Homeowners Should Not Ask Their Contractors This Question
TL;DR
Once a construction project starts, change is inevitable—but how those changes are handled matters. This post explains why homeowners should never ask contractors to make “small” changes informally and why every change must go through a documented change order process.
- Every change affects scope, price, and schedule
- “You’re here anyway” is not a reason to skip the process
- Professional contractors explain change orders before work begins
- Written change orders protect both homeowner and builder
- Skipping the process leads to conflict, delays, and cost overruns
Next Step:
Before your project starts, review the change order process in your contract and agree that all changes—big or small—will be handled in writing.
DO NOT ASK A CONTRACTOR FOR A NOSE JOB
In my previous post, I stated why homeowners should pay their contractors for proposal and why they shouldn’t expect them to work for free.
This post is for homeowners and what not to ask your contractor once they have started your project.
THE CHANGE ORDER PROCESS
As soon as your projects starts, something will change. You (the homeowner) will change your mind and want to upgrade a selection.
The contractor will discover something hidden or unforeseen, and will have to make a change.
These things happen. It’s no one’s fault, but change will happen.
You will know you have the right builder when he/she explains his/her change order process before you sign the contract. In fact, the change order process should be detailed in the construction contract.
HOMEOWNERS: DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE
You (the homeowner) need to understand, once the contract is signed and the contractor starts the project, then changing even the smallest item should go through the change order process.
You should expect 3 things:
- A change in the written scope of work.
- A change in the contract price.
- A change in the project schedule.
Just because the contractor is on site with crews, equipment, subcontractors, and tools doesn’t mean that a change order should be easy. Many times it will be, but making the assumption that it’s “no bog deal” is what creates a problem.
“WELL, YOU’RE HERE ANYWAY…”
I recently appeared on Episode 5 – Season 10 of The Undercover Architect and discussed with the host, Amelia Lee, what homeowners should expect from professional contractors and how to find the right one for your project.
Below is a [VIDEO] of part of our discussion where we discuss what a homeowner SHOULD NOT ask a contractor when it comes to change orders.
(You can listen to the entire episode here.)
BECOME PERMANENTLY PROFITABLE TODAY
If you want help streamlining your construction business and making it permanently profitable, then go grab my book, Profit First for Contractors.
You can get it on Amazon. It’s on Kindle. It’s on Audible. It’s everywhere.
Download the free resources and sign up for the free video training when you sign up to receive the PFC Bonus Tool Box.
Make your construction business permanently profitable this year.
IMPROVE YOUR CONFIDENCE AS A CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS OWNER
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If the answer is “YES,” then sign up for one of my coaching programs.
Click here and fill out the application. My team will follow up with the next steps.
GET YOUR COPY OF PROFIT FIRST FOR CONTRACTORS
Remember to go buy my book, it’s on Amazon, it’s on Audible, it’s on Kindle, it’s everywhere, Profit First for Contractors.
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