WHAT WILL IT COST?
When we get on the phone with a potential client, we both have questions. Theirs typically include questions about MY costs. Mine typically include questions about THEIR numbers and scope (keeping in mind, this is just ONE question of many and the one I am highlighting here.)
theirs...
How much will your services cost?
Mine...
What are you looking to do? How much do you want to invest?
We absolutely appreciate the concerns over cost but when asked on the initial phone call how much our fees will be, before we have a scope of work and before we’ve even seen the house… it is challenging to answer!
There are many things to consider prior to landing on a number for your project. Both in terms of our fees, as well as your end budget.
Before we even talk numbers, we let you describe the project to us, your wants, needs and goals. Then we run though a list of questions in order to gain a better understanding of the scope. Have you noticed I’ve said “numbers” rather than “budget”? Because we’re trying to figure out if what you want to achieve is falling in line with the numbers you’re sharing.
This analogy may help…
You are describing your dream car, the way it looks, how it drives, the features it has. It sounds like your dream car is a Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV. You know, the one Roy drives in Ted Lasso. I know it too, because I love Roy and I love that car he drives.
However, when we start talking money, the numbers you’re describing start looking like a Kia Sportage. Something just isn’t adding up!
Does your budget reflect a Merecedes G Wagon or a Kia Sportage?
Most clients come to the table with a number in their head (sometimes pulled from thin air, based on what their friend said, watching unrealistic HGTV shows, or simply based on what you want it to cost). I get it. If I need a new roof but I’ve never investigated a new roof or had it estimated, I will pull a number out that I feel comfortable with. This doesn’t mean it’s realistic. It just means I need to be educated and figure out what my options are for a new roof that will check all my boxes. And if I want those boxes checked, it is more than likely I’m going to have to pay more for that!
We are here to help you determine your budget. But it is going to take a bit of investigating, questioning, estimating and the like. We create budgets for our clients that include a realistic scope of work, our fees and the necessary elements to achieve their goals (be it a new build, renovation or all new furniture and decor).
Here are a few examples of different sized projects and the approximate design fees associated with them*
*Approximate as a project can have many variables that influence design fees
This is just the starting point for us to have a conversation about money, your project, your wishlist and goals. As much as we wish we could answer your questions about exact costs on the first phone call, we need a lot of information to get you to that point. Remember we’re here to help get you to the finish line of designing your dream home…and that includes helping with budgets!
Are you ready to build, renovate or update? Contact us
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