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preparing a budget
Budget 20% extra for
Compile a wish-list for your architect, builder,
“might-as-well” costs.
and interior designer (if any) and divide it into
must-haves, would-be-nice, and wish-I-coulds.
The professionals will help you determine which items from each category
you can afford.
During construction, stay in close contact with your builder and decorator, who
will help you understand where to scrimp and where to splurge, and will warn
you if you are spending too large a portion of your budget on any individual
item.
Try to stay a step or two ahead of your builder when making material choices.
Decisions made under pressure often lead to regret, and are usually more
expensive. Also, many components require lead time from ordering until they
are available, and you don’t want delivery time to throw off your carefully
planned schedule.
top home improvement upgrades
Every feature of your home presents multiple decision points, with myriad
options and innumerable variations. Where does it make sense to splurge,
and where should you try to skimp? While of course not an exhaustive list,
below are some items to consider upgrading.
The most important factor is whether the house is structurally sound. No one
will be swayed by your granite countertops if your roof is leaking. Make sure
the house itself is in good shape before spending on bells and whistles. When
building your home, a poured foundation, rather than a cement block wall, is
an excellent choice — it is less likely to crack and holds its resale value well.
Another structural upgrade to consider are 2x6 walls instead of the more
common 2x4. Besides being sturdier, they allow more room for insulation,
resulting in a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Also to help maximize insulation, spray foam, which can cost $3,000-4,000
more, is a type of insulation applied as a quick-hardening liquid. You will
quickly recoup the cost, as it can save hundreds, if not thousand of dollars
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