I love renovating! Yes, it can be frustrating, time consuming and back breaking, but in the end transforming a space is one of the most satisfying things I can do.
I especially love making over a space for a client. Seeing the look on someone’s face after you have taken a dull room and made it into the space of their dreams is very gratifying. The one thing I don’t love is how budgets can be busted by the boring stuff.
The materials that you don’t see and the labor involved. I’m talking about electrical, drywall, plumbing, etc. These costs are not “the fun part,” and when people add up what they think the cost of a renovation will be, they seldom allow for these things.
People, me included, think about appliances, furnishings, lighting – basically “the bling.” They don’t account for the cost of demolition, drywall, or even outlet covers, which can cost a small fortune if you have a lot of outlets in your space.
This is where an interior designer comes in handy. They can warn you of all these costs and give you a more accurate picture of what a remodel or renovation will cost you.
I am currently renovating an old home, and if there is one thing I know for sure it’s that we will run into things that we could never have anticipated and will push the budget to the breaking point. In my experience, planning for 20% more than what you originally budgeted is a really good idea.
Stay tuned to Nancy’s version of “This Old House” as I will be posting pictures soon!
