What Is Our Change Order Process?
One of the biggest fears homeowners have during a renovation is hearing the words, “That’s going to be a change order.” Unfortunately, some contractors have given change orders a bad reputation. Homeowners hear horror stories about projects that started at one price and somehow ended up costing twice as much.
At BEC Innovations, we believe change orders aren’t something to fear. They’re simply a tool used to document changes to the project after a contract has been signed. In fact, a well-managed change order process protects both the homeowner and the contractor.
What Is a Change Order?
A change order is a written amendment to your construction contract. It documents any change to the original scope of work, whether that change affects cost, schedule, or both. A change order can be initiated by the homeowner, the contractor, a designer, or even a building official, especially when permit or inspection requirements affect the scope.
Common examples include:
- Upgrading tile selections
- Adding recessed lighting
- Moving plumbing fixtures after construction begins
- Discovering hidden damage behind walls
- Adding features that were not included in the original contract
- Changes required by code officials or inspectors
If it wasn’t included in the signed contract, it should be documented through a change order.
Why Do Change Orders Happen?
There are generally three reasons change orders occur:
1. The Homeowner Changes Their Mind
This is the most common reason. You may see a beautiful shower niche on Pinterest after construction starts. You may decide you want heated floors. You may fall in love with a different vanity than the one originally budgeted. There is nothing wrong with any of those decisions.
Your home is personal, and renovations often evolve as you see the space come together.
When that happens, we create a change order so everyone understands the cost and scope implications before the work proceeds.
2. Unforeseen Conditions Are Discovered
No contractor has X-ray vision. We can inspect a home thoroughly, but there are things we simply cannot see until demolition begins. Some examples include:
- Water damage
- Mold
- Structural deficiencies
- Improper wiring
- Plumbing issues
- Previous DIY work hidden inside walls
These conditions weren’t part of the original contract because nobody knew they existed. Once discovered, we’ll present options and pricing before moving forward.
3. Scope Clarification
Occasionally, a project evolves during construction. Perhaps a homeowner originally planned to paint existing trim but later decides to replace it. Maybe an adjacent room gets added to the renovation because it makes sense while crews are already mobilized. These aren’t necessarily surprises. They’re simply additions to the original project scope.
Why We Require Signed Change Orders
This is where things can get uncomfortable for some homeowners. We do not perform change order work without approval. The reason is simple. We never want a client to be surprised by a bill. A signed change order creates clarity. It confirms:
- What work is being added or removed
- How much the change costs
- Whether the schedule is affected
- That everyone agrees before work proceeds
Without that documentation, misunderstandings become much more likely.
Can a Change Order Affect the Schedule?
Absolutely. Sometimes the answer is no. Other times, a seemingly small decision can have a significant impact on timeline. For example, changing tile selections after the tile has been ordered may require additional lead time, especially since bathroom project costs can shift with material and labor changes. Adding cabinetry may require a new production schedule from the manufacturer, which is why material timing also matters. When a change affects the schedule, we’ll communicate that as part of the change order process. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions with all of the information available.
How We Handle Change Orders at BEC Innovations
Our goal is simple: no surprises. When a change is identified, we:
- Discuss the requested change.
- Determine any cost or schedule impacts.
- Prepare a written change order.
- Review it with you.
- Obtain approval before proceeding.
That process protects your budget, protects the project schedule, and ensures there is a clear written record of decisions made throughout construction.
Are Change Orders a Bad Sign?
Not necessarily. In fact, most successful renovations include at least a few change orders. A change order isn’t evidence that something has gone wrong. It’s evidence that the project is being documented properly. What matters is how the contractor handles them. If you’re receiving surprise invoices with no documentation, that’s a problem. If changes are discussed openly, priced clearly, and approved before work begins, that’s simply good project management.
The Bottom Line
Change orders are a normal part of construction. Homes are complex. Renovations uncover hidden conditions. Homeowners discover new ideas. Priorities shift. The purpose of a change order isn’t to increase the cost of your project.
The purpose is to create transparency when the project changes.
At BEC Innovations, we’d much rather have an uncomfortable conversation about cost before the work happens than a much bigger conversation after the bill arrives. That’s what good communication looks like, and it’s one of the ways we work to deliver renovations without the runaround.
