09/15/2026
"Can I afford everything on my wish list?”
It’s one of the first questions clients ask, and the answer starts with a plan.
Step 1: Create your dream wish list. Everything. No editing. (Location, square footage, level of finishes)
Step 2: With your financial partner, create a realistic budget and then add 10 percent.
Step 3: Give it to your builder. A good builder can turn that wish list into a realistic “wish list budget.”
Step 4: Take a deep breath. Buckle up. Listen to the GC.
Step 5: Start making choices. Unless you’re Bezos, Musk, or Oprah, you’re probably going to have to say “no” to something. 😅
Step 6: Prioritize what matters most to you and your family. Then get your architect and designers moving.
Knowing the numbers before design begins gives you power, not disappointment. Flip Steps 2 and 5, and you may end up with frustration, unfortunate compromises, and wasted time.
Start with the dream. Understand the budget. Then design with confidence.