Podcast for Homeowners Preparing to Renovate
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07: Remodels Break the Bank! 5 Ways to Keep Your Renovation Budget - Friendly
Why Remodel Budgets Snowball (And How to Stop It Before It Starts)
Let’s talk about the thing almost every homeowner wants to avoid — the budget.
I know. Just hearing the word can make your shoulders tense up. Budgets feel limiting, frustrating, and honestly unfair when all you want is a beautiful, functional home. But after years working as a designer and project manager, I can tell you this with confidence:
The budget is the number one cause of stress in a remodel — but only when it’s ignored.
In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I wanted to tackle the budget head-on, because when we plan for it early, it stops being scary… and actually gives us freedom.
How Small Decisions Turn Into Big Budget Problems
This is how it usually starts.
You’re looking at fixtures or finishes, and you see something that’s a few hundred dollars.
“That’s not bad,” you think.
Then you see another option that’s closer to a thousand dollars.
“Well, that’s more expensive… but it’ll be fine.”
And then it happens again.
And again.
And again.
Everything adds up — fast.
Individually, these decisions don’t feel like a big deal. Collectively, they’re exactly how budgets snowball out of control.
That’s why the budget has to be part of the conversation before we get deep into design.
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First lets Recap…
Before diving into today’s strategies, I want to be clear — this episode builds on what we covered earlier. If you haven’t listened to episode 2 yet, I highly recommend going back.
Here’s the foundation we need before we talk about controlling the budget:
1. Know Your Actual Budget
Not what you wish it were — what it actually is.
Where is the money coming from? And how much do you truly have to work with?
2. Get Clear on Your “Why”
Why are you remodeling?
Function? Lifestyle? Resale? Daily frustration?
When you know your why, it anchors your decisions and makes it easier to pull back in areas that don’t matter as much.
3. Create a Prioritized List
What matters most to you — and to your partner — may not be the same.
You need a clear list so your top priorities stay protected.
4. Check Feasibility Early
This is where ballpark contractor numbers come in.
No contracts. No pressure. Just clarity.
Once those four things are in place, then we can talk about keeping the budget from spiraling.
The Reality of Remodel Costs: Labor vs. Materials
In most remodels, the budget tends to break down like this:
About half goes to labor
About half goes to materials and fixtures
This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a helpful guideline.
Once you get ballpark labor numbers, you immediately know how much money you realistically have left for things like:
Lighting
Plumbing fixtures
Tile
Countertops
Appliances
And if your contractor is including materials in their estimate, it’s critical to ask:
“What allowance are you using for fixtures and materials?”
That way, you’re not unknowingly selecting items that blow past what was assumed.
If saving money is a goal, I often recommend hiring labor only and purchasing fixtures and finishes yourself — if you have the capacity. It gives you more control and usually lowers overall cost.
Start With Your Priority (This Matters More Than You Think)
This is why that priority list is so important.
When it’s time to start selecting materials, I always say:
Start with your splurge.
What’s the one thing you’re most excited about?
Appliances?
Countertops?
Plumbing fixtures?
That top priority becomes the anchor for everything else. It gives your design direction and saves time because the rest of your selections naturally fall in line with it.
Your priority stays your priority — even when the budget gets tight.
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The Simple Habit That Prevents Budget Shock
This part sounds obvious… but it’s where most people slip up.
You must track your selections as you go.
Those “it’s only a few hundred dollars” moments add up quickly when you’re not looking at the total.
I recommend using a simple Google Sheet:
Item name
Price
Link
That’s it.
You’re not committing — you’re just staying aware. And trust me, there’s nothing worse than finding the perfect faucet, loving it, and realizing later you have no idea where you found it.
Track early. Track often.
Assume You’re Over Budget (Especially Here)
Here’s a mindset shift that helps enormously:
When you’re selecting items that are not at the top of your priority list, assume you’re already over budget.
Because realistically? You probably are — or will be once final scopes and details come in.
This is where you:
Tighten the belt
Filter searches by lower price ranges
Avoid even looking at options you know are out of reach
Don’t torture yourself by falling in love with something that doesn’t align with your priorities. You can find beautiful options at lower price points — but only if you’re intentional about where you’re looking.
Check In Regularly (Before It’s Too Late)
Budget control doesn’t happen once — it’s ongoing.
Sit down regularly:
By yourself
With your partner
With anyone involved in decisions
Look at where you are and rein things in early, not after selections are finalized.
This is why I say it over and over again:
Design before demo.
When you’re still in the design phase, you have flexibility.
Once demo starts and cabinets are in production, changes become expensive — and that’s when budgets truly snowball.
Budget Planning = Remodel Peace of Mind
When you:
Know what you have to spend
Protect your priorities
Track selections
Check in regularly
You remove the biggest source of remodel stress before construction even begins.
That’s the goal — not just a beautiful home, but a renovation experience that feels manageable, intentional, and even enjoyable.
🎧 Listen to this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel to hear me walk through these strategies step-by-step and help you stay in control of your renovation budget.
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