Product Information and Planning
-Planning Guide
HOME ~ KITCHENS ~ BATHS ~ CABINETRY ~ APPLIANCES
Allowances, Budgets and Tips:
An allowance is nothing more than a budget that you or your builder establishes in the beginning of your project. It's based on the size and price of the house and the market for your area.
A budget is usually established by using a percentage of the value of your house. In the Yampa valley, 10-20% of your homes market value should be your kitchen budget. That includes appliances, flooring, lighting, counter tops and trim moldings. The kitchen is the key feature of every home, and you'll inevitably get more than your money back.
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Sample Kitchen Budget |
|
$300,000 House |
$400,000 House |
$500,000 House |
% of
Value |
Project
Estimate |
% of
Value |
Project
Estimate |
% of
Value |
Project
Estimate |
|
10% |
$30,000 |
10% |
$40,000 |
10% |
$50,000 |
15% |
45,000 |
15% |
60,000 |
15% |
75,000 |
20% |
60,000 |
20% |
80,000 |
20% |
100,000 |
There is an 80/20 Rule, because all projects have a way
of growing beyond initial budgets. Plan on spending only 80% of what
you can affored. Put 20% in reserve to cover changes, problems and add
ons. |
A master bathroom budget should not exceed 5% of market value. So using the same formula as above, a $300,000 home should have a master bath budget of $15,000. A $400,000 home should have a master bath budget of $20,000 and so on.
Tips:
By anticipating problems in new construction, many of them can be avoided.
- Choose a contractor carefully. That person directs your entire job.
- Get everything in writing, but make sure you read all the inclusions and exclusions. Ask any questions before signing.
- Ask for written warranties on any items that apply.
- Make selections early in the construction process. Products can be back-ordered for months, pushing your job back.(If decisions overwhelm you, rely on the professionals in each field to guide you. They can easily narrow down your choices to a reasonable amount, after a short meeting with you.)
- Start cabinetry design early:
(As soon as you have plans, we need a copy, so we can start the design process. As soon as you have framing up, we can start measuring, to order your cabinetry.
Lead times on cabinetry can be 5-12 weeks, depending on how custom it is.
I will need your drawings finalized, so I can direct your electrician and plumbers. Moving wires and plumbing is much easier with out drywall installed.)
- Communicate with your contractor. It is reasonable to expect regular updates on your project, but respect his or her authority over the project and the sub-contractors.
- Expect issues to arise. Don't panic! Let your contractor and sub-contractors draw up solutions for you. They come across issues on every project, and are master problem solvers.
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