Schematics helped keep this kitchen remodeling job within budget.
However, this phase of the project is not the time to start cutting corners just to get something close to what you were hoping for. Do it properly because you have to live with it.
You don't want to walk into your room addition every day and see only the things you weren't able to include because you rushed into the project with a smaller budget than was needed to do it right.
Another benefit of the schematic design is that it allows you to see what is important to you in the final product, and allows you to see what your different options are, before you lock in by approving the drafting of construction documents.
You can quickly tell, with the help of the schematic plan, what your needs really are. Maybe a 100-square foot addition will fit your lifestyle, neighborhood, and personal needs just as well or better than adding 500 square feet.
The schematic plan allows you to look at these options and choose the best, and most cost effective, way to accomplish your goals.