In Dayton, Ohio, a homeowner posted about a bathroom remodel that went over budget. The finishes were modest, and the layout stayed the same, so the extra cost confused a lot of people.
Once the walls were opened, old plumbing and improper venting were discovered. The work was not visible before demolition, but it had to be fixed to pass inspection.
Other homeowners in the comments shared similar experiences and reminded everyone that older homes often hide problems. Budgeting a contingency is not pessimism. It is realistic planning.
