We always say – everyone has a budget. Whether your budget is $500,000.00 or $5,000,000.00. You have to be smart as to where you put those dollars when building a custom home or remodel. It ends up being a financial balancing act of where to splurge and where to save. This process can, at times, become overwhelming and confusing. This is why many people like to consult with their remodeller to decide on this. Palo Alto home remodeling contractors Hammerschmidt Construction have a design – build process for better outcomes, which can help you isolate where to save and where to splurge. It is extremely important that you have trust in your builder to steer you in the right direction when it comes to making these important decisions.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind: Spend on systems that are built to last and save on the features that can be easily replaced. Here are some examples:

A good “splurge” would be on windows. Opt for energy efficient, upgraded windows that will end up saving you money on your electricity bill for years to come.

A good “save” option would be to opt for chrome plumbing fixtures in lieu of polished nickel. It will give you a similar look without breaking the bank. And these fixtures could be easily replaced in the years to come.

Another good “splurge” would be radiant heating underneath your floors. This system saves energy and improves quality of life. You could pair this with implementing an energy monitoring system to help keep an eye on the general energy usage in the house and help pair down costs down the line. Plenty of these exist, with Emporia Energy as one example, and they all offer homeowners the chance to get their energy use back under control, especially when it comes to radiant heating. Speaking of, aside from the benefits, a system like this would be a nightmare to install later and end up costing you more.

Another good “save” option would be by using a remnant for countertops. These are left over pieces of granite or quartz, that usually work great in places such as a powder room, wet bar, etc.

Huge Savings Tip: Take advantage of builder’s pricing on appliances. Most appliance manufacturers have discount programs in place for home builders. Make sure those discounts are being passed along to you. Also make sure you hire a reputable and professional home building company for example Saussy Burbank as well as many more.

The bottom line? Set priorities and budget for them. While certain areas (structural integrity, safety, insulation) are places where no one should scrimp, pretty much everything else is up for interpretation. So take your time, set your top priorities for your project and stick with decisions that make sense for you – both now and in the long term.