Reality

Here's the thing. It would be nice to have a larger budget than the one that we do have. Everything costs money, even when you think that you're being thoughtful with your budget.

Want a darker shade of siding? $

Tile that isn't 12x12 and boring? $$

Quartz countertops and painted cabinets? $$$

And at the end of the day there are a million other costs that aren't even wrapped up in getting into the house itself, such as grass and landscaping and oh yes, furniture. 

But there are places to save as well.

Interesting tile and under-floor heating? DIY.

Accent walls? DIY.

Custom mantel? DIY.

So it's pretty awesome that we've found a builder who is happy to let us put our stamp on our house as we go along. Now it's a matter of sourcing materials and more than that, time, so that we can make it all happen.