Changing Budgets

We live in uncertain times. With many waiting in anticipation of the Autumn budget and the changes it may bring, careful consideration and control of budgets is a key challenge when renovating. As Interior Designers, budgets are something we regularly deal with and can help clients manage.Whether your initial budgets have changed, or you aren’t sure of what is an appropriate budget, here are all the ways an interior designer can help with the budget for your renovation.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that someone in want of a renovation, won’t always have the budget to match.  

From the start we always discuss budgets and set expectations early; with an in-depth overview of all possible costs based on the client’s ‘dream brief’. Once we know full costs, we can work with the client to cut the least essential items and gather more information so they can make informed decisions where there are multiple options. For example, that could be advice on whether a design is likely to be allowed by planning and therefore worth applying for, or simply working out layouts with cost and time implications- see more on feasibility studies here. 

If a client is uncertain about whether to go ahead with an item, we often keep it in the specification of works for pricing by the contractor. Once we have firm pricing, there is another opportunity to cut costs by removing ‘nice to have’ items from the scope in favour of the key priorities. With this in mind, we also limit design work on unconfirmed items to avoid waste. For example, joinery needs to be designed to a high level of detail before it is constructed, but it is usually possible to get a reasonable indicative price based on a more outline design.  

Our goal is always to  

• Get the best possible result for a client- regardless of their budgets. 

• Ensure we’re designing efficiently.

Achieving lower costs: compromise, adapt and prioritise. 

Our top tips for reducing a budget: 

• Don’t skimp on the fundamentals e.g. Electrics and plumbing. Get it right and do it once. Adding sockets/ changing plumbing later is hugely expensive. 

• Consider where you could do work yourself or phase works with least impact. For example, joinery can be fairly easily added later and painting works you could do yourself if you are willing to compromise on the quality of the finish. For phased works it’s important to understand the final goal so that you avoid undertaking work which could be damaged or would need to be redone during later phases. 

• Key spaces: Consider what are your key spaces and which areas/ items will bring you most joy. Areas or items outside these can be de-prioritised. For example, you can opt for a ‘lick of paint’ in less used spaces. 

• Consider resale: If this is not your forever home, consider resale value by looking at neighbouring properties which are completed in the way you’re looking to renovate (i.e. high quality finish/ extended etc). Consider when you’d be likely to sell and what finishes/ technologies might attract the best buyers. 

  • Buyers are not always aware of or enticed by hidden features like smart lighting or UFH, but they are very interested in energy use. Consider investing in insulation, renewable technologies and energy saving appliances & fittings. This not only saves the planet and your bills, but it will appeal to most buyers (plus you can often get grants, discounts or pay no VAT on sustainable improvements to your home). 

• Alternatives for second fix items: again get the fundamentals right. Don’t skimp on good quality taps or ironmongery (aka the things most used/ most costly to replace) but consider lower cost finishes where possible-  

  • Tiles are a great place to save on costs as there are so many great quality low-cost options.  

  • Lighting is so important but again there is a wide range of fabulous low-cost fitting options available (though make sure you’re buying all electricals from reputable brands/ shops. If it looks too good to be true in terms of quality/ price, it probably is). 

  • Kitchen cabinetry can also be low cost without compromising on quality and you can elevate the design with beautiful handles and high-quality appliances. The caveat on this is that low-cost cabinetry suppliers often requires lots more time & effort to order/ fit. Consider if this is worth the cost saving if you are organising yourself or paying someone to do so. 

• Negotiation: Builders in small residential renovations tend to have small profit margins so there is little room for sweeping reductions (and we would be very concerned that quality would be compromised where big reductions are pushed for/ agreed).  

  • We instead suggest asking questions about what costs include and asking if there are different materials or methods they could use which will reduce the cost. They may be able to suggest sensible alternatives. Even where reductions can’t be made, discussing the detail should at least help you to feel more confident in their pricing and quality. 

  • Don’t automatically go for the lowest quote: consider your builders example work, reviews & business set up and responsiveness when appointing someone. 

Other tips 

• Check the budget when making decisions. If you choose something overbudget in one area of the works, it either needs to come out of another area or the budget increases.  

• Make decisions once to avoid costly changes. The best way to do this is to take your time with planning and designing. 

• Allow a contingency for on site changes/ discoveries. This is particularly important for older properties where hidden problems can be revealed at strip out, or optional extras (nice to haves) are realised or suggested during the works. 

  • Always ask for timeline implications when extras work is needed or suggested. 

If you’ve been considering renovation works but want help to understand your options on budget - get in touch. We’d be delighted to help.