Planning a renovation in Sault Ste. Marie? Whether youāre dreaming of a modern kitchen, a cozy basement suite, or a more energy-efficient home, one thingās for sure: renovations rarely come in under budget. Thatās not because people donāt planāit’s because hidden costs have a sneaky way of showing up once the project starts.
Knowing what to expect can save you thousands and protect your peace of mind. Letās take a closer look at five common hidden costsāand how you can plan for them from day one.
1. Disposal and Cleanup Fees
Demolition sounds funāuntil itās time to haul everything away. Many homeowners forget that youāll need a place to dispose of old drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures. Renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service isnāt always cheap, especially if your project produces a lot of waste.
Pro Tip: Always factor in cleanup and disposal as a line item in your budget. Prices in Sault Ste. Marie can vary depending on the season and volume of waste, so get quotes ahead of time.
2. Material Price Fluctuations
Lumber, drywall, insulation, and even paintāthese all fluctuate in price. And if youāre working with quotes from a few months ago, you might find the cost has changed by the time you order. This became a major issue during the pandemic, and while things have stabilized somewhat, price volatility is still a factor in 2025.
Pro Tip: Lock in prices as early as possible, and if youāre delaying a project, revisit your supplierās current rates before finalizing your budget.
3. Unseen Structural or System Issues
This is the one that catches most homeowners off guard. Once walls, ceilings, or floors are opened up, surprises can lurk insideālike mold, water damage, outdated wiring, or uninsulated exterior walls. Older homes in Sault Ste. Marie often reveal outdated knob-and-tube wiring or insufficient vapor barriers, especially in basements.
Pro Tip: Build a 10ā20% contingency fund into your budget for unexpected repairs. Itās better to have it and not need it than to be scrambling for extra funds halfway through the job.
4. Mid-Project Design Changes
Maybe you saw a tile you love. Or decided to change the vanity. Or expand the walk-in shower. Whatever it is, changing your mind mid-project costs moneyāboth in materials and labour. Custom orders can delay progress and increase your final bill.
Pro Tip: Finalize your design before starting. If you’re unsure about certain finishes, ask your contractor about upgrade flexibility before construction begins.
5. Permit Fees and Inspection Costs
We covered this in depth in our last post, but itās worth repeatingāmost structural, plumbing, and electrical work requires permits in Sault Ste. Marie. These come with fees, and in some cases, require third-party inspections. Failing to account for these in your budget can leave you short.
Pro Tip: Work with a contractor whoās familiar with local bylaws. Weāll help you navigate the process and factor in all permit-related costs upfront.
š” The Bottom Line
Renovation budgets should never be built to the penny. The smartest projects include room to breathe, realistic expectations, and a plan for the unexpected. With the right team and advice, you can tackle any budget busters that come your way.
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Ready to plan your renovation the smart way? Weāll walk you through realistic costing, contingency planning, and all those little āwhat ifsā that can catch homeowners off guard.
ā¤ Contact us today to get started with a no-pressure consultation.