Taking on a dream project is exciting, but without a solid budget, it can quickly turn into a stressful experience. A good rule of thumb is to break your costs into clear categories—things like labor, materials, permits, and those unexpected extras that always seem to pop up.
Before choosing who to work with, try to get at least two or three quotes from different contractors. This not only gives you a better sense of the fair price but also helps you compare the quality of services.
Once the project begins, keep an eye on your spending by tracking expenses weekly. It’s much easier to catch small overruns early than to be shocked at the end.