Small homes and studios
Living zone Budget and Scope for Small homes and studios
Compare like-for-like scopes by separating base work, specialist items and upgrades before requesting a quote.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- List the functions the finished space must support, then assign items to base scope or upgrades.
- Compare
- Get quantities and materials described consistently across quotes. Ask who covers making good and waste removal.
- Before buying
- Set aside a contingency for survey-dependent work and price likely substitutions before choosing finishes.
Worked example
A living room proposal bundles custom media joinery with paint, lighting and loose furniture.
Separate fixed work from movable pieces and request a usable base option with the same essential storage and lighting.
How to test it
Read the exclusions back with each supplier and ask what must be purchased or arranged separately.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Anchor seating on a wall and preserve a central route; use a movable table rather than fixed dividers.
- Detail
- Choose a sofa with hidden storage and a rug to mark the lounge footprint.
- Trade-off
- A larger sofa improves comfort but limits hosting and sleeping flexibility.
- Mock furniture footprints with tape
- Check clear route to windows and entry
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
