Why Setting a Budget Before Hiring a Contractor is a Game-Changer

Embarking on a home renovation or construction project—whether it’s a brand-new stunning bathroom remodel, a modern kitchen renovation, or a beautiful new deck to enjoy the views that the Uncompahgre Valley offers — can ignite a spark of excitement, but with it may come some anxiety. We have found that the number 1 reason people dread remodels is the fear of keeping the project from getting out of hand financially. 

Before you consult with contractors or print blueprints, one critical step will set your project up for success: establishing a clear budget. We have provided nearly 1,000 remodels to homeowners across Montrose, Delta, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. We continually look for ways to improve the remodel process for our clients because we love happy customers. Clients who come to us with a financial plan for a project before setting up an initial walk-through have a much better experience than those who have not yet done so.

We’ve seen how a well-defined budget prevents stress, aligns expectations, and aligns a quality standard for the result. Clients who skip the budgeting step risk unexpected costs, subpar results, or buyer’s remorse. This post will explain why setting a budget up front is critical. By the end, you’ll see how this simple act will empower you to choose the right contractor and bring your vision to life while hedging your financial surprises and meeting your expectations. 

Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Research Project Costs

Before inviting contractors to price your project—be it a house re-roof, siding installation, a concrete patio, or a stunning remodel—it pays to do your homework. Researching average costs for your specific project gives you a solid starting point. In the Uncompahgre Valley, permitting requirements and material availability vary from county to county. For example, permitting, regulations, and supply availability affect Delta County and Ouray County construction prices. 

Online searches can help with this, but make sure you are specific about your area. For example, the remodel cost in Alabama is much different from that in Colorado. Likewise, there are differences in costs between what you would find in Denver and what you would find in Ridgway. The 1776 blog posts can also provide resources to help figure out a ballpark starting point. 

If you struggle to pin down a budget, 1776 Contractors can help. We can offer a quick, non-intensive price assessment based on similar projects we’ve recently completed.

Pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Labor and materials drive costs, but not all bids are equal. The contractor’s experience, craftsmanship standards, and definition of a “quality project” create vast differences. Quality is often subjective, but experienced contractors know how to measure it. A seasoned contractor addresses this by offering clear quality standards that can be custom-tailored to your budget. For example, 1776 Contractors provides five distinct standards to ensure your vision matches the outcome:

• $ Bronze: Prioritizes essentials, minimizing labor and craftsmanship while meeting code requirements.

• $$ Silver: Offers moderate finishes with reliable durability for a balanced approach.

• $$$ Gold: Delivers average to above-average finishes with enhanced details for a polished, standout result.

• $$$$ Platinum: Incorporates some luxury elements like premium materials and custom touches.

• $$$$$ Platinum Plus: Represents luxury, elite craftsmanship, and exceptional longevity.

By selecting a standard that aligns with your budget, you ensure the bid reflects your desired quality, avoiding surprises. 

Choosing the lowest bid is tempting without a budget, only to regret it later. For example, let's say Contractor A gave you a bid that was $5,000 cheaper than Contractor B. You choose Contractor A because they were cheaper, only to find sloppy finishes and shortcuts at completion. When you question the quality, Contractor A shrugs and says, “This is what we bid for.” In reality, Contractor A priced you a lower standard than Contractor B.

Industry experts warn that low bids often hide cut corners, leading to costly repairs down the line. A predefined budget helps you evaluate bids for value, not just price, maximizing your return on investment.

How a Budget Shapes Your Project’s Success

A budget isn’t just a number; it sets financial boundaries, guiding everything from material choices to scope adjustments. Some homeowners hesitate to share their budget, fearing contractors will inflate costs to match it. 

1776’s pricing is straightforward, driven by daily labor costs (which include a whole host of things, like wages and business operational expenses), materials, and their quality. Your budget doesn’t dictate our price—it provides a framework to align your goals with a targeted financial outcome. This allows us to make recommendations to add value, prioritize features that mean the most to you, and craft a detailed scope of work to bring your vision to life.

Sharing your budget early streamlines the process. It enables us to tailor one of our five quality standards to your needs, ensuring the final product matches your expectations without unnecessary revisions. 

Industry studies show that upfront budgeting can save on inefficient planning and contractor fatigue by allowing you to provide price after price/ scenario after scenario instead of working on options within your budget. Over 90% of our projects where the clients set budgets upfront stay on or under budget, which is key for a successful construction experience.

Caution in price comparisons. 

Not all bids are “apples to apples”. Some contractors lowball to win jobs, only for costs to escalate mid-project due to overlooked details or changes. This causes delays, stress, and budget overruns. Our thorough scope of work ensures predictability and safeguards against many oversights. 1776’s track record of on-budget delivery and client satisfaction speaks for itself, as spoken by many happy clients who have left us reviews. Speaking of apples to apples, please inquire about visiting us while you are at Apple Fest in Cedaredge. 

Choosing Experience and Quality: The 1776 Difference

A budget is only as effective as the contractor you hire. Experience and a proven track record are critical for exceptional results. 1776 Contractors has a patriotic dedication to quality, which is reflected in every project and backed by excellent reviews from happy clients. We invite you to compare our client testimonials on Google to those of other contractors—you’ll see why we stand out. Be sure to check out our reviews in both Montrose and Delta. 

Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Contractor

Beyond a budget, any construction project is a considerable investment, and we understand that. Choosing the right contractor protects your investment. Prioritize trustworthiness and reliability. A contractor’s longevity in the community—like our deep roots in the Uncompahgre Valley—signals strong customer service. Unethical contractors don’t last long in tight-knit areas, so scarce information is a red flag. Look for prompt communication and responsiveness as hallmarks of reliability.

Explore websites and reviews. A professional site, like ours at www.1776remodels.com, showcases portfolios and client stories (through reviews), adding legitimacy. Reviews reveal dependability, professionalism, and quality. Consistent praise for punctuality and attention to detail is a good sign. 

Experience matters, too. Seasoned contractors anticipate and address challenges like structural surprises or weather delays efficiently. Ask how they handle unforeseen issues.

Ensure the contractor is qualified to handle the different regulations between Delta, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. A knowledgeable contractor in our area navigates these seamlessly and explains permits clearly. 

Finally, to safeguard both parties, insist on a written contract detailing the budget, scope, timelines, and responsibilities, including the chosen quality standard.

Ready to REVOLUTIONIZE your home?

1776 Contractors know houses inside and out. We have specialized teams that deliver unmatched quality, whether it is a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel, an addition, a home renovation, new siding, new roofing, a deck remodel (including Trex decking), concrete work, excavation, or a new home. Explore our additional blog posts for insights, like our guides on crafting dream outdoor spaces or choosing the best roofing solutions.

We’re honored to bring patriotic pride to every project. Contact us today to discuss your vision. We can’t wait to work with you as your Contractor. 

We serve the Western Colorado Municipalities of Montrose, CO, Delta, CO, Ouray, Olathe, CO, Paonia, Log Hill Village, CO, Cedaredge, CO, Placerville, CO, and Ridgway, as well as Delta County, Montrose County (except the West End), Ouray County, and San-Miguel County.