How to avoid going over budget when remodelling

Keep luxury items to a wish list
One of the most exciting and hands-on parts of the building process is buying your statement pieces. However, it is also the one that can get you into the most trouble. Spending £3,000 on a stone bath and then discovering the foundations need further underpinning is the most sure-fire way to bazooka your budget. Don't commit to buying expensive tiles, flooring and statement pieces until you know the essential construction work has been done without any unforeseen costs.

Research carefully before you buy
The trick to successful budgeting is seeing your heart's desire and then working out how you can imitate it cheaply. Scour the high-end shops and catalogues for inspiration, then do the same at the cheaper stores and work out how to re-create the look. The Internet is a wonderful tool for this.

Mix and match
Don't be afraid to mix and match from different suppliers; example, source cheap white kitchen cabinets and spend the money on stainless steel pan drawers, fridge/freezer and a stainless steel range cooker. You don't have to buy your shower head from the same supplier as your shower door. Sometimes, you could even dress up your existing bathroom suite by adding new shower glazing, taps and tiling etc.

Keep one person responsible for the job
A common temptation is to try and cut costs by using the kitchen supplier's kitchen fitters, your own electrician or a friend to help with the plumbing. This can be very dangerous as organising their timescales with your main build team can get very complicated, causing problems and delays. It will generally cost you more money than it will save. Ensure your builder is happy to also act as overall project manager; if not, be prepared to be very busy with this role yourself. Alternatively, look at appointing a separate project manager or quantity surveyor who can oversee the job and control the spending.

Felix Milns is a journalist, property developer and building contractor. His company, Zulufish Ltd, specialises in design-led refurbishment, extensions and conversions in west and south west London. For more information contact Felix@zulufish.co.uk.