Work on that area should pause while your contractor shows you the damage, explains the likely cause and gives you the repair options and cost in writing before proceeding. Hidden problems like water damage or worn pipes are a common reason to keep a contingency in your remodel budget.
Bathrooms and kitchens are where this comes up most, since slow leaks can go unnoticed behind a tub, shower or sink cabinet. Removing old tile or cabinets may reveal wet framing, damaged drywall, soft subfloor or corroded supply lines. Older homes tend to have more of this, though it can happen in any house. The source of the problem should be found and dealt with first, or the same damage can return behind your new finishes.
A good contractor shows you what was found, with photos if you were not home, and explains what the repair involves. The added work and price should be written down and approved by you before it happens. California home improvement contracts call for changes to be in writing, which protects both sides. Expect the schedule to move too, since repairs have to be finished and dry before the new work can cover them.
Sometimes the proper fix goes beyond a simple repair, such as a structural problem or plumbing that has to be rerouted. That can require a permit, and it is outside the projects Legacy takes on. We will tell you plainly, so you can bring in a licensed contractor for that part of the work. We keep our projects within the scope that does not require a building permit, and we tell you at the first visit if what you have in mind would need one.
Answered by Legacy Construction & Design · CA License #790442 · October 2026