Before renovation you think, “Let me just change tiles, paint, and be done.” Then you open the floor and discover leaking pipes or broken wiring. This is where most budgets explode. The “before” budget is almost always emotional; the “after” budget is reality.
People usually budget for:
tiles
paint
labor
But they forget:
transportation of materials
waste disposal
extra cement/adhesive
corrections for mistakes
feeding workers on site in some regions
finishing touches like curtains, lights, and fittings
After renovation, you realize the small things cost the most — handles, switches, trims, sealants, and finishing accessories quietly add up. The after feeling is worth it, but only if you planned a contingency 15–25% extra from the beginning.
Real tip: Never start a renovation with your last money. Something unexpected will always show up.
