How To Set a Budget and Stick to it For Your Outdoor Patio Remodel
Written By: Kerrie Kelly, ASIDWednesday, September 2, 2015
Creating and sticking to a home improvement projects budget is about as easy and comfortable as pulling teeth. But when it comes to a task as exciting as an outdoor space remodel, its necessary to think and talk about the budget before taking any further steps.
The good news is that with a little practice and some research, youll be able to conquer your patio design project and stay within your financial boundariesand maybe even have a little left over for that kitchen cabinet remodel youve been dreaming of tackling next
Plan and Prioritize
Its time to plan the actionable steps. Make sure your supply list includes preparation items, tools and decorative accessories. If youre redoing the outdoor brick pathway, will you be using any of the old brick? What type of concrete is needed, and is there a less expensive alternative? Are you looking to go eco-friendly or simply cheap and efficient? Nail down the details beforehand to eliminate potential headaches while shopping.
Research Realistically
When embarking on any new project, start by going over what resources you have on hand. Do you have an account allocated for home renovations, designated money under your mattress or a forgotten gift card or coupon in your desk drawer?
Next, whether youre looking to replace a brick walkway or reupholster outdoor furniture, research similar projects that have been completed near your location. Enti>
Taking all these factors into consideration, target each piece of the project to create a holistic budget. Then, purchase a gift card at the retailers where you intend to purchase supplies during the course of the project. Stores like The Home Depot even offer Project Cards and DIY Cards exactly for this purpose, so by allocating the money up front, youll be able to monitor the funds, see how theyre being spent, and avoid going over budget. Plus, you can safely give the card to a contractor to purchase supplies, without the concern of handing off a credit card to a stranger and youll be able to see exactly what things cost.
Editor in Chief
Lets be realisticits pretty common to grab a few extra items while roaming the aisles. Whether these are things you forgot to list or their shininess just happens to catch your eye, do a quick calculation to determine if those extra items are simply fun add-onsor budget breakers. While outdoor lanterns could seem like a necessity for the atmosphere you wish to create, they may be out of reach, for now.
Make sure to consider taxes, construction fees, labor costs, cleaning materials and any extra expenses you may have overlooked while budgeting. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 15-20 from your total available funds and >
Review and Refine
Even after the construction of your new patio is completed, you may notice that something is missing. Maybe the new walkway needs some romance or the reupholstered furniture needs one more layer of color. Then what? This is when you can go back for those add-ons that you edited from your cart previously. If you have a little bit left on your gift card, bring in some greenery, textiles or lighting to spruce up your space while you save up for some more elaborate upgrades.
When your birthday or the holidays come around, consider asking friends and family to give you specific gift cards so you can continue your renovation process. With outdoor patios or backyard spaces, its easy to switch up the decor seasonally to make the area look new, again and again.
Although its not easy, budgeting for an outdoor remodeling project is a task that will result in a beautiful, tranquil space you can be proud of. Remember to stick to your guns and go with your gut when starting projects and making big purchases. Ask advice from people who have completed a similar project and considerand differentiateyour wants from your needs. Before you know it, youll have a brand new outdoor area ideal for >
| California interior designer Kerrie Kelly and her design lab team have worked with clients for years on home outdoor projects that come in on budget. Kerrie writes about her experiences with outdoor renovations and design for The Home Depot. For info on Home Depot gift cards that you might consider using for your next outdoor home project, you can visit the companys website. |
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