12 Essentials for Designing Your Forever Home: Setting a Realistic Budget

Step 3 in Designing Your Forever Home: Setting a Realistic Budget

Establishing a realistic budget is one of the most important steps in designing your forever home. A well-thought-out budget helps you stay on track, make informed decisions, and avoid unexpected costs that could delay your project.

Working with a Quantity Surveyor from the very beginning is invaluable. They’ll help you build a detailed budget cost plan that captures all your wants and wishes while keeping your financial goals in focus. This early clarity ensures that every design choice is both achievable and aligned with your long-term vision.

It’s also vital to include a contingency buffer - typically 10–15% of your total budget - to protect against unforeseen expenses or late-stage design changes. With this in place, you can remain financially prepared and avoid running out of funds before completion.

Finally, remember that budgeting doesn’t stop when the build is done. Factoring in ongoing maintenance, energy efficiency, and utility costs will help you plan for a home that’s not only beautiful but sustainable and affordable for years to come.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning Your Forever Home

• Have I included a contingency buffer, and what percentage of my total budget does it represent?

• Which design elements would I prioritise if budget constraints required value engineering?

• Which ongoing maintenance or utility costs should be factored into my long-term financial planning?

Ready to Start Planning?

If you’re thinking about your forever home, our team at SPM Consultants can help you create a clear and realistic budget from the start. From setting goals to managing costs and timelines, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Get in touch with us today to start designing a forever home that’s built around your lifestyle - and your budget.