A contingency fund isn’t about overestimating; it’s just acknowledging reality.
That’s so true. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of a “rainy day” stash for builds, but after my last project, I’m a full convert. We thought we’d covered every base—soil tests, surveys, even drone scans for fun—but then the foundation crew hit some ancient, crumbling septic tank no one knew existed. That ate up a chunk of our buffer right there.
I usually aim for 10% too, but sometimes I wonder if it’s enough, especially when you get into custom finishes or imported fixtures. The little surprises seem to multiply with every upgrade. Chasing down extra cash halfway through is the worst… it just kills the momentum and honestly, makes you second-guess every “nice to have.”
I still get tempted to shave the buffer for something flashy, but experience keeps me in check. Peace of mind is underrated when you’re knee-deep in dust and invoices.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to think 10% was generous, but after a couple of “surprise” plumbing reroutes and a last-minute code change, I’m not so sure anymore. It’s wild how quickly those little things add up, especially if you’re going for anything custom. Ever notice how the more you try to plan, the more the universe throws curveballs? I’ve started treating the contingency like it’s part of the actual budget, not just an emergency stash. Makes it easier to say no to upgrades that’ll probably come back to haunt me later.
Ever notice how the more you try to plan, the more the universe throws curveballs?
Story of my life. I once had a client who wanted a “simple” built-in bench—turns out there was a mystery pipe hiding in the wall right where it was supposed to go. Cue emergency design pivot and a slightly smaller bench. Now I basically treat contingencies like a must-have design feature. It’s funny, the more you embrace the chaos, the less stressful those surprises feel... or maybe I’m just getting used to it?
I hear you on the hidden surprises. I’ve learned to build in a 15% contingency line item right from the start—no matter how “simple” the project seems. It’s wild how often that buffer ends up being just about right, especially with older homes. Planning for the unknown is honestly half the battle.
Funny how the “simple” jobs always seem to snowball, isn’t it? I’ve tried the 15% buffer too, but on my last kitchen reno, it ended up closer to 20%—found knob-and-tube wiring hiding behind the walls. My usual routine now is: 1) pad the budget, 2) get everything in writing with the contractor, and 3) keep a spreadsheet of every little expense. It’s a bit of a hassle but it’s saved me from some headaches when those surprises pop up.
