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of remodeling. At Excel Builders, we focus on the good—and that means working with clients who understand that thoughtful budgeting is the foundation of a successful project.
Step 1: Create Your Remodeling Plan
Start by writing down a simple plan. For example, if you’re remodeling your kitchen:
- Must-haves: The features you absolutely need.
- Frustrations: What you dislike about your current kitchen.
- Wish list: The features you’d love to include.
Over time, as your design and budgeting process evolves, items from your wish list may move into your must-have column—or they may be adjusted to meet your budget. This is what we call “Designing to a Budget.”
Step 2: Meet With Design & Build Firms
Once you’ve outlined your plan, it’s time to talk with Design and Build firms who can both design and build your remodel.
Let’s say you have $125,000 set aside for a kitchen remodel. Narrow down your search to a few local firms and make some phone calls. In that first call, you should cover:
- Project overview
- Your budget
- Location
- Design process
- Estimated design costs
- Timeframe
This initial conversation should stay high-level. If one firm quotes design cost at $25,000 and another at $50,000, don’t dismiss either—meet with both and learn why there’s a difference.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Partner
The decision isn’t just about cost. Ask yourself:
- Do their processes make sense to you?
- Can you see yourself working closely with this team?
- Do they communicate clearly, or do things feel vague and complicated?
The right fit matters as much as the numbers.
Step 4: Reconciling Budget vs. Design
Sometimes, your initial budget won’t align with your final design. For example, you may have $125,000 set aside, but after consultations, the remodel comes in closer to $200,000. At that point, you have decisions to make:
- Delay the remodel until you can invest the additional funds.
- Scale back the design to fit your current budget.
Only you can decide what makes sense. But remember—you only get one chance to complete your remodel to your satisfaction. Don’t remove items you’ll regret later.
Why Design Matters Most
Remodeling can feel complicated and even overwhelming. That’s why at Excel Builders; design is always at the center of our process. The money you invest in design upfront is money you’ll save in the long run—by avoiding mistakes, delays, and costly changes mid-project.
Start Your Remodeling Journey
At Excel Builders, we’ve helped homeowners bring their visions to life through custom design and build remodels, including:
- Kitchens
- Master bathrooms
- Kids’ bathrooms
- Basement finishes
- Additions
Call us today at 612.281.4681 to start your next remodeling experience. Our team is here to make sure your project is not only successful—but also positive and rewarding.