Change Orders: What They Are and How to Handle Them

Change orders are a normal part of renovation projects, but that doesn't make them any less annoying when they happen. You budgeted carefully, picked your finishes, signed your contract, and now there's an adjustment that costs more or takes longer. It's frustrating, even when you understand why it's happening. The good news is that change orders don't have to derail your project if you know what they are and how to handle them.

What a Change Order Actually Is

If you've signed a proposal from a contractor outlining the scope of work (as you should) A change order is just a written modification to that original contract. It spells out what's changing, how much it'll cost, and how it affects your timeline. Once you and your contractor both sign it, it becomes part of your contract.

Change orders can cover anything from choosing different tile mid-project to dealing with unexpected water damage found behind a wall. Basically, if something about the scope, materials, cost, or schedule changes from what you originally agreed to, it needs to be documented.

Why They Happen

Most change orders fall into a few categories. Sometimes you decide you want something different than what you originally planned. Maybe you see the space taking shape and realize you'd rather have a larger vanity, or you want to upgrade the fixtures. These are completely in your control.

Other times, the contractor opens up a wall or floor and finds something nobody expected. Water damage, outdated wiring that's not up to code, structural issues, mold. These things weren't visible during planning, and they need to be fixed before the project can continue. Nobody's at fault here, it's just the reality of working with older homes sometimes.

Then there are material issues. Your first-choice tile gets discontinued or backordered for months, or the price suddenly jumps. You need to pick something else, and that might cost more or less than the original.

Least common but they still happen, there might be design errors or changes to building codes that require adjustments mid-project.

How to Handle Them

When you get a change order, start by understanding exactly what's changing and why. Ask your contractor to explain it clearly. If it's an unexpected problem, ask to see it if you can. Most contractors are happy to show you what they found.

Get everything in writing. The change order should spell out the work being added or changed, the cost, and the impact on your timeline. Don't agree to anything verbally and assume it'll be documented later.

If the cost feels high, ask for a breakdown. You should understand what you're paying for, whether it's labor, materials, permits, or something else. A good contractor won't make you feel difficult for asking.

If you're the one requesting the change, think it through before you commit. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and decide you want upgrades, but make sure it's worth the extra cost and time.

If the change is fixing an unexpected problem, ask if there are alternatives. Sometimes there are different ways to solve an issue at different price points.

Questions to Ask

Before you sign a change order, make sure you know how much it'll cost, how it'll affect your timeline, and whether the work is necessary or optional. If it's fixing a problem, find out what happens if you don't address it. Ask if there are other solutions.

These aren't difficult questions. You're just making sure you understand what's happening with your project and your money.

How to Reduce Change Orders

You can't eliminate change orders completely, especially the ones caused by hidden problems. But you can reduce the ones that come from changing your mind or unclear planning.

Spend real time on design and planning before construction starts. Make all your decisions about finishes, fixtures, and layouts upfront. The more locked in you are before work begins, the less likely you are to change your mind later.

Work with a contractor who does thorough assessments before giving estimates. An experienced contractor will look for potential issues and try to anticipate problems.

Budget for contingencies. Most experts recommend setting aside an extra ten to twenty percent for unexpected costs. If you use it, fine. If you don't, great. But having that cushion means a change order doesn't wreck your budget.

Communicate clearly during planning. If you're unsure about something, say so. If you might want to change something later, mention it upfront so your contractor can plan for flexibility.

If You Disagree With a Change Order

Sometimes you'll get a change order that doesn't sit right. Maybe the cost seems too high, or you don't think the work is actually necessary, or you feel like the issue should have been caught earlier.

Start with a conversation. Explain your concerns and ask for more information. Most of these disagreements come from miscommunication.

If you still don't agree, get a second opinion. Another contractor or specialist can assess the situation. It costs money, but if you're talking about a big change order, it might be worth it.

The Bottom Line

Change orders are common. They're not fun, and they're not what you signed up for, but they happen. Sometimes they're unavoidable, sometimes they're the result of decisions you make, and sometimes it's just bad luck.

What matters is staying informed, asking questions, getting everything in writing, and maintaining good communication with your contractor. The more you understand about the process, the less stressful it'll be when a change order shows up.

Planning a renovation and want to minimize surprises? Reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook, or give us a call at 609-233-6617 for a free estimate. We'll walk you through the process and keep communication clear every step of the way.