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---
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.
