How to Avoid Remodeling Change Orders

Change orders are something that can affect your apartment renovation budget, and you’ll want to avoid it as much as possible. In today’s post, NYC apartment renovation company Knockout Renovation shares an overview of change orders and how they affect renovation plans.

What Are Change Orders?

Change orders are necessary changes to a project that were not part of the original plan, which means the cost to perform such changes are not included in the initial budget. A common example is unexpected repairs. A remodeler might find rot in the walls or previously-unseen plumbing problems, which will incur additional costs and, depending on the severity of the problem, extend the renovation timeline.

How to Avoid Change Orders

You can avoid unexpected changes to your project by working with an experienced renovation company. Inexperienced remodelers may overlook such problems during their initial inspections, while unscrupulous ones may deliberately do so, in order to provide a low bid. Lack of experience can also result in miscalculation of materials, labor, and/or timeline.

It also helps to do your research and plan ahead, even before you start considering remodelers. Familiarity with details such as your building’s alteration agreement, as well as fees and paperwork typically associated with renovation, can help you with making informed decisions that can help avoid unexpected changes.

How to be Prepared for Change Orders

Sometimes change orders can happen even to well-planned renovations. This is why you should take precautions. Add a “buffer” that amounts to at least 10% of your renovation budget. This will help you cover most of the costs required by a change order. If unused, you can put the money towards your savings or some other smaller project.

In-person inspections may not be ideal during these times, but a good remodeler should be able to arrange a virtual inspection of your home. You will be asked plenty of questions and will be asked to move around your apartment a lot, but this will give your prospective remodeler a better understanding of what your apartment needs and provide as accurate an estimate as possible.

Knockout Renovation is your leading provider of apartment remodeling services. Give us a call at (212) 599-5060. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Brooklyn, New York, and the surrounding communities.