How Oxland Builders Helps Reduce Change Orders and Costly Surprises

How Oxland Builders Helps Reduce Change Orders and Costly Surprises

Oxland Builders helps reduce change orders and unexpected costs by working through key design decisions, material selections, and pricing before construction begins. When needed, we also investigate potential problems behind walls or ceilings, helping us identify issues early rather than discovering them after work is underway.

Not every surprise can be anticipated, especially during a renovation. When hidden conditions or homeowner-requested changes affect the original plan, Oxland evaluates the cost and schedule implications, communicates them clearly, and requires approval before the additional work begins.

Our goal is to help homeowners throughout the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine move into construction with a clear understanding of their project, its costs, and how we'll handle unexpected changes.

How Does Oxland Plan Ahead to Reduce Costly Changes During Construction?

Our in-house designer works alongside the construction team, so we can consider how design choices affect the work involved and the overall cost. This helps us make adjustments during planning, when changes are generally easier and less expensive to address.

During the design phase, we focus on:

• Developing the design: Working through layouts, cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes so the major design decisions are made before construction starts.
• Defining the scope: Establishing what work is included in the project so everyone has a clear understanding of what's being planned and priced.
• Coordinating selections and pricing: Choosing most major products early so we can account for their costs, specifications, and installation requirements.

For example, adjusting a kitchen layout or changing cabinetry during design is generally much easier than making those changes after materials have been ordered or installation has begun.

You can also help reduce changes by reviewing plans carefully, making selections during design, and letting us know about any additional work you're considering. The earlier we discuss those ideas, the easier it is to include them in the original scope, budget, and schedule.

How Does Oxland Builders Check for Hidden Problems Before Renovation Work Begins?

Oxland Builders helps reduce unexpected renovation costs by checking for potential problems hidden behind walls or ceilings before construction begins. When necessary, we open small areas of the home during planning to look for plumbing, wiring, or other conditions that could affect the design, budget, or construction schedule.

We typically do this after the design takes shape and most materials are selected. This lets us focus on areas where finding a problem later could mean expensive changes or delays.

Discovering a hidden problem after construction begins can mean redesigning part of the project, doing additional work, or replacing materials already ordered. Finding these issues earlier gives us an opportunity to adjust the plans and account for the costs before construction starts.

Can Unexpected Costs Still Come Up on an Oxland Project?

Yes, even with careful planning, additional costs can arise when unexpected problems are discovered during construction or when homeowners request changes to the original plan.

Some problems remain hidden until construction begins, such as outdated wiring, damaged framing, or incomplete work from a previous renovation. While we investigate potential concerns during planning, not every condition can be discovered in advance.

Homeowners may also decide to make changes, such as selecting different tile or lighting or adding work that wasn't included in the original project.

Sometimes these requests begin with a simple 'While you're here, could you also...?' Adding work during construction may make sense, but it can also affect the budget and schedule.

When we know a potential problem exists but can't determine the full cost beforehand, we may include a budgeted amount for that work. For example, if framing repairs may be necessary but we don't yet know the extent of the damage, we can account for that possibility in the budget.

This helps us identify potential expenses early, even when we can't predict the exact cost.

How Does Oxland Builders Handle Change Orders?

When a change order is needed, Oxland Builders determines the additional cost and how it may affect the project schedule. We review the details with the homeowner so they understand the implications before agreeing to the changes.

Here's how the process works:

1. Identify the change: The homeowner requests a change, or our site supervisor or project manager identifies work that needs addressing.
2. Determine the impact: We review what's involved and work to establish the cost and any schedule changes as quickly as possible.
3. Review and approve: We explain the change to the homeowner. Once the homeowner signs and pays the change order, the additional work can begin.