Older houses hide things. A remodel that opens a wall usually finds something behind it, and the difference between a good builder and a bad one is whether that discovery arrives as a written change order with a price and a schedule impact, or as a phone call three weeks later explaining why the invoice grew.
Living through it
Most of our remodel clients stay in the house. We phase the work so there is always a functioning kitchen or bathroom, seal the work zone properly, and keep the schedule honest about which weeks will be loud.
Allowances
Fixtures, tile and cabinetry allowances are set at real supplier quotes before contract, not at lowball placeholders that blow up at selection time. If you want something outside the allowance you will know the difference in dollars on the day you choose it.
