The best plans are only as good as your willingness to adapt when things go sideways.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve lost count of how many times a “perfect” spec sheet got tossed out the window once demo started. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in ticking boxes that we forget every site has its own quirks. I’ve had projects where the subfloor was technically “within tolerance,” but you could feel every dip underfoot—clients notice that stuff, even if it’s not on the checklist. At the end of the day, a little flexibility (and a lot of patience) saves way more money than cutting corners ever does.
- Totally get what you mean about the subfloor.
“you could feel every dip underfoot—clients notice that stuff, even if it’s not on the checklist.”
- I’ve had to redo “good enough” work more than once because it just didn’t feel right in real life.
- Sometimes I wonder if it’s better to budget a little extra for those inevitable surprises, rather than trying to stick to the original plan no matter what.
- Curious—do you usually pad your budget for those quirks, or just deal with them as they come up?
I get the urge to pad the budget, but honestly, I try not to unless there’s a clear risk. If you plan every “what if,” costs spiral fast.
—I’d rather address issues as they pop up, with a contingency line item, than overestimate from the start. Otherwise, it’s too easy to spend money that could’ve stayed in my pocket.“budget a little extra for those inevitable surprises”
I get where you're coming from—nobody wants to throw money away. But in my experience, if you don’t leave at least a little wiggle room up front, those “surprises” end up hurting way more. I’ve had stuff like a hidden water line or a batch of warped studs pop up, and scrambling for funds mid-project is a headache. I don’t go wild padding every line, but a small buffer has saved me more than once. Guess it depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with.
FINALLY CRACKED THE CODE ON KEEPING CONSTRUCTION COSTS IN CHECK
You nailed it—those unexpected issues can really derail a budget if you’re not prepared. I’ve found that even with the most detailed site surveys and pre-construction planning, there’s always something lurking beneath the surface. A contingency fund isn’t about overestimating; it’s just acknowledging reality. I usually target around 8-10% as a buffer, depending on project complexity. Sometimes it feels like overkill, but honestly, the peace of mind is worth it. Trying to chase down extra capital mid-build is just... not fun.
