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Artisan Design
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Contenido patrocinado
Pro Spotlight: How Not to Bust Your Kitchen Remodel Budget
A Tampa kitchen designer reveals ways to get what you want at a price you can afford
Contenido patrocinado
Who: Ralph Mills of Artisan Design
Where: Tampa, Florida
In his own words: “Many remodel clients have a champagne appetite but only have budgets to buy beer.”
You’ve been putting off that kitchen remodel for years, and you’ve finally decided it’s time. You show your designer your “new kitchen” ideabook only to discover that the look you want is way out of your price range.
That’s not uncommon, says Ralph Mills, creative director of Artisan Design, a kitchen, bath and interior design firm in Tampa. “We often have clients seeking designs, layouts, building services and finishes that surpass their intended budget,” he says. ”Most clients have no idea how to budget for their project.”
Where: Tampa, Florida
In his own words: “Many remodel clients have a champagne appetite but only have budgets to buy beer.”
You’ve been putting off that kitchen remodel for years, and you’ve finally decided it’s time. You show your designer your “new kitchen” ideabook only to discover that the look you want is way out of your price range.
That’s not uncommon, says Ralph Mills, creative director of Artisan Design, a kitchen, bath and interior design firm in Tampa. “We often have clients seeking designs, layouts, building services and finishes that surpass their intended budget,” he says. ”Most clients have no idea how to budget for their project.”
A surprise passion. Mills stumbled into construction by mistake, jumping in to help a friend in construction management the summer before graduate school. “Suddenly I found my passion for kitchen design, along with my ability to embellish designs and cutting-edge finishes,” he says. “Since that time, I haven’t looked back. I find a sense of renewed excitement each and every time I work with a new client.”
Inspired from the start. “I’m always inspired when I begin to discuss a potential project or design with a client,” Mills says. “Once we’re actually in the position to implement it, I get so excited. Each project is unique and a new opportunity to create something great.”
Jump into planning your kitchen remodel using Mills’ tips to help ensure that you stay within your budget.
Jump into planning your kitchen remodel using Mills’ tips to help ensure that you stay within your budget.
1. See the Result First
It can be difficult for homeowners to visualize the final product at the beginning of a project. Mills recommends that you ask to see images of previous jobs during your brainstorming sessions with your designer. He also uses 3-D or computer-aided-design (CAD) renderings. “They can help us show homeowners exactly how their new space will look, so there are no surprises, last-minute add-ons or budget-busting changes,” he says.
Clients in Tampa often travel to Europe and wanted to update their kitchen and living spaces to feel like a Tuscan villa. “We achieved this with previews of photography, colored images and CAD drawings specific to their space,” Mills says. “The images guided them to their ultimate living spaces, which included a gourmet kitchen with lots of space for their family to gather during holidays.”
See more of this project
It can be difficult for homeowners to visualize the final product at the beginning of a project. Mills recommends that you ask to see images of previous jobs during your brainstorming sessions with your designer. He also uses 3-D or computer-aided-design (CAD) renderings. “They can help us show homeowners exactly how their new space will look, so there are no surprises, last-minute add-ons or budget-busting changes,” he says.
Clients in Tampa often travel to Europe and wanted to update their kitchen and living spaces to feel like a Tuscan villa. “We achieved this with previews of photography, colored images and CAD drawings specific to their space,” Mills says. “The images guided them to their ultimate living spaces, which included a gourmet kitchen with lots of space for their family to gather during holidays.”
See more of this project
2. Know Your Must-Haves
We all have things in our kitchens that we couldn’t do without. Decide which features are necessary — for example, two dishwashers, extra storage for seasonal dishes or a coffee bar, Mills advises. “Then you can determine what you’d like to splurge on, and save money on the elements of the kitchen you wouldn’t necessarily need or use.”
The same Tampa clients are nationwide suppliers for spices and food products, and they wanted their new kitchen to include pullout spaces and storage for the spices they bring home from their travels. Among Mills’ additions was this deep pantry with pullout shelving.
We all have things in our kitchens that we couldn’t do without. Decide which features are necessary — for example, two dishwashers, extra storage for seasonal dishes or a coffee bar, Mills advises. “Then you can determine what you’d like to splurge on, and save money on the elements of the kitchen you wouldn’t necessarily need or use.”
The same Tampa clients are nationwide suppliers for spices and food products, and they wanted their new kitchen to include pullout spaces and storage for the spices they bring home from their travels. Among Mills’ additions was this deep pantry with pullout shelving.
3. Leave Some Wiggle Room
Unexpected costs come up when problems like faulty wiring, plumbing or mold reveal themselves during the renovation process. “Be sure to leave some extra money in your budget to ensure that unforeseen costs will be covered,” Mills says. “Aesthetic upgrades for decorative lighting, hardware or countertops may also take up that wiggle room.”
The owners of this Tampa home embarked on a kitchen remodel and left some space in their budget for the unexpected. “They later decided to upgrade their plumbing and changed the type of sink that they wanted, which added to the cost,” Mills says. “Since they had set money aside, the changes were made without a second thought.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ralph Mills and examples of his work, visit Artisan Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Unexpected costs come up when problems like faulty wiring, plumbing or mold reveal themselves during the renovation process. “Be sure to leave some extra money in your budget to ensure that unforeseen costs will be covered,” Mills says. “Aesthetic upgrades for decorative lighting, hardware or countertops may also take up that wiggle room.”
The owners of this Tampa home embarked on a kitchen remodel and left some space in their budget for the unexpected. “They later decided to upgrade their plumbing and changed the type of sink that they wanted, which added to the cost,” Mills says. “Since they had set money aside, the changes were made without a second thought.”
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ralph Mills and examples of his work, visit Artisan Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Valoración de C Nance:
This is my second renovation project with Artisan Design. I have no reservations giving Artisan (Ralph and Joe) my highest recommendation.
The project in 2023 had a few challenges but the Artisan tea...Más
what can you do with metal cabinets? looking to just sell home and refresh. thank you
I am on a very limited budget and have a condo which it is important not to over spend on projects. This has resulted in becoming an expert shopper on finding the best deals. My project cost x 4 more than spent with impressive "wow" results. I would love to get a part time job assisting others in their projects. Any ideas how to get such a job?