You can change the design after construction starts, but each change has a price in money, time and sometimes safety. Knowing how to handle it keeps the cost down.
What changes cost, and who approves them, depends on your contract. Read it before you ask for a change.
1. Why changes cost more later
A change on paper costs a conversation. A change after concrete is poured or walls are built costs demolition, new materials and lost time.
The later the change, the more it usually costs.
2. What can change easily
Finishes that have not been ordered, fixtures and some interior layouts can often be changed with little cost. Ask your architect which items are still open.
Items such as tiles or paint colours rarely affect structure.
3. What is hard to change
Structure, openings, plumbing runs and electrical layouts become hard to change once built. Changing them may need new drawings and, in some cases, new approvals.
Ask your engineer before any change that touches structure.
4. How to handle a change
Ask for the change in writing, with a price and the effect on the schedule, before the work is done. Approve it in writing too.
Keep a log of every change so the final cost is clear.
**Before you say yes**: Ask what the change costs and what it delays.
5. Think before you ask
Sleep on a change before you request it. Check whether it comes from a real need or from seeing something new.
Ask your architect for advice, since a small change may affect other parts of the design.
6. Stay calm on site
If you see something on site that does not look right, call your architect first instead of instructing workers directly. A single channel avoids mixed signals.
Do not rush a decision under pressure. Ask for a day to think, and ask your architect for advice on options and effects.
Remember that some changes improve a house a great deal. The aim is not to avoid change but to make each change informed.
Comments are closed.