You think renovation is:
cabinets + tiles + paint = done
Reality is:
cabinets + tiles + paint + plumbing + wiring + transport + labor + mistakes + fixing mistakes
Your wallet will understand the difference very fast.
Here are real hidden costs people face:
Electrical rewiring because old wires can’t support new appliances
Extra tiles because breakage happens during cutting
Carpenter “adjustment fees”
Gas line repositioning
Kitchen sink leakage fixes after installation
Paint retouch because workers scuffed walls
Feeding workers or daily transport money depending on country/location
And the biggest one: TIME is a cost. You may take days off work, delay plans, or cook less and buy more takeout.
Renovation isn’t just money — it’s disruption. Plan for both.