How to make changes while building a house
So you have decided to build the house of your dreams. You've found the right plan (so you think), found the right builder (you hope) and have begun construction on that oh so perfect lot. But what if during the building process you find that you need to make some changes? Perhaps the plans you thought were so right for you are not? Or maybe something you thought would be perfect for your home is just too ugly to leave like it is. Or worse yet what if your builder and you cannot see eye to eye on how the house should be built? Are there things you can do or will you be forced to live with a house that really is not what you want it to be? The good news is you can make changes at virtually every stage of the home building process. The bad news is that depending on what changes you make and how far along the house is these changes can be costly and time consuming. In light of the terms of possible cost and time design experts recommend thinking carefully before making changes. But if you find there are things you just cannot abide having done to your home (after all it is your money) or you have run across an idea you just cannot live without there are ways to make changes.
Here is what you need to know on how to make changes while building a house:
- Communicate with your contractor. Like any relationship you cannot assume that your contractor knows explicitly what you want. Meeting with your contractor often to review your plans and the progress on the house is essential to making sure everyone is on the same page. This helps to reduce the need for changes during the building process. While no advocates being obnoxious and interfering with the building process this is not the time to take an extended overseas vacation. You could come back to find your new home is nothing like you envisioned.
- Understand the costs. As mentioned above change orders (the term builders use to make changes) are expensive. The cost of making changes goes up exponentially as the building process is further along. The cost of ripping out old materials and putting in new materials plus labor gets higher the closer the house is to being finished. Experts recommend thinking long and hard about how much you really want to make the change versus the inherent cost. If you can try and make changes while your house is still in the planning stage and the cost will usually be minimal.
- Have graphic expectations. It is important to keep in mind that builders generally are visual people. It really is up to you to determine what change you want to make. Simply making vague assertions against a particular feature of your house without having a solution to fix it is not productive. It is important to know exactly what you want and communicate that clearly with your builder.
- Ask questions. If you are unsure of any aspect of the home building process do not be hesitant about asking questions. If you are having trouble visualizing an aspect of your home ask the contractor to clarify how the finished product will look. Keep in mind that you are paying the builder to build your home and understanding what is going on will keep everyone working in the same direction lessening the chance of changes having to be made later on.
- Make sure everything is in writing. If you do decide to make changes make sure they are documented. There will be several people working on your home and they all consult written documentation. Do not depend on anyone who reassures you that "he will let everyone know". This rarely happens and to often someone is unaware that a change has been made. Insisting that all changes are made in writing will keep everyone working toward building the home of your dreams.
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