There are two questions we always ask prospective clients. The first one is easy - what’s your go-to drink? The second one usually makes people squirm.
We know ‘What's your budget?’ feels a little direct. But when you have big dreams of your forever home, yet little idea of how much things cost, the budget question is the single most important thing we ask to save you time, money, and disappointment.
A tale of two schemes
Recently, we worked with clients who were refreshingly honest about their budget from day one. We created two schemes:
- Scheme A: Fit their budget, ticked the basics, but honestly, felt a bit meh.
- Scheme B: Cost more upfront but delivered everything on their wish list in one go — no phasing, no upgrades later. A true forever home.
They chose Scheme B. Why? Because they understood with the rising costs of labour and materials getting it right (right now) will unlock long-term value and be far less stressful.
Why we talk money
Most of our clients arrive with a long wish list: a walk-in wardrobe, a luxurious master suite, an entertaining-worthy kitchen/diner, but if we don't talk money early, none of it happens the way they’d like.
Design is all about decisions, and your budget helps us make the right ones. It tells us where to focus, what to prioritise, where we can be ambitious and where we need to be clever.
We also ask:
- What doesn't work in your current home?
- Why this site? What drew you to it — the view, the garden, the privacy?
- What matters most — the kitchen, the number of bedrooms, the entertaining space?
- Are you planning to stay here long-term, or is this a stepping stone?
These questions get to the heart of what you need — not just what looks good in Living Etc.
But, we get it. You don't always know what things cost, and why should you. That's why we can help you figure out
Hey, we’re not dream crushers!
This isn't about lowering expectations. It’s about resetting them to match reality, so we can do our best work within your parameters. (You’ve heard the line about how creativity loves constraints?)
We'll definitely tell you if something's unrealistic, but we'll also find smart ways to get you close — maybe phasing works, maybe investing in the structure first so upgrades later are straightforward. Good design is about getting the bones of a house right — the flow, the orientation, the opportunities. We know these things aren’t as thrilling as choosing splashback tiles or bifold doors, but these are the things that contribute to whether your home is effective, comfortable, and efficient.
Beyond the budget
A well-designed home supports you not just now, but in five years from now when the kids need their own space or thirty years when stairs might matter.
That's why, beyond the money question, we ask about your priorities:
- What are the non-negotiables vs. the nice-to-haves?
- How do you imagine life unfolding in this space?
If you're planning a build or renovation, be honest. Tell us the real numbers, share your wish list and be open about what matters most. We'll bring the creativity, the realism, and the straight-talking advice!
Ready to talk budget, dreams, and everything in between? Let’s chat.
