A kitchen remodel requires keen attention to detail and careful planning. From design elements to materials and finishes, a lot of things need to be polished before the construction begins and, too often, unforeseen issues still arise. Here, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes discusses how to stave off change orders — alterations to the original scope of work — to keep your kitchen remodel on track.

Defining the Scope of Kitchen Renovation

The first step to take when planning a kitchen remodel is to sit down with your design-build contractor. Discuss your creative vision, detail your must-have items and work out other design choices, like the wall color and flooring material. Every element included in the scope of work should appear in the formal contract.

Collaboration Between the Design Team & the Client

While there are times when change orders are helpful, tackling too many of them is the fastest way to blow your budget. Change orders, whether due to the homeowner, contractor or other unforeseen circumstances, can be difficult to predict. However, active and clear communication between the remodeling team and the client can help manage these change orders. If you are involved in the design process, the design team can come up with an accurate kitchen quote and expertly execute your ideas, all of which help prevent the need for sudden modifications.

What If a Change Order Is Beneficial?

The truth is, it is quite rare for a construction project to proceed without encountering minor modifications. For example, if a homeowner decides they do not like the cabinet hardware in the original plan, then it must be switched out before proceeding with the installation. It can also be an unexpected issue that arises during construction, for example, if the contractor discovers that the wiring in the kitchen walls is not up-to-date with local building codes.

Establish the Change Order Procedure in the Contract

Stipulating the change order procedure in the contract is an effective method to minimize surprise changes during the remodel. It is important to specify all the steps required before any additional work or reduction of work is approved and performed by the team. Your document should at least include the following information:

• An in-depth explanation of the requested change
• Itemized description of subcontractor fees
• The total cost impact of the proposed change
• Estimated schedule delays due to the requested change

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes is a premier source of kitchen and bathroom remodeling solutions. Our certified team is committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and excellent customer service. Call us at (262) 923-8721 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation kitchen estimate. We work with homeowners in Twin Lakes, Paris, Kansasville, Burlington and surrounding communities.