Budgeting – one of the most challenging prerequisites when decorating and designing your dream home. As the design and décor requirements vary for each dweller there isn’t a one budget fits all theory, meaning everyone’s budget varies – customized according to the specifications provided by the client. Allocating a budget not only determines your spending capacity but communicates to the designer about your expectations of quality and design. But the real question is; what makes budgeting so necessary before commencing the actual décor process.
Here are a few findings to help you understand why?:
- Legal binding: Open-ended projects normally end up in feuds especially when concerning money matters. Budget details like estimated cost, time, design palette and scope of work (some designers may not be willing to cover repair and building costs under the client’s desired budget) are amongst elements that need to be sorted beforehand, making it essential for both parties to reach a consensus over the budget deliverables. It also helps the designers be more creative and save the owners a heart attack arising from unexpected and undistinguished costs.
- Money saver: Having a budget can save you money in the long run by keeping your purchase limit in check. And designers suggest allocating 7 to 10% of your entire home’s value for an economical décor budget or if you’re deciding to go lavish then allocating 25% of your entire home’s value to your budget should be ideal. Another major factor is that the designers work with trade brands and also have many skilled workers at hand, allowing you to get the furnishings and other necessary décor items at a discounted rate and also conveniently accomplishing other tasks like upholstery well within your designated budget.
- Room for fluctuation: After allocating a budget, one should keep in mind that its not going to be the exact value of the project. Also due to the client’s never ending variations in the actual design, it’s impossible to stick with the actual budget. Experts suggest adding 20% extra to the overall budget to be on the safer side whilst making room for the client’s occasional mood swings. More importantly because it’s a dream project the client can request to make changes at any time till completion, that in turn affects the overall budget.
- Working with alternatives: Strict budgets allow to explore alternatives in order to get maximum value and quality. If you’re priority is getting a lavish bedroom then investing in imported flooring may not be a very smart thing to do and instead you can choose from local merchandise available in the market. Balochistan, in the Sindh province being the hub of marble production yields Badal grey and Tavera (Golden light brown shade) two of the most commonly used marbles in Pakistani households, affordably priced at an average of 46 rupees and 58 rupees per sq/ft respectively. By opting for local alternatives you can enjoy both amenities of good quality flooring and a luxurious bedroom.
- Prioritized budgeting: Make a list of the most important elements of your décor project, be it lighting, flooring, furniture, bedrooms or landscaping.
Based on your preference you can spread your budget evenly across the house or prioritize rooms/areas you would like to spend the most on.This way the major chunk of your budget will be spent on your biggest priorities avoiding the smaller accessories from eating away your costs. Focus on the immediate needs affecting the functionality of your house, the other insignificant ones can be addressed all at a later stage.
- Introduce nature in your home: No décor is complete without these, so make sure to leave some budget for a small terrace garden and some house planters. You can create a grand entrance by placing these at the most noticeable corner, and it’s mere presence can be wondrous for your décor without causing a dent in your budget.
- De-Clutter: Time in and out a lot of emphases has been placed on getting rid of the unnecessary, barely in-use items. This little exercise can not only relieve physical but mental space too when designing and budgeting your dream home.
Hard times call for hard decisions, therefore never be afraid of re-strategizing any time you feel too overwhelmed with the current strategy in place, feel free to discuss your concerns or queries with the designer. This will aid in keeping track of the ongoing progress and stay aligned with your goals, after all, it’s your satisfaction as a client that matters the most.