Is it too late to do a change order

in my home improvement project?

 

 

You have thought about this project for a very long time; electrical, plumbing, window locations, even the color of the tile grout. You did all the research and planning, found the right contractor and your home improvement has begun. Then it happens, you have to ask.

Can we make some changes to the improvement?

Even the best laid plans can require some changes. The realization can happen before the start of the improvement or sometimes well after things have gotten underway. That is okay, anything can be changed. There are two important questions to ask.

 

  • How difficult will it be to do the change order?
  • What will it cost for the change orders to be completed?

 

While some people believe that they be gouged with huge charges when they request a change in the original agreement, I believe that the additional charges should reflect the additional expenses and work required. So if you want wood flooring instead of carpeting in the room addition, this would be a simple change if we are still framing the walls. Informing me that you want to add some electrical outlets while I’m grouting the tiles is a little more involved.

A good contractor will work with the owners with suggestions along the way. “In other homes, I’ve seen a large window that really looked great. What do you think about putting in one here?’ may help with changing the job before it gets expensive.

So, it is never too late to request a change order. The cost will depend on what will be involved to give you what you want. You will then have to decide if you are willing to pay for those changes. Working with a contractor who can communicate suggestions can help.

 

If you are looking for a general contractor in the Sacramento Region, maybe we can help you with your home improvement project with little or no changes to the original agreement.

 

Tromler Construction

916-765-5366

Sacramento County

El Dorado County

Placer County

 


 


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Specialists in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

 

 

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Tom Arstingstall
Tromler Construction
General Contractor
Specializing in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

916-765-5366
 Water Damage Repair in Sacramento Dry Rot Repair Contractor in Sacramento

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12 Comments on Is it too late to do a change order in my home improvement?

JUN
03
2012
669,346 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Changes can always be made it just cost some money for them.
8:47am • #1
179,195 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Good examples of how the timing of a request affects the cost of the request. I find that many folks cannot "picture" the results until the construction is well underway so that the requests tend to come late.
8:58am • #2
483,170 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Timing is everything! Glad I'm such a visual person, I can see the final results in my head, but not everybody is like that and therefore, contractors are wise to recognize the need to be open to a "change order." I sure use you Tom for our repairs and remodel needs in Clark County, Wa.
9:05am • #3
834,009 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

 A good example of changes and timing for them.  Thanks for sharing.
9:18am • #4
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Some change orders can be more costly then others Tim.
9:54am • #5
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sometimes it makes sense on paper, but when things are being built we see some things that need to be fixed Mark.
9:55am • #6
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Being a visual person is a great benefit in remodeling and renovation Debb, you have a gift. Like you said, not everyone can do this.

Thanks for the kind words Debb.
9:55am • #7
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I'm sure you can think of plenty of examples of change orders that need to be found early in the project, and how it would effect the cost of the renovation Edward and Celia.
9:55am • #8
156,178 Points 13 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

The answer is YES! It's too late to do a change order!

If you've designed right up to (or past) your budget limit, it is too late. (Almost everbody does.)

But all the points Tom makes are correct. Communicating that information to inexperienced clients is the challenge.
1:13pm • #9
529,865 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Tim,  A friend of mine was always change what was to be done to his home, when it was all done, he was so mad at the guy because the bill was so high and he try to cut it in half.  I felt sorry for the guy doing the work.
1:30pm • #10
JUN
04
2012
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Robert, if the change is done early enough, we can take out something else to recover the additional costs. Perhaps change the materials used for example.

 

 
1:40am • #11
802,226 Points 98 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Will, there probably should have been some decussions about the additional costs along the way. That way the additional costs would have been known before the completion.
1:42am • #12


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Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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