Great question! It still blows my mind when contractors throw out numbers without a solid plan—it’s just asking for unexpected costs and headaches later on.

My approach is different. As a home renovation designer, I take the time to create a detailed plan for your project before we talk pricing. This means working through everything, from the layout and materials to the tiny details (like the number and type of doors).

This way, you’ll get an accurate estimate upfront and avoid any surprise costs down the road. Whether it’s a finished basement renovation, or a full-scale overhaul, I promise to make sure everything is well-planned for a smooth process.

Unlike other contractors, throwing out a lump sum, I break everything down into line items by trade (electrical, plumbing, etc.). This way, you can clearly see where your money is going. In addition, you can expect:

• "Who’s supplying what": I’ll clearly note whether you’re providing something (like tile or door knobs) or if it’s included in my pricing.

• Realistic allowances: It is common for contractors to provide low or unrealistic allowances to win a bid. I do not want you to experience any “I gotcha moments” with me. We include practical, mid-range allowances for things like finishes and fixtures. 

• Detailed specs: I’ll get specific about materials we’ll be using—like "solid core doors" instead of just "doors."

Most importantly, this detailed approach helps you make informed decisions and ensures we’re on the same page right from the start.

I get really frustrated when contractors throw in unrealistically low allowances just to win the bid—it leads to surprise costs later, and that’s not how we work. That’s why we include realistic/mid-level allowances in our estimates. 

If your finish selections end up costing less than the allowance, you get the difference as a credit. Who doesn’t love getting money back on their home renovation!?

Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to select and supply your own finish materials. In fact, when you work with us, I create a collaborative spreadsheet that gives a clear, comprehensive view of all the materials needed, along with their specs, assignments, and urgency levels—so you’ll know exactly where to focus every step of the way.

If you choose to use our finish selection and procurement design services, you’ll also have access to our network of trusted B2B vendors, plus expert advice and guidance. I’ll also manage the procurement process to ensure everything arrives on time and keeps your project running smoothly.