5 Ways I Saved my Budget Savvy Renovation Client £10,000 on their Bristol Home Project
Want to know how investing in an Interior Designer can save you money?
Grab yourself a cuppa and I’ll break it down for you.
Interior Designer for a Day
There are a number of ways to work with me and my Interior Designer for a Day service is perfect for renovators who are Project Managing themselves and require an expert ear to guide them.
I recently worked with a client based in Westbury-on-Trym in Bristol who is undergoing a huge extension to her family home. The architects have drawn up the plans, planning permission had been obtained and the builders are ready to go BUT something feels off about the plans.
ENTER BECKY HARRISON DESIGNS!
We are frequently called into review Architects plans and this is why : Architects are primarily concerned with the overall design and structure of buildingss. They consider factors such as spatial organization, structural integrity, and building regulations. Interior designers, on the other hand, concentrate on the functionality, aesthetics, and overall feel of a space once the structure is established. BOTH are important roles
The Savings
SAVING 1 = £2,500
The architect replaced windows to a deck at the front of the house with doors. When we examined how the family live, they realised that they felt it unlikely they would sit outside the front of their home frequently and it would also impact how they wish to layout the lounge.
DECISION = Exisiting windows retained.
MONEY SAVED ON = Trades & external door
SAVING 2 = £1,500
The architect added pocket doors to divide the lounge and Kids room. My client decided she would rather have a solid wall to keep the kids firmly away!
DECISION = Solid partition
MONEY SAVED ON = Trades & pocket door
SAVING 3 & 4 = £4,000
1.The architect proposed replacing the current doors so they match the other new windows being installed. There is nothing wrong with them other than being the wrong colour (white uPVC, don’t get me started)
DECISION = Paint existing uPVCS
MONEY SAVED ON = Trades & external door
2. The architect proposed replacing doors to the garden with a fixed window. Whilst this is a nice design touch the cleint felt it wasn’t necessary so exisiting doors will be retained and painted
DECISION = Keep existing door & paint
MONEY SAVED ON = Trades & window
SAVING 5 = £1,000
The architect proposed installing full height units but upon reviewing the items the clients need to stored in the utility we realised it is not required.
DECISION = Install undercounter units
MONEY SAVED ON = Trades & bespoke units
We Spent Some Money Too….
Spend 1
The clients were considering installing a dog wash area in the utility room. This would mean taking the dirty dog through the hallway. Instead I proposed adding an outside tap so the dog only enters clean!
DECISION = Install outside tap at front of house
SPEND 2
The Architect proposed a single door to the new hallway, we felt a double door would suit the size of the hall and front of the house better.
DECISION = Install double opening front door rather than a single door.
If you're planning a renovation or extension and you're not sure if your plans are as efficient as they could be, it's always worth asking a professional to take a second look. A few small changes on paper can save thousands during construction.
Have you come across anything in your own project that surprised you or helped you save money? I'd love to hear about it please do hit reply to share!