When you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen, you know that great design, quality construction and attentive customer service don’t come at bargain basement prices. At Merrill Contracting & Remodeling we know you don’t want to write a blank check either, so we believe it’s important for you to have an honest estimate of your project’s cost before it starts. We want you to understand what your budget covers and what it doesn’t.
Custom kitchen by Merrill Contracting & Remodeling
3 Ways Kitchen Remodeling Can Go Over Budget
Sometimes there are late-breaking decisions and unexpected circumstances that can affect that initial budget. The budget-changers generally fall into 3 categories: design decisions, change orders and unavoidable defects.
One thing you won’t have to worry about…
When you choose Merrill for your kitchen renovation, or any remodeling project, one problem that you won’t have is poor communication. We will give you realistic pricing information before work begins and keep you updated with details as the project moves ahead. We will let you know if something you decide you want to do will take you over the agreed budget.
1. Design Decisions
One thing that will cause you to exceed your initial budget is that you decide to upgrade choices you originally made. When you start researching and selecting appliances, you may discover features you had no idea existed. Ovens and fridge models often have apps and wi-fi connectivity that make your life easier! You may fall in love with a gorgeous hand-painted tile that costs more per square foot, but it’s worth it for the style. You thought basic cabinets were fine, but you see new organizing features and realize it will make a big difference in your life to have your bulky stand mixer on a shelf that rises up out of the cabinet with no heavy lifting… and tucks away out of sight when you’re done.
Photo courtesy Rev-a-Shelf
Increasing your remodeling budget can also increase your satisfaction with the finished project – as long as you do this after careful deliberation. It’s very important, though, that this be a conscious decision and you discuss your thoughts with us to learn the cost implications.
2. Change Orders
Something that can have a really big – and bad – impact on the budget is changing your mind once the project is already underway, demolition has begun, and appliances removed. Before we begin a project, we plan carefully and discuss all aspects of the project and budget with you. But sometimes people change their mind, and that can have an impact on the budget. We try to avoid the need for change orders that alter the cost of your kitchen, but we will let you know if decisions you want to make that require design revisions, restocking fees or other costs will disrupt the construction schedule and put you over the original budget.
3. Unavoidable Defects
We try to anticipate problems that might be lurking behind the walls and build that into a budget that is realistic. Sometimes, however, there may be hidden damage caused by water, termites, mold or other structural issues that can be found only after walls are opened or flooring removed. Our team of pros will let you know as soon as something unexpected turns up and what effect it will have on the cost or timing of the renovation.
When you decide to remodel your kitchen, it’s because you need it to work more efficiently for your family’s lifestyle and you want it to look beautifully updated. We know you don’t want any surprises, so we are always happy to discuss the details of our estimates and our remodeling process. You should know the quality and value you can expect for your budget. And we would love to talk to you about your next project!
