5 Ways to Avoid Costly Change Orders During Home Construction Projects

When it comes to home construction projects, you probably have some idea of what you want, at least in terms of the use for any space you plan to renovate or add on to your current structure. Maybe you want a more functional and modern kitchen design or an open concept for common areas. Or perhaps you’ve decided to add on a bedroom to accommodate your growing family. You may even be building a granny flat to house an elderly relative or to generate passive income. But this might be as far as you’ve gotten when it comes to bringing your dreams of a more functional and aesthetically pleasing living space to fruition. In truth, most homeowners don’t have any concept of the work or expense that goes into a major home construction project. But there are things you can do to keep down costs. And one major factor relies on your ability to avoid making changes during the project. Here are a few ways to stay on track with your build schedule and your budget.

1. Put together a comprehensive plan. The place to begin with any building project is with a plan that outlines every step of the process. Some of this you can manage on your own, especially if you have some 3D design software that allows you to create a floor plan and plug in the finishes you prefer. But a contractor can help you to fill in the blanks in the planning process, creating a schedule and a budget that will take your construction project from a largely unformed concept to a completed reality, giving you the extra space you need.
2. Get multiple bids. If you’re looking to avoid costly changes, you need to get bids from several different contractors. This will not only help you to find the price you’re looking for, but you can also select a contractor that is reputable, reliable, and trustworthy. This is important because you need a professional who can steer you in the right direction from the get-go and provide you with the options you need to ensure that you don’t end up finding something better and changing your mind down the line.
3. Sign a contract. Once you have a comprehensive plan in place for your project you need to sign a contract that includes the details, including the construction schedule and budget, with milestones if applicable. It’s also a good idea to plan for overages and delays, which are fairly common with such undertakings. With your plan in writing you may be less likely (and less inclined) to make changes later on.
4. Run things by your contractor. You can definitely save yourself some money by finding and buying materials on your own, avoiding paying your contractor for his time or ponying up a finder’s fee for every element. But it’s important to check in with your contractor beforehand to make sure you get the right amount of materials. In addition, he may be able to get you a better price on some items because of his industry contacts. So it could definitely pay to check in before you start making purchases for your construction project.
5. Consider your choices carefully. There’s really no substitute for making considered and informed decisions the first time around. When you finalize your plan before you ever start the demolition or break ground, there’s a much better chance you’ll stick to it rather than second guessing yourself. So nail down everything from a necessary Los Angeles crane rental to the flooring you’ll install in your new space. Knowing what you want up front will save you time and money down the line.