Contingency and sequencing for an 80 m² Buenos Aires flat renovation

[teaAndPath]

ARS 522,300,000 is my working ceiling for an 80 m² new-build flat in Buenos Aires, so I want to understand the uncertain items before committing that budget. The planned work covers the kitchen, bathrooms, finishes, an electrical review and some energy improvements, but no extension.

My concern is that a neat quotation could unravel once concealed services are opened or ordered materials are delayed. Should those risks be priced individually before setting a contingency? I’d also like to know what needs to be written down about access to pipes, moisture testing, remedial electrical work, making good, contractor exclusions, approval responsibilities and the point at which kitchen or bathroom orders cannot be changed.

 

[SageReed]

I wouldn’t choose the contingency percentage until the contractor separates known work from allowances. Ask whether electrical checks include corrective work, how concealed plumbing will be reached, who pays for making good, and whether moisture testing happens before flooring and paint. Also request a written exclusions list, quote-validity period, lead times and a sequence showing when the kitchen and bathroom orders become irreversible. Are building-management approvals included, or assumed to be your responsibility?

 

[bikesAndBirch]

A large generic contingency can hide a weak scope. I’d keep identified risks as priced line items and reserve the contingency for genuinely concealed conditions. Even without an extension, confirm whether any wall chasing, slab penetrations or service relocations need approval before work starts. Then compare bids on the same assumptions and payment stages—not just the ARS total—because exclusions and timing can make the cheapest-looking offer the least predictable.