Unexpected Remodeling Problems

What They Might Cost

Surprises are rarely good during a remodeling project. They generally pop up when your contractor calls to announce a problem discovered within your walls—and follows up with an estimate of how much extra money that problem will cost you.

Like any building project, your remodeling will probably involve some of these unexpected developments. The good news is that you can decrease your stress level if you know what difficulties might come up and how to handle them. You might even be able to find some of the problems before construction begins, ensuring a smoother project and more predictable costs. If you take the advice of most experts and set your budget at 10-15 percent above the working bid, you should be financially prepared for most unexpected costs.

As for emotional preparation, just remind yourself that while surprises such as bad plumbing, insect damage, and foundation settling may be unpleasant, they don't have to spell disaster.