Start with a measured survey big or small, your project needs an accurate set of drawings to enable an Architect or Designer to plan the space.  It provides accurate sizes and measurements that helps in the costing process and prevent mistakes from occurring further down the line.
 
Set the parameter of the project, what are the key objectives and what are the “nice to haves”.
 
Discuss budget from the beginning with your designer so they can take this into consideration – BUT don’t let this hinder the design process, there are often ways of achieving a great design in a cost effective way.
 
Think not just about the scope of the works, but of the finishing touches; the garden landscaping, a beautiful light fitting or the feature radiators with matching valves.  These items can often be forgotten as they are at the end of the project but contributed to the overall picture. Make sure you make allowance for finishing your project.   
 
Be methodical, consider the cost from the ground up, or the starting point of the project.  What is required; a skip, strip-out cost, steelwork, additional drainage?  Underestimating is often the biggest factor in over spending, not just in terms of labour but the material needed.  It is easy to forget about the cost of “unseen” items such as a new electrical fuse board, additional insulation required or preparation of areas for new finishes.  Some of the “unseen” elements are necessary for a good quality finish. 
 
Make allowance for professional fees. On average professional fees make up between 12-15% of the cost of your project.  This can include planning submissions, building regulations, Engineer’s and Surveyor’s fees as well as your Design and Project management fees, depending on the level of support needed for your project. 
 
Don’t underestimate the amount of personal time it takes.  We all have busy lives balancing work, family and social commitments.  Make sure you allocate time for your project team to discuss details and make decisions.  Although small decision can seem trivial they impact on the larger process and cause costly delays to the projects. 
 
Think with your head …and you heart!! Consider how long you want to live in your home, your return on investment and the value for in the area you live in. But don’t forget that you are improving your home for yourself and your family and you lifestyle.  Often spending a bit more than “make sense” on paper improves your quirky if life and comfort. Weight up you priorities and decide where you want to spend the money. 
 
Allow a generous contingency fund.  There are always a few unforeseen items in a project, a change in material prices, damage or unknown leaks or additional preparation works, that cannot always be anticipated.  We usually recommend between a 8-10% contingency depending on the size of the project.
 
Get expert Advice. At Blank Canvas Creative we guide our clients through the design process and consider budget at every step of the way.  We use our knowledge of current projects and experience to assist clients in setting realists expectation of what can be achieved within their budget as well as setting the budget for a specific design.  We provide a draft budget cost with our designs and we work with a Quantity Surveyor on larger projects to ensure that clients have an accurate budget cost before they start work.
 
 
If you are planning a home renovations project please get in touch, we would love to hear from you and would be happy to help.