08-30-2008, 11:43 AM
A word about change orders...
Dreaded concept -- causes delays and adds $$ to the final price...
HOWEVER,
we had a project with a good GC where the change orders had to happen. When you do a major remodel and get around to opening up walls on a place that's been renovated or expanded by a homeowner, you never know what may happen.
We found and and had to correct: lamp cord in the walls as wiring, and a wall between bedroom and bath that was constructed of nailed-together pieces of 2x4's -- not a full stud in the whole thing. Inspector was polite, but said "I can't ignore that"... and the change orders came, which also meant cost over-runs on tiling, cabinets and other finish work.
All that said, we had a great GC, who went out of his way to suggest good solutions. This was the first of two great GC's we worked with. Second was on Maui, and we had a personal agreement between the two of us to not do any change orders -- build what was spec-ed as it was new construction. Third great person was Rob Tucker, though not as a GC, he made construction of our small home here happen with the greatest of support.
Basic message is to not damn change orders, but look at where they come from. It's your whim to change something, you bear some responsibility. If it's due to circumstances in your remodel, you should plan ahead with a contingency. Wish we'd done that, but that's water under the bridge.
Jane
Dreaded concept -- causes delays and adds $$ to the final price...
HOWEVER,
we had a project with a good GC where the change orders had to happen. When you do a major remodel and get around to opening up walls on a place that's been renovated or expanded by a homeowner, you never know what may happen.
We found and and had to correct: lamp cord in the walls as wiring, and a wall between bedroom and bath that was constructed of nailed-together pieces of 2x4's -- not a full stud in the whole thing. Inspector was polite, but said "I can't ignore that"... and the change orders came, which also meant cost over-runs on tiling, cabinets and other finish work.
All that said, we had a great GC, who went out of his way to suggest good solutions. This was the first of two great GC's we worked with. Second was on Maui, and we had a personal agreement between the two of us to not do any change orders -- build what was spec-ed as it was new construction. Third great person was Rob Tucker, though not as a GC, he made construction of our small home here happen with the greatest of support.
Basic message is to not damn change orders, but look at where they come from. It's your whim to change something, you bear some responsibility. If it's due to circumstances in your remodel, you should plan ahead with a contingency. Wish we'd done that, but that's water under the bridge.
Jane