I once walked into a home builder's office and saw a poster on the wall behind the desk that reflected how builders feel about change orders.
The picture was of a Clint Eastwood-like character, pointing a gun and saying: "Go ahead, I dare you, make one more change."
Builders, designers and sub trades all shudder at even the hint of a change order. If you want to come through the building process still friends with your builder, avoid changes.
Let's look at a change order from all angles. If you are the builder, you're happy because the home you are constructing is on schedule and all is running smoothly — until someone says they want a change.
For instance, say you want to add an extra window, or a larger window in the kitchen, or an additional fireplace in the master bedroom. You understand there will be additional costs and time delays. But do you truly understand how it will affect your team? The builder will need to spend considerable time both calculating the cost of new materials and removing existing materials (there is a cost involved in the removal as well the replacement of any item) in order to accommodate the change.
Next, the builder will have to schedule and bring back trades, postpone others, and order all the new materials. To rework the existing area and to save some of the existing materials, all trades will need to work cautiously when removing or opening walls, interior or exterior. They'll need to proceed carefully to avoid leaving any sign that a change was made.
The change is particularly frustrating to the builder because he won't make any additional money on the order — the time and delays in finishing the project with the changes will far outweigh any additional charges that you, the homeowner, will incur.
You, on the other hand, will be flabbergasted at the size of the bill for such a minor change. This could create hard feelings or even a serious conflict between you and the builder; it's not always easy to understand all that's involved in a change, even one that seems simple.
No tradesperson likes returning to a job site to redo an item or for a "little'' job. The travel time alone eats away at the sub trade's profit.
Trades people are busy and in demand and often become frustrated with changes — your builder may even have to beg and grovel to get a particularly busy trade to come back to the site to make a wiring change or a drywall repair. Remember, the good trades are always the busiest.
Now, imagine this scenario multiplied, say 10 times, not to mention the strain on your budget. Can change orders be avoided? Definitely and as a bonus, your new home will likely be completed on time and within your budget.
There are several ways to avoid changes.
Spend a little extra money up front by investing in three-dimensional house plans showing interior, exterior and room-by-room views. They will give you a true understanding of how each room will feel when completed.
Create a colour board when making your interior and exterior selections. Never choose finishing materials such as siding, shingles, windows, fixtures, plumbing or lighting components from a catalogue. Always get an actual sample.
Thoroughly review the blueprints. If you want to have the sun shining in through the kitchen window so you can enjoy the morning sun with your coffee, you need to plan a kitchen on the east side of the lot.
Pay attention to furniture size. Do you require a large dining room? If you do, ensure it fits a 2-metre table and the accompanying chairs.
Make sure there's enough storage space. Where will you store shoes or seasonal clothing? Many new homes lack ample storage, a common oversight that can easily be remedied. Take the time to include in the plan specialized equipment such as exercise machines, as well as automotive tools and cars. Include all the rooms, storage spaces and the garage. Remember that you will need to store lawn mowers, garbage containers and sporting equipment. You may even wish to consider hiring a pro to review your plans before starting construction.
Get a second opinion — hire a retired builder, designer or architect to review your plans and make suggestions. Not only will it generate creative and wonderful ideas for your new home, it can also ensure that the building process remains the exciting and fun adventure you dreamed it would be.
And you will save money by avoiding the dreadful change orders.
The picture was of a Clint Eastwood-like character, pointing a gun and saying: "Go ahead, I dare you, make one more change."
Builders, designers and sub trades all shudder at even the hint of a change order. If you want to come through the building process still friends with your builder, avoid changes.
Let's look at a change order from all angles. If you are the builder, you're happy because the home you are constructing is on schedule and all is running smoothly — until someone says they want a change.
For instance, say you want to add an extra window, or a larger window in the kitchen, or an additional fireplace in the master bedroom. You understand there will be additional costs and time delays. But do you truly understand how it will affect your team? The builder will need to spend considerable time both calculating the cost of new materials and removing existing materials (there is a cost involved in the removal as well the replacement of any item) in order to accommodate the change.
Next, the builder will have to schedule and bring back trades, postpone others, and order all the new materials. To rework the existing area and to save some of the existing materials, all trades will need to work cautiously when removing or opening walls, interior or exterior. They'll need to proceed carefully to avoid leaving any sign that a change was made.
The change is particularly frustrating to the builder because he won't make any additional money on the order — the time and delays in finishing the project with the changes will far outweigh any additional charges that you, the homeowner, will incur.
You, on the other hand, will be flabbergasted at the size of the bill for such a minor change. This could create hard feelings or even a serious conflict between you and the builder; it's not always easy to understand all that's involved in a change, even one that seems simple.
No tradesperson likes returning to a job site to redo an item or for a "little'' job. The travel time alone eats away at the sub trade's profit.
Trades people are busy and in demand and often become frustrated with changes — your builder may even have to beg and grovel to get a particularly busy trade to come back to the site to make a wiring change or a drywall repair. Remember, the good trades are always the busiest.
Now, imagine this scenario multiplied, say 10 times, not to mention the strain on your budget. Can change orders be avoided? Definitely and as a bonus, your new home will likely be completed on time and within your budget.
There are several ways to avoid changes.
Spend a little extra money up front by investing in three-dimensional house plans showing interior, exterior and room-by-room views. They will give you a true understanding of how each room will feel when completed.
Create a colour board when making your interior and exterior selections. Never choose finishing materials such as siding, shingles, windows, fixtures, plumbing or lighting components from a catalogue. Always get an actual sample.
Thoroughly review the blueprints. If you want to have the sun shining in through the kitchen window so you can enjoy the morning sun with your coffee, you need to plan a kitchen on the east side of the lot.
Pay attention to furniture size. Do you require a large dining room? If you do, ensure it fits a 2-metre table and the accompanying chairs.
Make sure there's enough storage space. Where will you store shoes or seasonal clothing? Many new homes lack ample storage, a common oversight that can easily be remedied. Take the time to include in the plan specialized equipment such as exercise machines, as well as automotive tools and cars. Include all the rooms, storage spaces and the garage. Remember that you will need to store lawn mowers, garbage containers and sporting equipment. You may even wish to consider hiring a pro to review your plans before starting construction.
Get a second opinion — hire a retired builder, designer or architect to review your plans and make suggestions. Not only will it generate creative and wonderful ideas for your new home, it can also ensure that the building process remains the exciting and fun adventure you dreamed it would be.
And you will save money by avoiding the dreadful change orders.
