The legend of the unforeseen benefit.

We've all heard of them.

Disasters caused by too many cut corners, too many costs saved. Maybe something as small as a backyard deck toppling over (because the builders used drywall screws instead of structural nails) or something as large as the entire roof of an apartment building flying off into the street (because they skimped on the cheap metal wind ties in the attic). By this point, we all know that there's a limit to how much corner-cutting you can get away with before you start running into unforeseen problems.

But what if you do things better than you absolutely have to? What happens if you go beyond the bare minimum to get past the inspector and spend a little extra to do things the right way?

I present to you: the unforeseen benefit.

I will personally bottom-dollar guarantee you that this fence was not built as a flood retaining, aquarium wall fence, but just look at it go. This fence was built to a higher standard than it had any need to be. I'm sure that it cost a little extra compared to slapping some pickets on there willy-nilly but, unknown to them at the time, these homeowners built a fence that saved their property from untold water damage. And that's sort of an extreme example of my point, but it sure is a fun one.

A better example is the concept of universal design in the accessibility world. It boils down to that if we go the extra mile to design everything to be accessible to those with disabilities, it will also benefit people who are not disabled. Consider the humble ramp-- it's critical for wheelchair users, but it's also useful to people pushing babies in strollers or people who are moving furniture using dollies. The builders might not have had Sunday walks or moving dressers in mind when they built the ramp, but they benefit from it all the same.

Long story short, I challenge you to think about what is possible rather than what is necessary. Next time you find yourself designing or building something, don't focus on what you can get away with-- focus on how it could be better. Long down the road, in that faraway place we call the future, you may be happy that you did.

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