It felt like a true haven for our two big dogs, Max and Bella, who explored every nook and cranny with wagging tails and boundless energy.However, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs.

Renovating an older property can be a costly and time-consuming process, and overlooking crucial factors can lead to unexpected expenses and headaches down the line.Plaster Walls:One common challenge with older properties is dealing with plaster walls.

I want to protect us from a worker's comp suit/claim and other potential hazards if there is an accident.

Then, back out your expected profit margin, the bid from the scope of work, the time-value of money (interest/payments on any debt), and remember to add in a "contingency reserve" to allow for any unexpected hiccups during the process...say around 10%.

Implement safety measures: Install safety features like gates with self-closing mechanisms, and pool alarms to minimize the risk of accidents. 

What challenges were unexpected or really became a deal breaker?

Horses are astonishingly accident prone and their symptoms of illness may look like nothing unusual to the untrained eye. 

since my husband was managing it, I don't know where a key is for the home, his death was unexpected and fast so we never discussed it and he wasn't very organized with that kind of stuff. 

I have a 6 months worth safety net cash put away in my savings for unexpected incidents such as job loss, urgent home maintenance, etc. 

Some things to look out for include:- Hidden costs or unexpected expenses (such as permit fees, utility hookups, or unexpected delays) that can add up quickly.- The reputation and experience of potential builders - make sure to check references and look at past projects to ensure that the builder has a good track record. - Any potential legal issues (such as zoning restrictions or easements) that could affect your building plans.Overall, it's important to do your research and plan carefully to ensure a successful build.