You got a quote for $50,000. You have $50,000 saved. You're ready to start, right? Not likely. Renovation budgets often blow up not because of bad contractors, but because of "invisible" costs that aren't in the initial scope.
Depending on your municipality, permits can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over 2% of the project value. Don't forget possible impact fees for new additions.
If you live in a historic Bethlehem or Allentown home, finding outdated knob-and-tube wiring or galvanized plumbing can instantly add $5,000-$10,000 to your bill to bring it up to code.
Demo debris has to go somewhere. Dumpster rentals and landfill fees have risen sharply. Ensure your contract explicitly states who pays for disposal—you or the contractor.
If you're redoing a kitchen, you'll be ordering takeout. If it's a bathroom, you might need a hotel for a few nights. These incidental costs add up quickly over a 6-week project.
Changing your mind costs money. Moving an outlet "just a few feet" once the drywall is up involves an electrician, a drywaller, and a painter. Stick to the plan to stick to the budget.