For some reason, guys always have a problem estimating how much time something will take and how much it will cost.

For example, a few months back I really wanted to purchase a Dell Netbook.  When I first told my wife about it, I told her that I thought it was only going to be $400.  When I sat down and started ordering it, it ballooned to over $500 when you counted getting the best features and taxes + shipping.

It’s the same thing with time and software developers.  When we haven’t done something before, we’re guessing at how long we think it will take, but we really don’t have much of clue because if we’ve done it before, why would it need doing now?

The point is, it’s important to set expectations correctly.  It’s important that there’s communication, and that when things come up you can address them.  You both need to be comfortable enough with each other, and trust each other enough, that when the difficult times come and when expectations are not met or exceeded, you know what you’re going to do about it.

There’s no excuse for not talking, and there’s no excuse for the surprise cost.