What is a change order?

A written amendment to the contract for added, deleted, or altered work — with price and schedule impact. Verbal 'while you're here' requests are how budgets disappear.

Should change orders be priced before work starts?

Yes whenever possible. Approving work 'at time and materials' without a not-to-exceed number is a common homeowner failure mode.

Who can approve a change order?

Name the decision-maker in the contract (you, both spouses, project manager). Crews should not take scope direction from a neighbor who 'stopped by.'

Are hidden conditions the same as change orders?

Related but different. Rot behind a wall may be a legitimate unforeseen condition. Upgrading finish level because you changed your mind is a classic elective change order.

How do I push back on an inflated change order?

Ask for labor hours, material invoices, and markup separately. Compare against unit prices already in the bid when available.

Contractor Change Orders in 2026: Failure Modes That Blow Budgets

July 24, 2026 · Guide · 1 min read

The original bid is a snapshot. The finished house is a trail of decisions. Change orders are where those decisions either stay controlled — or quietly double the job.

Failure Modes to Design Out

Verbal approvals on site with no price attached
'We'll true it up at the end' open-ended T&M
Multiple family members giving conflicting direction
Allowances that were never realistic at bid time
Schedule slips with no written extension or cost note

A Healthier Change-Order Process

Written description of the change
Price method (lump sum, unit price, or T&M with cap)
Schedule impact in days
Signature before ordering materials or starting labor

Related: payment schedule milestones and material markup. Compare contractors by city or near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a change order?: A written amendment to the contract for added, deleted, or altered work — with price and schedule impact. Verbal 'while you're here' requests are how budgets disappear.
Should change orders be priced before work starts?: Yes whenever possible. Approving work 'at time and materials' without a not-to-exceed number is a common homeowner failure mode.
Who can approve a change order?: Name the decision-maker in the contract (you, both spouses, project manager). Crews should not take scope direction from a neighbor who 'stopped by.'
Are hidden conditions the same as change orders?: Related but different. Rot behind a wall may be a legitimate unforeseen condition. Upgrading finish level because you changed your mind is a classic elective change order.
How do I push back on an inflated change order?: Ask for labor hours, material invoices, and markup separately. Compare against unit prices already in the bid when available.