# Define the scope and budget for my kitchen or bath renovation

A clear scope with must-dos, wants, and cuts, a realistic budget split by category, and a contingency fund before you talk to anyone.

- Topic: Productivity & Planning
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Finance, Plan, Code, Fill-in Template, Step-by-step
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/define-the-scope-and-budget-for-my-kitchen-or-bath-renovation

## Prompt

```text
Help me define the scope and budget for my renovation. This is step 1 of renovating my kitchen or bathroom.

**Room:** [kitchen / bathroom - size and current layout]
**What's wrong with it now:** [e.g. "no counter space, cabinets falling apart, poor lighting"]
**What I want:** [WISH LIST]
**Budget:** [MAX AMOUNT and how I'm paying - savings, loan, credit]
**Home age and known issues:** [e.g. "1960s house, old wiring, slow drain"]
**How long I plan to stay:** [YEARS]
**DIY skills:** [none / some painting and demo / experienced]

Do this:
1. Sort my wish list into must-do (safety, function, failing parts), want, and nice-to-have. Point out whether moving plumbing, gas, or walls is driving the cost, and what keeping the current layout could save.
2. Split my budget across typical categories: design, demolition, cabinets, counters, fixtures, appliances, flooring, electrical, plumbing, labor, permits, and finishes. Mark all percentages and costs as [CONFIRM with local quotes].
3. Set a contingency of 10-20% (higher for older homes) and say what it covers: hidden rot, old wiring, mold, code upgrades.
4. Flag work that usually needs a permit and a licensed pro (electrical, plumbing, gas, structural) - rules vary by location.
5. Suggest a budget version, a mid version, and the version I described, with what changes between them.

Return a one-page scope summary and a budget table (Category | Low | High | Notes). Keep it - next I'll turn it into a design brief.
```

## What to fill in

- kitchen / bathroom - size and current layout
- WISH LIST
- MAX AMOUNT and how I'm paying - savings, loan, credit
- e.g. "1960s house, old wiring, slow drain"
- YEARS
- none / some painting and demo / experienced
- CONFIRM with local quotes

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.