Veterinary renovations are complex — and without complete drawings and a thorough contract, costs escalate quickly. This episode examines a real medical renovation in which the owner relied on a drawing set missing engineering detail, manufacturer specs, contractor phasing, and key contractual protections. The result was a bidding spread of nearly a million dollars and a project likely to climb far above budget.
Art and Hailee outline the critical red flags veterinary owners should recognize and the planning steps that prevent costly change orders, unclear scope, and construction delays.
Topics include:
• How vague drawings cause inconsistent contractor pricing
• The importance of exact specifications for lighting, flooring, cabinetry, and equipment
• Why shutdown plans, phasing, and site-visit language must be defined upfront
• What every veterinary contract should include to protect the practice
• How investing in full drawings saves time, money, and frustration during construction