If you were to buy a new car today, how much would you spend? You’ve likely got a number that automatically pops into your head when considering a vehicle purchase. Now, depending on the type of vehicle you’re looking for, your money may not go nearly as far as you’re hoping.

You’ve got only so much money to spend, but are you expecting to get that luxury sports car when you’re really in the market for a mid-size sedan? Remodeling a home can sometimes be similar to buying a car.

According to Chris Black of CB Construction, homeowners frequently have a number in their head that may not realistically reflect their renovation expectations. “I often see homeowners come in with a preconceived notion of what they’ll get from a remodel that is impossible to create with the budget they’ve given me,” Black said. “As much as I truly want to give them every must-have feature they’ve asked for, we’ll probably have to adjust either the wish list or the budget.”  

Design-build is a great way to avoid over-designing your project and finding out afterward that you cannot afford it. Before you start your project, take these simple steps:

• Define your budget range before you start designing. This ensures you will design something you can afford.

• Come up with a list of “must-have” features and prioritize your needs and wants. Your style preferences and finishes need to be addressed from the start, as even the seemingly smallest of details can make a difference in the final cost of your project.

• Finally, either be willing to compromise on these features if the estimate doesn’t fall within your budget — or increase your budget. 

“When I present an estimate, I include all of the homeowners’ must-have features to demonstrate that they may have to spend more than they originally planned in order to get everything on their wish list,” Black said. “Then, we work through the list to distinguish the true must-haves and evaluate wants vs. needs. We might eventually compromise, likely nixing a few “wants,” but in the end, homeowners have a realistic number to expect from the remodel.”

CB Construction helps you develop a realistic budget range for your project. We lead you through the process of design and making selections to stay within your budget.

To learn more about CB Construction’s design-build process or if you are interested in receiving an estimate for your remodel, call Chris Black at 214-773-5566 or visit www.chrisblackconstruction.com. CB Construction serves the Dallas communities of Lower Greenville, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, White Rock Lake, University Park, Highland Park and surrounding areas. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

5711 Mercedes Avenue
Dallas, Texas  75206
214-773-5566

www.chrisblackconstruction.com