Change Orders Explained: Why They Happen and How We Handle Them

If you have ever heard a homeowner grumble about a "change order" during a renovation or build, you are not alone in wondering what that term actually means. Change orders are one of the most common, and most misunderstood, parts of any construction project. Understanding what they are and why they happen can save you a lot of stress once your project is underway.

What Is a Change Order, Really?

A change order is simply a written amendment to the original construction contract. It documents a change to the scope of work, the materials being used, the timeline, or the price, and it gets signed off by both the homeowner and the contractor before the change is made. Think of it as an official update to the game plan rather than a sign that something has gone wrong.

A well written change order spells out exactly what is changing, why it is changing, how it affects the budget, and how it affects the schedule. That clarity protects everyone involved and keeps the project moving without confusion later on.

Common Reasons Change Orders Come Up

Change orders happen for a lot of reasons, and most of them are not anyone's fault. Older homes are a frequent source of surprises. Once walls are opened up, a contractor might find outdated wiring, water damage, or structural issues that were not visible during the initial walkthrough. Addressing those issues properly usually requires a scope change.

Homeowners themselves are another common source. It is completely normal to see a finished framed space and decide you want to move a doorway, add an outlet, or upgrade a countertop material. Changes in material availability and pricing can also play a role, especially with specialty products that have longer lead times. Finally, local building departments sometimes require adjustments during inspections to meet current code, which can also trigger a change order.

How We Handle Change Orders at Hansbrow Construction

Our approach is built around communication and transparency. As soon as an issue or a requested change comes up, we walk the site with the homeowner whenever possible so everyone is looking at the same thing. From there, we put together a clear written change order that lays out the added or reduced scope, the cost impact, and any effect on the project timeline.

Nothing moves forward until the homeowner has reviewed the details and signed off. We would rather pause for a day to get approval in writing than assume anything, because that protects both sides and keeps the paper trail clean if questions come up down the road. We also try to flag likely trouble spots early, during the estimating and planning phase, so fewer surprises pop up once demolition starts.

Tips for Minimizing Surprises

There is no way to eliminate change orders entirely, especially on renovation and remodel projects, but there are ways to reduce how often they come up. Building in a contingency of roughly ten to fifteen percent of your total budget gives you breathing room if something unexpected turns up. Getting a thorough inspection or assessment before signing a contract can also catch issues early, before they become mid-project surprises.

It also helps to make major decisions about finishes, fixtures, and layout as early as possible. The more settled your choices are before work begins, the fewer changes you will want to make once the project is underway. And finally, choose a contractor who explains change orders clearly and puts everything in writing. That habit alone prevents most of the frustration homeowners associate with the process.

The Bottom Line

Change orders are a normal, healthy part of construction projects, not a red flag. What matters most is working with a contractor who communicates clearly, documents everything, and keeps you informed every step of the way. If you are planning a renovation or a new build and want a team that treats transparency as a priority, reach out to Hansbrow Construction. We are happy to walk you through what to expect from start to finish.

Ready to start your project? Reach out to Hansbrow Construction and we'll walk you through what's next.