If you’re considering building a new home in New Jersey, it’s likely that one of your first priorities is to establish a budget. That’s a smart move, because it helps you make good choices when deciding on specifics (location, square footage, features and finishes) for your new home.

It’s important to set a realistic budget: one that’s not too high (that will strap you financially for years to come) and not too low (that cuts out some of the features and even the quality you really want in your home). It’s also important, however, to remember that the budget you set is a tool—not a mandate. Its purpose is to provide guidance and protection, not to completely cramp your style.

To be honest, there is a good chance you’ll go over the building budget you set. That’s not always a bad thing, however. It doesn’t mean you’re a poor manager of money or a terrible person. Here are a couple of examples of why going a bit over budget may actually make sense for you.

The farther along you get in the planning stages for your new home, the clearer some details become. As you envision yourself moving into your home, you’ll begin to think more about how you plan to use the space. You may look at a plan that has multiple options and think, “a two-car garage is all we’ll ever need. Our kids aren’t anywhere near driving age.” As you think more about it, however, you may realize that while the kids don’t yet have cars, they do have bikes and sports gear and a lot of other items that take up space. You’ll probably have a lawnmower and other gardening tools that need a place to live. Maybe that two-car garage won’t be big enough after all.

Will it cost more to add a third bay? Yes, but the thing is, it’s a lot less expensive to add the space on up front than it is to try to add it later. Another factor to consider is that your needs could change. If you plan to be in your home for a few years, your children will be of driving age before you know it. You may want that third space for another car before too long.

Here’s another scenario in which going over your original budget might be smart: Increasing numbers of older parents are moving in with their adult children rather than into retirement communities. If you have an older family member you want to take care of, it might make sense to opt for a first-floor guest suite. Once again, this may push your plans beyond your initial budget, but it is much more affordable to add the space now than after your home is completed.

The same holds true with the finishes you choose. As you look through your choices in our Design Studio, you may find that for a little bit more money, you can install the cabinets, flooring or countertops that will really make your house feel like home. Selecting higher-quality features may cost you somewhat more than you originally intended to spend, but consider the much greater expense of replacing everything several years down the road.

Having a realistic budget is absolutely essential in planning your home. Just keep in mind that the budget is a tool to help you—not an unreasonable restriction. Make your budget realistic, but also flexible enough to allow you to make smart long-range choices.