Who it's for

If your lads find it and you invoice it

That gap is where the money goes. The person who finds the extra work usually isn't the person who writes the bill, and by the time it reaches you it's a vague memory of "a bit of extra digging".

B

Builders

Rot, unmarked services, failed screed, foundations that need going deeper. Extension and refurb work generates variations weekly.

L

Landscapers

Old concrete under the patio, root-bound ground, extra disposal, hardcore nobody knew was there.

P

Plumbers & heating

Corroded pipework behind the bath, joists needing sistering, a rising main that fails the moment you touch it.

D

Decorators & plasterers

Mould treatment, three coats where two were quoted, walls needing making good before you can start.

Worth it if

  • You've got employees or regular subbies on site
  • Jobs run for weeks rather than days
  • A typical job throws up two or more extras
  • You work for letting agents, insurers or commercial customers who check every line
  • You've been burned on a final account before

Probably not if

  • You're on your own doing two-day jobs
  • Your customers are people you've known for years
  • One small extra now and then — a text message does that fine
  • Day rate work where it's all on the timesheet anyway

We'd rather tell you now than take your money for something you don't need.

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