Some hidden costs are intentional while others aren’t. Nevertheless, it is wiser to be in the know and anticipate unpleasant surprises.
1. 😈 Intentional Exclusions
Bad actors might intentionally exclude items from the renovation quotation trick you into signing it e.g. omission of costs such as dismantling, manpower, and, additional materials etc.
How to avoid this? Make sure to compare multiple quotations (at least 4-5) and check if your quotations are itemised.
2. Genuine Exclusions
What is acceptable?
1. Exclusions of negligible items: Even the most experienced IDs may miss out on tiny details e.g. forgetting to quote on lighting box mounts
2. Unforeseen structural costs e.g. Hollow tiles might pop-out during hacking, unlevel flooring is discovered after hacking down walls.
What is unacceptable?
Exclusions of major costly works e.g. hacking. In such cases, the onus is on the ID.
