Budget + Timeline: How to Avoid Expensive Surprises

By Cali Dream Construction | January 09, 2026 | San Diego

Most budget surprises come from three areas:

1) Structural changes Opening walls, moving plumbing, or changing window/door openings can trigger engineering and added labor.

2) Selections that don’t match allowances If your allowances assume “standard,” but you want luxury, you’ll feel the gap later.

3) Long lead items Cabinetry, specialty appliances, custom doors, and stone fabrication can affect schedule.

The fix is simple: finalize layout early, create a finish schedule, and order long-lead items before demo.