As a designer with 16 years of helping people to love where they live, I have seen people make all kinds of mistakes with their design budget. There are some classic mistakes that I hear again and again that I hope to dispel, so you don’t fall into these traps.
- Know your budget!! I can’t tell you how many people say they don’t know what they have to spend on their design project. Everyone is excited about getting what they have been dreaming of for usually quite a while, but they sometimes skip the money conversation.
- Get on the same page as your spouse!!!! This can derail a project faster than anything else. You both need to agree on the budget and stick to it.
- Be honest with yourself and your designer. I have worked with clients who unknowingly fool themselves into thinking “if I love it I’ll buy it”. This might work on the first few things you buy, but then people realize “If keep spending like this, I won’t have enough to finish the project.” Likewise, trying to hide what the real budget is from your designer helps no one. Some people think “if I tell her what I can spend she will use it all” or “she’ll think it’s not enough”. If you don’t communicate with your designer about money then you just blindfolded your designer and she is wondering in the dark.
- Be realistic about what things cost. The saying “you get what you pay for” is true with designing your home. Whether you are pricing the painter, contractor, or furniture, there is a reason why things cost what they do. Buying quality and hiring quality people is worth every penny. Do it once-Do it right!
- Cooperate and keep your word with your designer. The relationship you have with your designer should be viewed as a partnership or collaboration. You are both working toward the goal of building your dream home. If you say one thing and do another, your project will be unsuccessful. Your designer is on your team; be honest and upfront with her.
If you can avoid these classic mistakes you will complete your project and be on target with the budget you planned.
Heather McManus
Artistry Interiors
Dec 1, 2015
