The Remodeling Process - Change Orders
Jun 14, 2016 09:45 AM Filed in: Construction
Change is in the nature of construction. Even with lots of thought and careful planning, your renovation project is likely to have hiccups and changes.
Sometimes it’s for things that can’t be anticipated by you or your contractor. For example, you might find a hidden pipe or supporting column behind an existing wall, that’s discovered only after demolition. These unanticipated conditions add to the cost of your project, since they usually require extra attention and possibly some re-design.
The building inspector may force a fix of the condition in order to continue with the project. More commonly, a contractor with integrity will call attention to the problem and let you know if and how it should be dealt with. In all cases, your contractor should immediately notify you of the issue, and discuss solutions and options. Unless minor workarounds can be found, you should expect to be charged for resolving these unforeseen problems.
Sometimes, you as the homeowner might simply change your mind on the design, or decide to add something new. This happens often on EVERY remodeling project, usually as you see the physical space start taking shape. This is normal and expected, and all experienced contractors will have a “Change Order” procedure in place for handling your modification requests.
Those change requests may require additional consultation with your designer, but usually, they can be addressed and decided directly between you and the project manager. A Change Order document should be created that describes the scope of work to be performed and the additional cost. A typical payment schedule for Change Orders is 50% when work starts and 50% when completed.
You’ll be living with the final product for years to come, so don’t hesitate to ask for any change to your renovation that fits your lifestyle, objectives and budget.
Sometimes it’s for things that can’t be anticipated by you or your contractor. For example, you might find a hidden pipe or supporting column behind an existing wall, that’s discovered only after demolition. These unanticipated conditions add to the cost of your project, since they usually require extra attention and possibly some re-design.
The building inspector may force a fix of the condition in order to continue with the project. More commonly, a contractor with integrity will call attention to the problem and let you know if and how it should be dealt with. In all cases, your contractor should immediately notify you of the issue, and discuss solutions and options. Unless minor workarounds can be found, you should expect to be charged for resolving these unforeseen problems.
Sometimes, you as the homeowner might simply change your mind on the design, or decide to add something new. This happens often on EVERY remodeling project, usually as you see the physical space start taking shape. This is normal and expected, and all experienced contractors will have a “Change Order” procedure in place for handling your modification requests.
Those change requests may require additional consultation with your designer, but usually, they can be addressed and decided directly between you and the project manager. A Change Order document should be created that describes the scope of work to be performed and the additional cost. A typical payment schedule for Change Orders is 50% when work starts and 50% when completed.
You’ll be living with the final product for years to come, so don’t hesitate to ask for any change to your renovation that fits your lifestyle, objectives and budget.