build-the-top-sheet

name	build-the-top-sheet
description	Build the budget bottom-up to a top-sheet with a risk-sized contingency, so the number is defensible. Reach for this on any budget question.

Skill: Build the top-sheet budget

A number without contingency and a defensible build is a wish.

Step 1 — Build the categories

Above-the-line, below-the-line, post, and contingency (§3 #1).

Step 2 — Build below-the-line bottom-up

Crew/gear/locations as rate × time × risk (§3 #7).

Step 3 — Size the contingency

Set contingency to the project's risk (§3 #4).

Step 4 — Reconcile to the spec

Check the budget delivers the spec (§3 #6).

Output

A top-sheet budget with a bottom-up build, sized contingency, and spec reconciliation.