Which Jobs Cause the Most Extra Cost in a Home Renovation?

Most extra cost comes from hidden work that appears after strip-out: old pipework, poor plaster and screed, damp. The second big cause is decisions that change while the work is under way.

Six jobs that add cost later

1. Old water pipes: rusty or leaking pipes show once the tiles come off.
2. Inadequate electrics: the circuits and fuses may not be enough for a new kitchen and air conditioning.
3. Poor plaster and screed: when the old covering is lifted, hollow plaster and an uneven floor appear.
4. Damp: damp hidden under paint has to be solved at its source first.
5. Strip-out, rubble and carrying: if not in the quote, they are added later.
6. Changed decisions: materials and layout changed after work has started.

How can extra cost be reduced?

• During the survey have small openings made at doubtful spots: one tile, one socket cover.
• Have strip-out, rubble, transport and cleaning written as separate items in the quote.
• If "extra work" comes up, approve its price in writing before it starts.
• Keep a margin in your budget for hidden work.

Why can the cheapest quote turn out expensive?

An incomplete quote looks low; every item left out is added during the job. Compare item by item, not by the total.

Can a fixed price be agreed?

If the scope is written down, yes. Erdağ Yapı sets out the items of work in writing at the start and works within the agreed budget; details are on our apartment renovation page.