Remodeling = Over Budget

We started remodeling our home last week. We are going to place tile in the upstairs bathrooms and the entry-ways. We are also going to replace the carpet throughout the house. The existing carpet is the original carpet from 15 years ago. It has gone through multiple kids, pets, cleaning, and stains. It is a dark green color that was really in 15 years ago.

We figured we had about 3600 dollars to accomplish the remodeling we wanted. Well, the carpet we picked out took all of the budget. In fact, it almost took 150 percent of the budget. Then, to do the tile work, it will take about 700 dollars more. Then, we started tearing up the existing carpet in our family room and discovered that a section of floor by the stairs had sunk about 2 inches. To install carpet correctly, that needs to be fixed. To get it fixed, it will take another 850 dollars. In addition, to install the carpet may take more than what we have already paid for because some tackstrips in our family room need to be replaced due to the fact that they have been through cleanings and pets.

In addition to all the cost, the time is taking twice as long as we had hoped. To get the cement floor fixed, it's about 1 to 2 weeks out. Once that is fixed, the tile will then go in. Depending on our neighbor's schedule, that may be another week. Then, we can schedule the carpet installation. To slow things down even more, we need to get these projects done on weekends because that's when there aren't any extra kids in here and there are less trips in and out of the house.

The motto of remodeling: Always double your finance and time budgets when doing remodeling.