Honestly, I’ve never seen a “simple” job stay simple once you open up a wall. Last year, what was supposed to be a quick bathroom update turned into a full-blown plumbing overhaul—old cast iron pipes everywhere. I’m with you on the spreadsheet, though. Tracking every penny is tedious but it’s the only way I’ve found to keep things from spiraling out of control. I’d argue even 20% isn’t always enough, especially in older homes. Sometimes I wonder if we should just expect the unexpected and budget for it as a line item...
Totally hear you on the “simple” job myth. Last time I tried to swap out a kitchen backsplash, I ended up discovering ancient knob-and-tube wiring behind the drywall. My “quick weekend project” turned into weeks of rewiring. I’ve started padding my budgets with a “surprise headache” category—sometimes it’s the only thing that saves my sanity. 20% feels optimistic most days, especially in these old houses…
FINALLY CRACKED THE CODE ON KEEPING CONSTRUCTION COSTS IN CHECK
That “simple” job myth gets me every time. Last year, I tried to replace a bathroom vanity—just the vanity, nothing fancy. Ended up finding a slow leak behind the wall that had been quietly rotting out the studs for who knows how long. Suddenly I’m calling in a plumber and a carpenter, and my “cheap update” turned into a full-blown mini-reno.
I’ve started adding a “just in case” line to every estimate, but honestly, 20% feels like wishful thinking with these old houses. Sometimes I feel like I should just double whatever number I come up with and hope for the best. It’s wild how fast things snowball once you open up a wall.
I get wanting to keep costs tight, but I’d rather over-budget and have money left over than get blindsided halfway through. At this point, I just expect the unexpected... keeps me from losing my mind when stuff inevitably goes sideways.
FINALLY CRACKED THE CODE ON KEEPING CONSTRUCTION COSTS IN CHECK
That 20% buffer never seems to cut it, especially with older homes. I’ve started doing a step-by-step “demo and inspect” before I even order materials—rip out just enough to see what’s lurking, then reassess the budget. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me from some nasty surprises. Also, I try to factor in upgrades like better insulation or water-saving fixtures when I’m already opening things up. Costs a bit more upfront, but sometimes you avoid future headaches (and bills) down the line.
That 20% buffer never seems to cut it, especially with older homes.
I hear you on that. I used to think a 20% contingency was generous, but with my 1950s place, it barely covered the weird stuff behind the walls. What’s worked for me is documenting everything as I go—photos, notes, even sketches. It helps when you need to explain things to contractors or insurance later. Upgrading insulation while you’re in there is smart; I did that with plumbing too, since the walls were already open. It’s a pain upfront, but I’ve definitely dodged bigger costs later.
