With any rehab, you tend to have surprises but for the most part if you're planning 20% for unexpected work (25% in this case), that's pretty good buffer, and even buffer if not needed. 

So with tool rentals and extra man hours we’re about a $1,000 into this project and this is all we’ve accomplished….This patio just "reinforces" the fact, that when remodeling...expect the unexpected! 

Make sure you cover the costs when they get an accident.

Also oops I think I accidently sent a colleague request on my phone 

It's a story filled with trenching, tricky licenses, and unexpected expenses.

We fell into REI by accident and it’s been a great thing.

You don’t want a situation where someone has an accident on your bed and now you have a ruined mattress.

I would say to save money for down payment, closing costs,  move in, and have cash reserves for unexpected things.

or...want to focus on paying off NON tax deductible, much higher payments on a car noteor want to focus on diversifying and increasing your 401K, IRAs and other retirement savings contributions.or...want to invest in more real estate and have the I/O payment OPTION available to fall back on during tight times or unexpected investment opportunities, etc.I can go on and on...  

Maybe the first X electrical units are charged at 15 cents each, and the next Y electrical units are charged at $5.00 each.Some places punish heavy users with a tiered rate.Maybe unit #1 is at one rate and unit #2 has climbed into another.Are outdoor night activated flood lights hooked into the higher costing units breakers by accident?