How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck on Your Next Home Project
Is 2023 the year you build your dream home? The year you renovate your kitchen or bathroom? Curious about how to get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing style? Keep reading to see where I would SPLURGE or SAVE.
Splurge vs. Save
Whether building or renovating a space in your home there are so many decisions to make that it can sometimes be overwhelming. You may wonder what is worth spending extra money on and what you can save on without sacrificing your vision for the space. Fear not! I am here to help!
Design: Lovelace Studios
Photography: Selavie Photography
Builder: Ken Garland Custom Homes
tile
Tile comes in a range of prices from $2 into the hundreds per square foot. Low priced tiles, like subway or square, can be laid in unique patterns to give them interest without breaking the bank. The space to splurge on a more expensive tile that you love would be in the primary bathroom shampoo niche or the floor of a powder bath. Both are small areas that keep square footage and labor costs low but can make a big impact on design!
Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel
lighting
Lighting, similar to tile, is all about picking where the splurge will make the biggest impact on your home’s design. Ancillary bathrooms, kids bathrooms/bedrooms can be save zones. You can spend between $150-300 per fixture in these areas and still get a great design. Areas such as your entry, living, dining, and kitchen can make the biggest impact on your home's design and these areas can be more of a splurge. These areas will also likely have more expensive fixtures based on the size of the room and ceiling height. Large open concept living areas will need large fixtures to be proportional and those don’t come cheap! Keep this in mind when planning your project and budget!
Design: Lovelace Studios
Photography: Selavie Photography
Builder: Ken Garland Custom Homes
Countertops/Stone
Countertops for me is a splurge zone. Whether you love to cook, have kiddos, or enjoy entertaining, these surfaces are one of the most used surfaces in our homes. Man-made quartz is still by far the most popular countertop material to this day due to its durability and stain-proof properties. However, natural stone has my heart. This is a major splurge for those that are comfortable with the patina that natural stone acquires as it is used throughout the years. Bottom line, don’t cheap out on your countertops! You’ll definitely regret it and be replacing them soon, therefore spending more money in the long run.
plumbing fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are a save zone for me! When building an entire home in particular there can be more plumbing fixtures needed than you think. There are plenty of brand options and for the most part you can get a great look, modern, traditional, transitional, in almost any finish you desire without having to break the bank. Of course there are some higher end splurges to get a unique look if that’s your desire. I would just save it for only the kitchen or primary bath.
Design: Lovelace Studios
Photography: Selavie Photography
Builder: Ken Garland Custom Homes
CABINETS
Repeat after me. DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON YOUR CABINETS. Now say it together class! Cabinets, much like counters, are used every single day. Cheap cabinets means cheap hinges which means misalignment, breaking, etc. costing you more money, time, and stress in the long run. Quality cabinets don’t have to be astronomical, but ensuring your project budget is full enough to make sure you get the right quality for your level of use is so key. You will never regret getting a quality product!
I know how important budget can be on any project and would be elated to help you figure out how to make your home sing while ensuring you don’t break the bank. Reach out via the contact page to see how Lovelace Studios can help you decide SPLURGE or SAVE on your next project.
XO - Caroline