Had a similar experience when I redid my bathroom last year. Thought it was just a simple tile replacement around the tub, but once I pulled the old tiles off, I found water damage had spread into the subfloor. Ended up having to rip out and replace a good chunk of plywood and reinforce the joists underneath. If you're tackling DIY projects, it's always smart to budget at least 15-20% extra for hidden issues like mold, rot, or outdated plumbing. Credit cards can be handy, sure, but interest adds up fast if you can't pay it off quickly. Having cash set aside specifically for these surprises makes the whole process less stressful—trust me, your future self will thank you for it...
Totally agree with budgeting extra for hidden surprises—it's amazing how quickly a simple project can snowball once you start peeling things back. I've seen clients underestimate this all the time, and it can get stressful fast if you're relying solely on credit. Having that cash cushion really does make a huge difference in peace of mind. Good call on reinforcing those joists too; you'll thank yourself later when everything stays solid and level down the road...
