Whether
a designer loses track of the budget or runs out of time to return a few items,
the result is the same. In seasons, the overspending had to be paid out of the
designer's pocket to the host. In season: Family, however, the designer must
remove items from the room to ensure the redesign is within the spending limit.
Although you may not hear much about the budget until the end of an episode, in
the real world you need to determine your budget up front and keep a close eye
on how much you're spending throughout the process.
The designers do this too; the cameras focus more on the action and
entertainment of the makeovers and less on the planning. To figure out how much
money you'll need for supplies and materials, turn to the "Budget Workshop".
This collection of tips, worksheets, and calculators will help you peg down
costs before you shop, so you'll know how much cash you realistically need to
get the job done.
Also
check out the cast of characters, opposite, and see if you recognize anyone. Though
the personality descriptions are tongue- in-cheek, you'll find some nuggets of
truth in them. Use what you discover about your money attitudes to help keep
spending in check or to encourage yourself to spend a little more freely,
depending on your budgeting character.
Then,
with your own budget and spending style in mind, turn the pages to learn how to
decorate in layers and phases. You may recognize yourself in one or two of these
characters. Make an honest assessment and use what you learn to improve your
budget decisions.
