Kitchen Change Orders
Some clients are convinced that all contractors use kitchen change orders to jack up the price after the project is started. While this is true for unsavory contractors it does not represent everyone.
How can I Avoid Unecessary Kitchen Change Orders?
Look for contractors who are licensed, insured, and acquire building permits for your kitchen. Never pay in cash for your kitchen remodel. Unsavory contractors provide low estimates and little or no detail in their contracts. Contracts that do not include professionally developed plans and specifications are also a warning sign for trouble.
Why are There Kitchen Change Orders?
Kitchen 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 cabinets and 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.
When Remodeling your Kitchen, You Should Plan for Unexpected Scenarios
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 kitchen is a high use, high traffic environment.
The kitchen is the center of the home. Family live, entertain, and perform a myriad of daily activities in the kitchen. For an average family of four, consider for a moment a typical kitchen over 20 years will experience:
- Faucet will use 131,400 – 197,100 gallons of water.
- Dishwasher used over 7,000 times and consume between 43,800 – 87,600 gallons of water.
- The kitchen pantry door will be opened and closed over 182,000 times.
- Over 445,000 minutes cooking and over 343,000 minutes preparing meals.
- More than 36,865,000 steps on the floor – about 13,964 miles.
- The primary kitchen light switch will be turned on and off more than 292,000 times.
That’s an enormous amount of use!
When remodeling your kitchen, you should expect at least some change orders. Why? There are things that cannot be seen until after the cabinets and drywall are removed. Items such as mold, mildew, insect damage, water and sewer pipes, electrical wires, and timbers.
Can a Kitchen Change Order Be Beneficial?
The truth is, it is quite rare for a construction project to proceed without encountering minor modifications. An example would be if a client decides they do not like the cabinet hardware in the original plan. Using a change order, new replacement hardware would be provided. Unexpected issues can also arise during construction. For example, the contractor may discover that the wiring in the kitchen walls is not up to date with local building codes.
Kitchen Change Order Procedures Should Always Be Written into Your Contract.
You should not need to ask your contractor to include a detailed procedure for change orders in your contract. In the state of California, all kitchen contracts must include change order procedures. Why? This shows you in writing what to expect and it minimizes the back-and-forth between you and your contractor.
Change order procedures written into your contract is in the best interest of you and your contractor. Why? It keeps you up to date on the total cost of your kitchen remodel. Kitchen change orders will tell you how many additional days the change order will add to your project. Most importantly, a kitchen 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 Kitchen
Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction. We are experts in kitchen 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 a proposal that meets 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 on Remodeling my Home?
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.
