Bathroom Change Orders
Some clients are convinced that all contractors use bathroom change orders to jack up the price after the project is started. While this is true for unsavory contractors it does not represent everyone.
Unsavory contractors typically are not licensed or insured. They do not acquire building permits for your bathroom and/or work for cash. Other warning signs are contractors who provide a low estimate and little or no detail contracts. Contracts that do not include professionally developed plans and specifications are a red flag.
Why are There Bathroom Change Orders?
Bathroom change orders can be disruptive, costly, and slow things down. Most contractors do not want or like change orders. Contractors would love to itemize every conceivable issue. However, that’s impossible. Nobody can see through drywall to determine if there is wiring, pipes, or a crumbly wall behind it. Do not fear change orders. They are a normal part of every remodel. For more information, read Change Orders.
You Should Plan for Unexpected Scenarious When Remodeling your Bathroom
Unexpected circumstances can add to your remodeling costs and result in major delays to your project. Newer homes typically have fewer surprises than older homes. It is important to understand that a bathroom is a high use, high moisture environment. Some level of mold, mildew, insect, and wood rot 
should be expected. Consider for a moment that for two people using a typical master bathroom over 30 years, the bathroom will have experienced more than:
- 129,000 toilet flushes
- 172,000 hand washes
- 43,200 teeth brushing
- 876,000 minutes taking a shower
- 1,690 miles walking into and out of the bathroom.
That’s an enormous amount of use!
The exact locations for water and sewer pipes, electrical wires, and timbers cannot be determined until after the drywall is removed.
Contracts Should Always Include the Written Procedure for Bathroom Change Orders
You should not need to ask your contractor to include a detailed procedure for change orders in your contract. California requires this as a matter of law. Why? This shows you in writing what to expect and it minimizes the back-and-forth between you and your contractor.
Having a change order procedure written in your contract is in the best interest of you and your contractor. It keeps you up to date on the total cost of your bathroom remodel. It will also tell you how many additional days the change order will add to your project. Most importantly, a bathroom change order ensures everyone understands and agrees on the additional price, scope, and duration of the remodel.
Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Bathroom
Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction. We are experts in bathroom remodeling who can manage projects in an efficient manner. DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders. Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare proposals that meet your requirements. Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract. We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you. If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.
How Can I Receive More Information?
If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation. DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California. This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.
