What is the purpose of contingency in a development budget?

• A. To account for unexpected overruns
• B. To cover marketing costs
• C. To equalize debt service
• D. To fund legal reserves

Answer: (A)

Contingency in a development budget is a cushion set aside to cover the unknowns and potential overruns that show up as a project moves from plan to reality. Since estimates for hard costs, delays, weather, design changes, and price swings in materials are not exact, a contingency helps preserve feasibility by funding these unforeseen items without breaking the budget. If the project comes in under budget, the contingency can be released or reallocated; if costs rise, the funds are there to cover the overruns and keep the financing intact. This concept is distinct from marketing costs, which are a planned expense for selling or leasing the project; from debt service planning, which smooths payments over time; and from legal reserves, which cover potential legal issues rather than construction risk.