How to Overcome Remodeling Sticker Shock

 You’ve researched pictures on houzz.com, Pininterest.com, thumbed through dozens of home magazines and have found the desired look you want for your kitchen or bath. After conveying the plan over with a contractor that includes the entire wish list (and why wouldn’t you want all the bells and whistles?), you are squirming in anticipation to get this project started. However, sometimes the wind that you thought would be sailing you along into your dream room is knocked right out from under you when you see the estimated costs. This is called Sticker Shock, a problem that occurs far too often for homeowners.

Too often homeowners attempt to estimate a project themselves by comparing what the neighbor’s did last year and/or they feel they can do it for less because they’re putting in linoleum instead of hardwoods. Or they watch Cable TV remodeling shows that quite frankly skew the real costs. It’s very easy for a person excited about remodeling to mislead themselves. Don’t assume the contractor’s bid is way too high right out of the gates, he just estimated your project from what you told him you wanted (remember the bells and whistles?). Unless you made it clear to him, he typically doesn’t know what your true budget is. Here in lies the problem; do you really know what your budget is?    

Try determining a total dollar amount or range you feel comfortable investing in your project. Prepare a general overall “wish” and a “must have” list for your project before getting an estimate. Then search for a remodeler that can offer both design and construction solutions. Many homeowners may rule these companies out as being too expensive. The truth of is if you desire to have the best end product, remember your home is your biggest investment, these companies will provide the reality check that you need. It may boil down to compromises; many costs within a project can be controlled by the amount of work to be done and materials/products used. Don’t let sticker shock halt your dream, once the reality of costs sets in, work with a professional who can help you find a resolution best suited for you and get to sailing onto your remodel.