Renovation Budget Toolkit

Posted by Rachael Smith (06 August 2025)

Designing a custom home or planning a major remodelling is exciting but without clear expectations, costs can quickly spiral. Many projects go over budgets not due to carelessness, but because of gaps in communication.

This is why we created the Renovation Budget Toolkit: a practical guide to help you plan with clarity and confidence. It is designed to help you build a clear realistic budget that aligns with your vision, supports your brief and helps avoids surprises along the way.

Renovation Budget Toolkit

Designing a custom home or planning a major remodelling is exciting but without clear expectations, costs can quickly spiral.  Many projects go over budgets not due to carelessness, but because of gaps in communication.

Contractors often quote just for construction only, leaving out VAT, finishes, or design fees.  Architects may give an “all-in” figure, but miss key costs like structural work, planning, or interiors.  These mismatches lead to confusion and expensive surprises.   

This is why we created the Renovation Budget Toolkit: a practical guide to help you plan with clarity and confidence.  It is designed to help you build a clear realistic budget that aligns with your vision, supports your brief and helps avoids surprises along the way.

   

Why This Toolkit Matters

Your budget is the foundation of your project.  It helps you:

• Make informed design decisions

• Stay aligned with your team

• Avoid wasting time and money

This guide will help you:

• Understand the full scope of your renovation budget

• Speak the same language as your contractor and architect

• Design a home you love - and can afford to build, avoid wasting time and money.

Take Control of Costs

A well-planned budget shows:

• How much you can spend

• Where your money is going

• What to change if costs shift

Without a budget, overspending becomes dangerously easy - especially when inspired by beautiful finishes, social media images or bold design choices.

Design to Support You at Every Stage

This toolkit walks you though the essential steps of building a budget, that works for you - from setting priorities, understanding key cost drivers and prepare for surprises.  Use it as a working document throughout your project - refining, adjusting and updating as needed.  Let’s lay the foundation for a home that reflects your vision - and respects your budget.

Click on the link: https://lighthousestudio.kit.com/renovationbudgettoolkit

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

If you have this guide useful, we would love to help you with your project.  We’re here to help you find the best fit for your budget, needs and the scope of project.  Let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life, while keeping everything on track.    


Let’s build something together

Whether you’re ready to start a project or just exploring ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s talk about what’s possible.