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This all makes sense, but I wish my builders (who were not the cheapest quote we had) had said something along these lines instead of “it’ll be amazing, it’ll be perfect, the lines will all be beautifully straight” - I had the impression I was getting closer to 100% than 80%, but they weren’t capable of it and got very upset when I kept telling them it was poor quality and wasn’t good enough.
t.o.
Airhead
I've come to a rough estimate of the time/effort problem after 30+ years of building work.
80% is the normal you are getting quoted/paying for. As an example there will be cheaper materials, small corners cut, things done once where they should be done twice, plans changed on the fly etc. In general though you could say the end result is 'normal'. Some clients specifically request this approach, "It doesn't need to be perfect" etc.
The remaining 20% costs another 80% in time and materials. If you want the very best passing close examination, durable and repairable this is likely the cost in time and effort. Some clients can afford this and expect it but they are paying nearly double the amount other clients are and they will pay to have problems ironed out regardless of the cost of another pack of tiles/wood etc. another round of spray painting or whatever.
Please don't shoot the messenger but perfection costs a lot of money and I have a lot of experience chasing it in interiors. When I've managed projects I've been surprised how often I've had to insist the plans are followed where builders have applied their 'initiative' which is basically cutting corners in a 'normal' fashion. I've also had many days when I've had to send them home with a six pack and an apology because I've insisted they do something according to the plans and I need them to turn up the next day ready to do that again.