VACAVILLE, CA, Jun 09, 2026—If you’re thinking of updating, you may be in the midst of laying out a budget. Whether you’re just giving your garden a fresh look for spring, or finally locking down your dream kitchen, you want to make sure you have all your bases covered financially before you begin making moves. Below, Stephen Spencer, Bev Dorsett & Sue and Steve Kappel, Broker/Owners of Coldwell Banker - Kappel Gateway offers tips on properly planning your home improvement budget.

Be educated. Don’t just go with the first slab of granite that catches your eye. Research everything from comparative prices to material sources. “If it’s possible, look into purchasing surplus, secondhand, or discounted materials,” says Sue and Steve Kappel.

Be aggressive. Don’t always accept the lowball offer. Instead, aggressively shop for the most reasonable bid. “The most reasonable bid may not necessarily be the cheapest,” explains Sue and Steve Kappel. “Inexpensive, but shoddy, work will only cost you more money in the long run.”

Be informed and involved. After you find a contractor, Sue and Steve Kappel suggests that you should insist that trade discounts on materials be passed on to you, or buy materials yourself. Root out any unnecessary costs written into the contract, and compare payment alternatives – flat vs. hourly rates, for example – and negotiate the more reasonable of the two.

Do what you can. “If possible, do part of the project yourself,” says Sue and Steve Kappel. “Disassembly and prep work can save you hundreds of dollars.” In general, try and avoid labor intensive (read: expensive) design features, such as tiled floors.

Needs vs. wants. Compare needs and wants, and budget accordingly. Once you have pinpointed your needs, see if you can choose less expensive products that will help you achieve the look you’re trying to obtain.

Plan for disaster. The experts suggest setting aside 10-20 percent of your budget to cover unforeseen problems and miscellaneous charges. This will prevent hasty, and costly, decisions down the road.

Do it in stages. “If you can’t afford to pay for the whole project at once, consider taking it on in stages,” says Sue and Steve Kappel.

For more information on low-cost moving, please contact Coldwell Banker - Kappel Gateway at info@kappelgateway.com, 707-427-5344, or Coldwell Banker - Kappel Gateway.