Why Do Early Construction Budgets Change So Much Before Work Starts?

[George_WilsonParticipant]

I’m in the planning phase for a small commercial project and already noticing how much the numbers keep shifting every time plans get updated. Even minor design revisions seem to move the budget more than expected, which makes it hard to feel confident moving forward.

I’ve talked to a couple of contractors, but their figures are all over the place depending on assumptions, allowances, and what’s included in the scope. Someone recently suggested checking things with a building estimating company early on to get a more structured breakdown instead of relying only on rough contractor budgets.

For those who’ve managed projects like this before, what usually causes these early swings in cost? Incomplete drawings, market pricing, or scope gaps? And what do you look for in an early estimate to know you’re not being overly optimistic?

Would love to hear how others deal with this stage and avoid nasty surprises later.

[Author]

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