The simplicity and sensibility of this statement belie its complexity. The number of times I have heard this phrase over my career is slightly less than the number of projects I have contracted. Unknowns are a part of remodels and rehabs. These typically fall into one of two categories. The walls are open, and it’s a Grinch Christmas extravaganza with a laundry list of deficiencies. Little or no insulation, knob, and tube wiring, insect &/or water damage, and plumbing issues are a few of the unknowns that force you to address before going forward with your original plan. Even if your home's existing conditions are pristine, the second category tends to kick in. Another window or perhaps a skylight, bonus storage space would be nice, removing a wall would open things up, the library needs additional casework, another layer of trim would add so much visually, footsies and toes would appreciate supplemental heat, now the adjacent flooring looks like crap. The list is endless and “Project Creep” can become a slippery slope.

Fewer deficiencies accompany newer homes and smaller projects, but the “Got-to-Have” add-ons tend to be universal. If you have friends, travel, access the Internet, and think about your comfort, you will come up with ideas that are not in the original scope of work. It is not unusual for additional work to add 10-15% or more (sometimes a lot more) to the base contract price, so it is essential to anticipate and incorporate this phenomenon into your plan. This is not necessarily bad, as upgrades and additions can provide immediate benefits. The most elemental is peace of mind, but enhancements to your lifestyle can be the gift that keeps giving long after the dust has settled. You need to be aware there will be an impact, and this impact is not yours alone. Time and costs are preliminary considerations, but remember that your expanding scope of work affects your in-demand contractor and delays downstream clients and their projects.

All work has an impact, but when possible, it is better to identify and spell out as much as possible in the original scope of work. The very nature of many add-ons is they are not predictable. When they occur, permits may need to be modified, products/materials acquired, skilled technicians scheduled or rescheduled, structural modifications may need to be remedied, and schedules adjusted. This is rarely a plug-and-play process, as accommodations and adjustments can have a domino effect. Many contractors do not want to be bothered with work authorizations, which will cost you if one arises. The other extreme is the contractor that cannot say ‘No’ yet lacks the wherewithal to incorporate the necessary changes effectively. You need to establish where your contractor falls on this continuum and determine if his approach to change is compatible with your style. Whatever the case, do not become one of those homeowners where your contractor has a permanent space in your garage, and the neighbors start to view him as a permanent member of your family. Hopefully, “While You Are Here” will result in lifestyle improvements and not a bottomless pit of despair.