Look, we get it. The thought of getting a change order is intimidating and the last thing you want to deal with. There’s the expectation that when a contractor hits you with one, it often comes with a price increase. You have every right to be frustrated when you’re surprised with one.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we handle 150 change orders a month, adding or removing items from contracts. The difference is we don’t issue them at the expense of your time or money in your wallet. Rather, they’re to document changes and make sure we are on the same page as you with your remodel.
In this article, we’ll explain why contractor-initiated change orders hurt everyone and when change orders can be for your benefit.
Table of Contents:
- Wait, Aren’t Change Orders Always Bad?
- So, When Are Change Orders In Bath Remodeling Bad?
- What Are Good Change Orders In Bath Remodeling?
- Understanding Change Orders Before Your Bath Remodel
Wait, Aren’t Change Orders Always Bad When Bath Remodeling?
No, not all change orders are bad or problematic. Change orders are just an amendment to the original construction contract that documents any changes. This is to say, change orders aren’t bad on their own. It depends on what’s being amended.
So, When Are Change Orders In Bath Remodeling Bad?
Change orders are only really bad when the contractor initiates one (or many) and informs the homeowner that additional work and costs are required. Necessary steps were likely not thoroughly planned, documented, or explained before the project started. All of this means the contractor didn’t anticipate or account for additional work when they looked behind your walls. As a result, you’re the one paying for it (literally).
These change orders also hurt contractors since they are generating extra work (and pay) on your bath remodel. The projects become more complicated, there are (likely) changes in schedules, and there’s additional paperwork and approvals.
Not to mention the contractor’s trust and credibility take a hit. Even if/when the issue is legitimate, homeowners often remember the surprise more than the explanation.
A responsible contractor can anticipate issues such as water damage, structural problems, or safety concerns. This is why working with a contractor who anticipates these issues upfront is so important.
What Are Good Change Orders In Bath Remodeling?
What could be considered a “good change order” is one that a homeowner initiates, meaning the homeowner wants to make a modification to their project.
For example, you want to change a part of your design after signing your contract. Maybe you want to add a permanent shower seat for safety. You contact the contractor, and they agree to the change at an additional cost to the project. Even though there is an increase in price, the circumstances to that change order were under your control as the homeowner. You initiated the change and were aware of the circumstances.
Sometimes, there are contractor-initiated change orders that don’t affect your project cost or cause time delays. Rather, it’s only documenting alterations to your project.
An example would be if the design consultant missed a small detail in your design that needs to be adjusted. Maybe your shower pan was specified as black in the contract, even though you specifically asked for white. The contractor would contact you to initiate a change order stating something to the effect of, “The original contract should have listed a white shower pan, instead of black.” It’s the contractor acknowledging the mistake, informing you of the issue, and documenting the amended contract.
Understanding Change Orders Before Your Bath Remodel
It makes sense to think that change orders are a bad sign. After all, a common sentiment in construction is, “A good change order is one that doesn’t happen.” And while this sentiment is mostly good, not all change orders are created equal.
Contractor-initiated change orders are typically very frustrating. However, a homeowner-requested change can be good because they’re the ones in control of modifying their project.
Don’t be surprised by hidden costs that come with contractor-initiated change orders. Read our article on hidden costs for bath remodels.
If you have any questions about change orders or bath remodeling in general, contact Shugarman’s Bath.
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
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