RENOVATING WITH CONFIDENCE: HOW TO STAY ON BUDGET WHEN THE WORLD FEELS A LITTLE UNSTEADY
- Amanda Shields
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Let’s be real—renovating is stressful enough without interest rate hikes, shifting markets, and now....tariffs?
If you’ve even glanced at the news lately, it’s not exactly inspiring confidence. Even for clients who are ready to invest in their homes, there’s still this underlying worry:
“Is this going to spiral?”
The answer? It doesn’t have to.
With the right planning and a clear process, you can have a beautiful, elevated space and stay on track—without compromising your vision or your sanity.
Here’s how I help clients make smart decisions, avoid surprise costs, and still get the timeless interiors they came to me for.
Photography @mike_chajecki
1.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS early
Good design starts with good information. I build every budget using real retail pricing ranges—based on what things actually cost, not what we hope they might. That means cabinetry, tile, furnishings, delivery, install… all of it gets factored in from day one. No wishful thinking. Just clarity.
Pro tip: Include the “invisible” costs like install, trades, taxes, and project management time. Those are the ones that sneak up on you.
2.
don't RELY ON BUILDER ALLOWANCES
If your contractor gives you a $2,000 allowance for tile and you’re dreaming of hand-glazed Zellige on all four walls, we’re going to have a problem. Instead: Get selections finalized before pricing. I collaborate with builders and trades early so the budget reflects your actual vision—not just placeholder numbers.
Photography @mike_chajecki
PICK YOUR SPLURGE MOMENTS intentionally
Not everything has to be top-tier. Some spaces can go quiet so others can sing. You don’t need to max out every finish—you just need to know where to go all in. Maybe it’s a plaster hood or statement lighting. Maybe it’s a beautiful slab backsplash. When the vision’s clear, it’s easy to edit.
4.
CREATE A BUFFER - AND don't TOUCH IT
I recommend a 10–15% contingency on any renovation project. It’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s what keeps your project feeling calm when something (inevitably) shifts. Treat it like it doesn’t exist. If you don’t need it, great. If you do, it’s already there waiting.
Photography @mike_chajecki
BRING YOUR DESIGNER IN before THE DEMO
This one’s big. The most expensive problems I see? They happen when people wait too long to hire their designer. By then, walls are already up, layouts are locked in, and the budget’s been spent—usually in the wrong places.
Real example:
A few months ago, I worked with a couple renovating their entire main floor. They called me early—before the builder was even finalized—and it changed everything. We reworked the layout, nailed down cabinetry and finishes, and had selections priced before anything was ordered. We ended up tripling their original tile allowance, but pulled back on some millwork and hardware to balance it out. The space feels elevated, intentional, and fully them—and we stayed on track the entire way. That’s the power of bringing design in early. It’s not just about making things pretty—it’s about making things work.
Photography @mike_chajecki
THE takeaway
Uncertainty is part of the process—but chaos doesn’t have to be. When you design smart and lead with clarity, you can create a home that feels calm, elevated, and beautifully timeless… without second-guessing every number along the way.
If you’re planning a renovation and want help getting clear on your design direction and your budget, let’s talk. We’re currently booking full-service projects for Fall 2025.
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