Why Bad Planning Turns Change Orders into Major Problems
- Girka Design Build
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever renovated a home, you’ve probably heard horror stories about change
orders.
“They nickel-and-dimed us to death.”
“Every little thing was extra.”
“The price just kept changing.”
Change orders have a reputation for being sneaky, stressful, and expensive. And in
poorly run projects, that reputation is earned. But here’s the truth we’ve learned from experience:
Change orders themselves aren’t the problem.
Bad planning and poor management are.
Changes Are Normal in Renovations
Let’s get this out of the way first:
Changes happen. Homes aren’t empty boxes. They’re existing structures with history. Once walls are opened, new information sometimes comes to light. Also, homeowners are human. Sometimes you:
See something in person and rethink it
Decide to upgrade once you understand the options
Change your mind after living with a space during construction
None of that is wrong. The issue isn’t that changes happen — it’s how they’re handled.
Why Change Orders Feel So Stressful
Change orders become stressful when they:
Come out of nowhere
Aren’t clearly explained
Affect the schedule without warning
Show up after the work is already done
At that point, homeowners feel trapped. The decision doesn’t feel like a choice anymore
— it feels like a bill. That’s not a change problem. That’s a process problem.
Most Change Orders Start Before Construction Even Begins
This is the part most people don’t realize. The majority of change orders don’t come from “unexpected discoveries.” They come from incomplete planning.
Common causes include:
Design details not fully resolved
Selections left open
Vague scope descriptions
Allowances that were never realistic
Assumptions instead of decisions
When those gaps exist, changes are almost guaranteed later — and later is always
more expensive.
Verbal Changes Are a Huge Red Flag
One of the fastest ways a renovation can go sideways is verbal changes.
Things like:
“Go ahead and do it.”
“That should be fine.”
“We’ll deal with the cost later.”
That’s how misunderstandings happen.
A properly managed renovation never relies on memory or casual conversations for
changes. Everything should be:
Documented
Priced
Approved
Understood before work continues
That protects everyone.
What a Well-Handled Change Looks Like
When a change is handled correctly, it should feel calm — not chaotic.
A proper change process includes:
A clear explanation of what’s changing
Why the change is happening
The cost impact
The schedule impact
Written approval before proceeding
No pressure. No surprises. No guessing.
Even if the change costs more, homeowners feel in control because they’re making an
informed decision.
Why Poor Planning Creates Endless Changes
When projects start with vague plans, change orders become a constant.
For example:
Cabinet layouts finalized after plumbing rough-in
Tile selected after waterproofing
Lighting decided after drywall
Structural changes discovered late
Each one triggers a domino effect:
Rework
Delays
Added cost
Frustration
None of that is inevitable. It’s the result of rushing the early phases.
Planning Is Cheaper Than Fixing
We tell homeowners this all the time: It’s always cheaper to plan than to fix.
Time spent upfront:
Finalizing design
Making selections
Reviewing details
Asking “what if” questions…saves time, money, and stress later.
Skipping that step doesn’t save money. It just delays the cost.
How Project Management Changes the Change Order Conversation
When a project is properly managed:
Fewer changes happen
Necessary changes are handled smoothly
Optional changes feel intentional, not forced
Project management means someone is:
Watching for risks early
Flagging decisions before they become urgent
Communicating clearly when something affects cost or time
Without that, changes feel reactive. With it, they feel controlled.
Design-Build Helps — But Only With Discipline
Design-build can reduce change orders when it’s done correctly. When design and construction are coordinated:
Details are resolved earlier
Costs are understood sooner
Fewer assumptions make it into the build phase
But design-build only works if the team resists the urge to “figure it out later.” Later is when changes are most expensive.
How We Handle Changes at Girka Design Build
At Girka Design Build, we don’t pretend changes will never happen. That’s unrealistic.
What we do promise is:
Clear planning before construction starts
Early identification of potential issues
Honest conversations about cost and schedule
A documented, transparent change process
Our goal is to eliminate surprise — not eliminate flexibility.
A Renovation Should Feel Managed, Not Reactive
When changes are handled properly, homeowners don’t feel blindsided.
They feel informed. They understand what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for their project.
That’s what good project management looks like.
Want Fewer Changes and More Control?
If you’re planning a renovation and want:
Fewer surprises
Clear communication
A team that plans before building
We’re happy to talk through your project and explain how we approach planning and
change management from day one.
📞 941-223-0349
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