I recently finished a consultation for a client who can't decide whether to spend between $100k-$150k ( a gustimate budget based on the scope) on a home reno or do minimal updates to list the home. The main projects would be the kitchen and primary bathroom remodel, both rooms a full gut job, new flooring (home is 2,300sq/ft), interior paint, laundry room cabinets, closet expansion, and a guest bathroom and half bath refresh. There are things that they don't love about the home that can't be changed like a busy road and drive to work/school, and it is a weird layout/built like they were making it up as they went along (never seen anything like it) so structurally there aren't a lot of options to remain in that budget.. But their home is paid off, and their concern is that they wouldn't find another home within their budget that they could make what they want style-wise since they've been in their home for 11 years. The kitchen would require knocking out a wall and adding space for a dining area. They would like me to share the scope of work along with a layout mockup, not design, just to see if their kitchen could accomodate what they're looking for. They seem to be great clients and very open to suggestions and I'd be happy working with them, but I'd like thoughts on a few things: 1) Thoughts on pros vs cons of staying at their current home or finding another where they could do a smaller/less costly reno? I know I can't make that decision for them. 2) Does the budget seem doable and how much would you charge for design services? My concern is that different trades charge so differently depending on who you use. 3)They also would like a guestimate on adding a sunroom onto the back of the house.. has anyone done this or have a price idea? 4) I don't have a contractor that I feel confident could tackle this size of a project, and they would like someone who can manage all the trades which is not something I can take on at this time. Would you send them a few people that were recommended to myself and tell them they can vet them themselves, but also for them to keep in mind I've never worked directly with them? Other ideas?

I’m just now hearing the term “spec book”. What is that?

Do I have to worry about reporting resale tax monthly if I don’t even have a single client yet? Just don’t wanna get in trouble with the IRS. I haven’t reported anything yet and my business started in September.

I currently use Studio Designer but am thinking about switching to Emilee’s recommendation of Design Files. Anyone have pros and cons? I like that clients can see their invoices and portals on Studio Designer of when things are receiving or shipped and also that it integrates invoices and billing.

Happy Monday! Excited to see some new faces inside this lovely community! 💖 I would love to get some feedback from everyone and see what some of your biggest struggles are inside your design journey- whether you have your business up and running, maybe you're doing design projects on the side, maybe you are trying to become a designer!? Everyone is on a unique journey... Drop your insights below and let's chat! 👋