Budgeting for Your Custom Home or Renovation: The True Cost of a Successful Project

The Hidden Truth About Homebuilding Budgets

If you’re considering building a custom home or undertaking a significant renovation, one of the most important steps you’ll take is creating a budget. Yet, for many homeowners, budgets are often limited to the most obvious line item: construction costs.

In reality, a successful custom home or renovation involves more than just bricks and mortar. At RS Mannino, we guide our clients to develop a comprehensive project budget that reflects the true cost of achieving a legacy-level home — beautifully designed, skillfully built, and fully furnished.

What Does a Complete Project Budget Include?

We encourage every client to plan for these four essential categories:

1. Construction Costs

This is the hard cost of building—labor, materials, sitework, utilities, and everything physically installed on your property. While this is the largest part of the budget, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

2. Design Fees

Custom homes and bespoke renovations require tailored architectural and interior design. Design fees typically range from 8% to 16% of construction costs, depending on project size and complexity. Full-service design includes architectural drawings, interior selections, millwork design, and construction coordination.

3. Consultant Fees

Your project will likely require additional professionals such as:

  • Geotechnical/ Civil Engineer 

  • MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Engineer

  • Landscape Architect

  • Consultants typically add 4%–8% to the project budget. These experts ensure the project is code-compliant, structurally sound, functional and carry the design through to the site.

4. Furnishings, Art, and Decor

  • Often overlooked, but critical to the final result. Custom homes demand furnishings that match the scale, style, and quality of the architecture. A typical furnishings budget may range from 10% to 25% of construction costs, depending on how comprehensive the interior furnishing is.

  • Why Clients Get It Wrong

  • Many clients begin the design process without a full understanding of these categories. They may set aside $2 million for construction but forget to account for:

  • $150K+ for design services

  • $100K+ in consultant fees

  • $300K+ for interior furnishings
    This can lead to tough decisions late in the process — compromises on design, finishes, or furnishings that could have been avoided with a complete budget upfront.

  • How RS Mannino Helps You Budget Smarter

  • As a full-service design-build firm, RS Mannino provides clients with:

  • Early and transparent budget guidance

  • Complete project cost planning

  • Coordination of all design and consultant services

  • Assistance with furnishings and interior packages

  • Our goal is not just to build you a house—but to deliver a beautifully designed, fully coordinated home that reflects your vision and lifestyle, with no surprises along the way.

  • Ready to Plan Your Project the Right Way?

  • Book a Discovery Consultation with us, and we’ll help you align your vision, priorities, and budget for a smooth and successful project.

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