Here’s a story about Jeff and Susan. Susan reached out to us one spring afternoon. They were thrilled—they had been working on their dream home project for the past eight months. They had all the architectural plans, structural engineering, and everything was RTI (ready to issue for permitting). It was an exciting time for them to finally start the large whole house remodel and 850 square foot addition they had envisioned.
But here’s where things took a turn. After investing months of planning, tens of thousands of dollars, and waiting for city approvals, they began the bidding process with General Contractors. After weeks of obtaining multiple bids, they were ready to discuss the final numbers.
When we met with Jeff and Susan at their home to go over our bid, they were hopeful. They mentioned they liked our company and were eager to get started. But when we presented our best price of $350,000, their excitement turned to shock. They had a budget of $200,000 and couldn’t understand how the estimates were so far off.
Unfortunately, this is a situation we see all too often. Jeff and Susan had not been prepared for the real costs of their project. Their early planners hadn’t discussed budget in a way that aligned with the actual scope of work, leading to a huge disconnect.
The real issue is a lack of coordination and communication about budgeting early in the process. Architecture, engineering, city planning, construction, and design all play critical roles, but without a clear understanding of the costs from the outset, homeowners can be left blindsided.
This is why it’s so important to have an advocate early in the process—someone who looks at the project holistically and ensures the budget aligns with the plans. We’re here to be that advocate for you. By reviewing all aspects of your project upfront—plans, design, and most importantly, budget—we can help you avoid surprises and keep your dream project on track from day one.
If you’re starting to think about a remodel or addition, reach out to us early. We’re here to ensure that your vision aligns with your budget, so there are no surprises down the road. Let’s get it right from the start.
Tim and Angela Ryan
