Why use a small surplus?
A modest surplus makes it easier to see whether your intake is supporting training without adding unnecessary body fat quickly. New lifters may make progress at maintenance; experienced lifters often need more patience, not simply more calories.
How to adjust a bulk
Compare a consistent weekly average, gym performance, and waist or clothing fit over two to three weeks. If weight is rising much faster than intended, reduce calories slightly. If nothing changes despite good adherence, increase by a small amount and reassess.