Totally get where you’re coming from—coastal places are notorious for those hidden headaches. I used to think 20% was enough too, but after my last reno, I’m with you on bumping it up. Opened a ceiling and found a squirrel nest (don’t ask), so yeah, surprises happen. And yeah, reclaimed stuff sounds cool until you see the price tag and all the prep work... sometimes new just makes more sense. You’re not alone in upping that buffer.
Yeah, coastal renos are a whole different beast. I used to think I could get away with a tight budget and just pad it a little, but after tearing into some old plaster and finding way more water damage than I bargained for, I’m with you—20% just doesn’t cut it most of the time. These places hide all sorts of surprises, especially with salt air and humidity doing their thing year after year.
I hear you on reclaimed materials too. They look amazing in photos, but when you factor in the cost of prepping them—stripping paint, fixing warps, making sure they’re actually safe to use—it adds up fast. Sometimes grabbing new lumber or fixtures is just less hassle and ends up cheaper in the long run. There’s no shame in picking your battles.
If it helps, my rule of thumb now is to set aside at least 30% extra for “uh-oh” moments. That way, when you open up a wall and find something weird (like the time I found an old boot stuffed in insulation… still not sure why), you’re not totally thrown off course. And if you don’t use it all, hey, bonus for upgrades or a nice dinner when you’re finally done.
Don’t let the setbacks get you down. Every project’s got its curveballs, but you’ll get through it. Just take it one step at a time and remember—sometimes “good enough” really is good enough, especially when the ocean’s right outside your window.
If it helps, my rule of thumb now is to set aside at least 30% extra for “uh-oh” moments.
That “old boot in the insulation” story had me laughing—makes me wonder what weird stuff I’ll find when I finally open up my own walls. I’ve been debating the reclaimed wood thing too. It looks great in all the Instagram posts, but prepping it seems like a full-time job. Did you ever regret skipping over reclaimed for new materials, or was it just a relief not to deal with the hassle?
Never regretted skipping reclaimed, honestly. I love the look, but after seeing how much work goes into cleaning, sanding, and making sure it’s not full of bugs or nails, I just didn’t have the patience. New wood was more expensive up front, but it saved me a ton of time and headaches. Plus, with a beach house, I wanted to be sure everything was solid and would hold up to the humidity.
If you’re handy and have the time, reclaimed can be worth it for the character. For me, it just wasn’t worth the hassle. I’d rather spend that energy dealing with whatever weird stuff’s hiding in my walls—old boots included.
Skipping reclaimed can be a smart move, especially for a beach house. I’ve seen people really struggle with warping and hidden pests after the fact—it’s not just about the upfront work, but the long-term maintenance too. New lumber’s pricier, sure, but you’re right about the peace of mind. Humidity near the coast is no joke, and structural integrity matters. That said, I’ve had clients mix in a few reclaimed accent pieces for character without the headaches. It’s a balance, and sounds like you made the right call for your situation.
