Why should I tell my designer my budget?
Approaching the subject of budget can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game of Poker with no one wishing to show their hand for fear of losing out. What if they spend everything I have, I wouldn’t know? How can I guarantee I’m getting the best deal?
In this article, Richard Carter - Managing Director, explains why it is crucial to talk openly about budget whilst exploring new kitchen or bathroom design possibilities.
It is always a great pleasure to spend time with new clients getting excited about design possibilities, finishes, materials and appliances. Add in a decent cup of fresh coffee and some fudge while we do it, and I am struggling to think of a better way to spend my time at work.
Often, the elephant in the room can cause an unnecessary challenge: a client's budget. It is easy and very convenient to avoid this question. We think to ourselves; we are having such a lovely time, I'm sure we can discuss the price at another time. However, the sooner a discussion around budget occurs, the better and I will explain why.
HOW CAN TELLING THE DESIGNER MY BUDGET HELP ME?
The likelihood is that you have come to us for a bespoke solution. A kitchen, bathroom or living space designed to suit you, your needs, property, lifestyle and very importantly, your budget.
We do our best to tailor our advice from the moment we meet you, introducing you to products and solutions of differing cost to judge your reaction. Our designers will also ask questions that indicate to us at what level of spend you are comfortable.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHAT MY BUDGET NEEDS TO BE?
Some clients genuinely do not know how much they need or want to spend on their kitchen or bathroom project. They may not have carried out a project of this kind for many years or indeed, ever. In these instances, our team will provide you with ballpark figures as a guide to inform your decisions as you move forward with your research.
WHAT IF MY BUDGET IS INADEQUATE?
One or two clients told us that they had felt nervous about disclosing their budget as they feared it might be inadequate. Please don't ever feel this way. An investment in home improvement is often the most considerable sum of money you will ever spend, other than purchasing the house itself and nobody is judging.
If we do not have the product offering that makes us a good fit for your project, somebody else will. If we can enjoy a chat and offer you some friendly advice while you are with us, we hope your visit to Hobsons Choice was still worthwhile.
WON’T MY DESIGNER MAX OUT MY BUDGET IF I TELL THEM?
Occasionally clients may feel that they wish to withhold a budget from their designer. We assume that there is a concern that we will present a proposal that purposely maxes out the budget provided or worse still, is inflated to do so.
I can assure you that this is never the case. A Hobson's Choice proposal costing is carried out after the design has been developed. If your designer is unaware of the exact figure you wish to spend whilst creating a layout and specification, they will use their professional judgement accordingly. They will select products, finishes, etc., that will most likely stay within their perception of your budget.
In all the years I have been doing this, I cannot recall one occasion where over-specifying or inflating the price could ever have been an option. I am constantly fighting hard in the other direction to try and deliver a proposal that does not exceed a specified budget, whilst providing the best design possible, value for money and entirely satisfying a client's brief.
BEFORE YOU VISIT
I would encourage anyone about to visit a kitchen or bathroom specialist to:
Give a lot of thought to your budget before you leave home.
If you are not sure, then try asking yourself this. For the perfect scheme would I be happy to spend £10,000? £20,000, £30,000? etc. You will reach a point when you say; I am definitely not spending that much! You are now getting closer to knowing what your budget is.
Be open with your designer and lead the conversation about budgets. Never feel intimidated or uncomfortable doing this. Use the designer's expertise and knowledge to explore how to get the most out of your budget. Ask them to explain which factors affect the price of the kitchen or bathroom. (See our guides 'How much does a Kitchen cost?' and 'How much does a Bathroom cost?'
IN CONCLUSION
You will know that you have found the right designer and company to work with; you can feel it. You will trust that they are focused on delivering you the very best value for money because they will have explained and answered all of your questions and alleviated any concerns.
My sincere advice is to talk openly with your designer about your budget expectations in early discussions. If you want your designer to work effectively and efficiently on your project, saving you and them time, you must give them an honest target to work towards.
Be it £10,000 or £100,000; it is just as important to see value in every penny.