Renovation budget: how to avoid unexpected extra costs

Three main sources of extra costs

• Condition revealed once opened up: rot, moisture, old worn-out pipework, an uneven base.
• Client-side changes: swapping materials, extra work, rearranging during the job.
• Side jobs not included in the quote: waste removal, cleaning, temporary construction power, moving furniture.

How to secure the budget before starting

• Require the quote to also state what is NOT included in the price.
• Agree that every change order is recorded separately and gets your confirmation before it's carried out.
• Fix the material quantities and who buys them.
• Agree on a payment schedule by stage, not one large advance payment.
• Keep a reserve for surprises — larger in an older building than in a new one.
• Write down who does the final cleaning and waste removal.

A change-order process that actually works

Every change gets a number, a short description, a price, and its impact on the deadline. The client confirms it in writing before the work is done. That way no dispute arises at final invoicing over what was agreed.

On Ehitusabi24, change orders and quote changes are saved as versions — the old version doesn't disappear.

Why we don't publish price tables here

Construction prices depend on the site, region, material choice, and season. A general price table would give a false sense of security. You get a realistic figure by describing the job properly and letting providers price it.

Frequently asked questions

How big a reserve is reasonable?

It depends on the building's age and how much of the structure will be opened up. Ask the provider what surprises they consider most likely on your site, and budget for them separately.

Is an advance payment normal?

For material-intensive work, a partial advance payment is common. A large advance payment before anything has been ordered or done is unreasonable.