What is Budget Planning?
Budget Planning is a free feature in RoomEnhance that helps you manage renovation finances with multiple budget scenarios. Create budgets for different rooms or projects, allocate funds across categories, and compare options before committing.
Key Benefits
- No credit cost - Budget planning is free to use
- Multiple budgets - Create as many as you need
- Category allocation - Distribute funds smartly
- Side-by-side comparison - Compare up to 2 budgets
- Real-time tracking - Update allocations instantly
Creating a Budget
Step 1: Open Budget Planning
Navigate to Budget Planning from the sidebar or go directly to /budget-planning.
Step 2: Click "New Budget"
Click the orange "New Budget" button in the top right corner. This opens the budget creation form.
Step 3: Fill in Budget Details
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Name | A descriptive name (e.g., "Kitchen Remodel 2026") | Yes |
| Total Amount | Your total budget in dollars | Yes |
| Room Type | Select from Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, etc. | Yes |
| Project Type | Renovation, Remodel, Refresh, or New Build | Yes |
| Description | Optional notes about the project | No |
Step 4: Save and View
Click "Create Budget" to save. You'll be taken to the Budget Dashboard to allocate funds.
Using the Budget Dashboard
When you select a budget, the Dashboard view opens with:
Budget Overview Card
- Total budget amount
- Amount allocated vs. remaining
- Progress bar visualization
- Quick stats summary
Category Allocation
Distribute your budget across categories:
- Materials - Flooring, paint, tiles
- Labor - Contractor and installation costs
- Fixtures - Lighting, plumbing fixtures
- Furniture - New furniture pieces
- Decor - Accessories and finishing touches
- Contingency - Buffer for unexpected costs
Adjusting Allocations
- Click on any category amount
- Enter the new dollar amount
- The remaining budget updates automatically
- View the percentage breakdown
Comparing Budgets
Need to compare renovation scenarios? The Compare view helps you decide.
Step 1: Access Compare Mode
From the Budget Overview, click "Compare Budgets" (requires 2+ budgets).
Step 2: Select Budgets
Choose two budgets from the dropdown menus to compare side-by-side.
Step 3: Review Differences
The comparison shows:
- Total budget amounts
- Category-by-category breakdown
- Percentage allocations
- Visual bar charts
- Difference calculations
Tips for Success
Start with Research
Use Cost Analysis on your designs first to understand real product costs before setting your budget.
Include Contingency
Always allocate 10-15% for unexpected expenses. Renovations often reveal surprises.
Update Regularly
As you get quotes and make purchases, update your allocations to stay on track.
Duplicate for Scenarios
Use the duplicate feature to create "what-if" budget variations without starting over.
Link to Projects
Connect budgets to your Projects for a complete view of designs and finances together.