389 Stop Letting Ballparks Become the Budget from Modern Craftsman

389 Stop Letting Ballparks Become the Budget

1 hour 9 minutes Posted Jan 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Ballpark gone wrong 00:01:09 Sponsors and newsletter 00:04:14 2026 reset and jumping back in 00:08:49 The ballpark trap 00:12:04 Handling the first call 00:26:52 What's included and what isn't 00:36:10 Explain the cost drivers 00:44:03 Test the budget early 00:46:30 Sell honesty, not a deal 00:51:51 Break scope into buckets 00:53:01 Confidence and pre con 01:07:49 TLDR and wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/WNzfI8RgPEE Partners: Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

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Ballpark numbers can save you time or burn you when the client treats them like a contract. We get into how to give ranges, spell out what's included, and use pre construction to lock expectations before the job gets weird. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Ballpark gone wrong 00:01:09 Sponsors and newsletter 00:04:14 2026 reset and jumping back in 00:08:49 The ballpark trap 00:12:04 Handling the first call 00:26:52 What's included and what isn't 00:36:10 Explain the cost drivers 00:44:03 Test the budget early 00:46:30 Sell honesty, not a deal 00:51:51 Break scope into buckets 00:53:01 Confidence and pre con 01:07:49 TLDR and wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/WNzfI8RgPEE Partners: Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

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