Discover how Elizabeth Erin Designs helped a local homeowner cut their exterior renovation budget from $268K to $78K—all while upgrading curb appeal and design impact.
When a central Iowa homeowner came to Elizabeth Erin Designs, they had been stuck for over five years trying to finalize their exterior renovation. With multiple architects, an exhausted budget, and countless product changes, the project had hit a wall—until their builder, Andrew Long of Alair Homes, brought us in to help.
Their goal? A high-style, low-maintenance exterior with materials that could withstand Iowa’s seasonal extremes. Their challenge? The siding alone was quoted at $268,000, far beyond their full renovation budget of $250K.
hat’s when we stepped in as the design team to bridge vision with practicality.
Using our proven Designing in 5D process, we:
-
Evaluated the client’s original siding selections and their cost impact
-
Sourced alternative materials that honored the look and feel they loved
-
Created detailed 3D renderings to help them visualize the updated design
-
Aligned aesthetics with real-world product availability and install logistics
The result? We delivered a beautiful, layered exterior design using a combination of four materials—including vertical ribbed metal, composite lap siding, stone veneer, and painted cedar trim—all while trimming over $190,000 from the original quote. Final exterior material + labor cost: just $78,000.
This transformation didn’t happen by cutting corners—it happened by cutting confusion. Our design input helped clarify vision, reduce decision fatigue, and align all partners on the same plan.
That’s the power of collaborative planning between the builder, homeowner, and design team.
“We knew what she wanted, but it wasn’t adding up—bringing in Jodi’s team was the move that saved the project.”
– Andrew Long, Alair Homese
If you’re feeling stuck between what you want and what your budget allows, we’re here to help you make smart, confident decisions—without giving up what matters most.
👉 Book your complimentary Discovery Call today and learn how we help you #AchieveYourVision from day one.