O is for Own your money mindset. 

Let’s get real: If you don’t own your budget, your budget will own you.

I’ve seen it happen too many times—homeowners excited to build or renovate but hesitant to talk numbers. They either don’t want to share their budget out of fear that it will be used against them or they have no idea what things actually cost. 

And that’s where projects go off the rails.

Owning your money mindset isn’t just about knowing your budget. It’s about setting clear expectations, being honest with your team, and staying in control of your finances from start to finish.

Be Upfront About Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is keeping their budget a secret.

Years ago, I had a client who refused to share their budget. So, I designed their dream home—the one they thought they wanted. They loved it. Until they realized it was four times what they could afford.

They assumed their project would cost $125K. It was a $500K build.

If they had shared their budget upfront, we could have designed within their means, saved them time, and avoided unnecessary fees.

Lesson learned: If you don’t trust your architect, designer, or contractor enough to share your budget, you shouldn’t hire them.

Even the wealthiest clients have limits on what they’re willing to spend. The sooner you define yours, the smoother your project will go.

Plan for the Unexpected—Set a Contingency Fund

No matter how well you plan, unexpected costs will come up.

That’s why you need a contingency fund—a percentage of your budget set aside for surprises, changes, or upgrades you can’t resist.

✔️ Found a hidden issue during demo? Covered.
✔️ Decided on higher-end finishes last minute? No stress.
✔️ Need to tweak the design mid-build, like enlarging the shower or making the windows taller? No problem.

Without a contingency, unexpected costs can derail your entire project. With one, you stay flexible and in control.

Own Your Finances—Track Your Spending

Your contractor might keep track of your budget—but that doesn’t mean you should check out.

At the end of the day, it’s your money. Your responsibility.

🔹 Pay attention to invoices.
🔹 Track what’s been spent and what’s left.
🔹 Be proactive, not reactive.

HOT TIP: Use a simple spreadsheet to manage your project finances. If you need help, there’s an easy-to-use budget tracker inside the Home Hub.

Now Take Action

📖 Go to pages 10-11 in your workbook. Let’s walk you through setting a realistic budget and contingency plan.
📝 Fill them out before meeting with your team. This will ensure you’re prepared and making decisions based on real numbers.

Own your budget. Own your project. And let’s keep things on track.