What’s your most common change order?<!—-><!—-> <!—->
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I think the hardest part of running a business, at least the last time I tried it, is staying on top of change orders. Now, anyone can have change order forms handy. That’s the easy part. The hard part is getting the estimating done quickly enough to keep the job moving along so as to keep the cash flowing and the homeowner happy. <!—-><!—->
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My first guess at being better able to deal with this is anticipation. That is, anticipate the changes that might arise and predetermine a price for each of them. Therefore, if I was planning on specializing in cabinet installations, I would have to consider all of the possible changes that might come up in a cabinet installation.<!—-><!—->
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I’m going to take this a step further though. While I would be especially interested in changes for cabinets, then doors, and then trim, I would like to know what everyone’s most common change orders are.<!—-><!—->
–T
Replies
Rotten or termite damaged framing behind drywall,
Substandard or dangerous wiring
Galvanized plumbing in walls or slab
No headers above windows or doors
Poorly poured slabs
Upgrade flooring
Upgrade tile
Upgrade fixtures
Thats usually on the first day at the job after demolition.
Bruce
You pretty much nailed it hiker. This is exactly why all my work is billed T&M.
Change orders are your friend.The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
Exactly why I do it T&Mroger
Edited 3/24/2008 10:03 am ET by roger g
That is, anticipate the changes that might arise and predetermine a price for each of them. Therefore, if I was planning on specializing in cabinet installations, I would have to consider all of the possible changes that might come up in a cabinet installation.
I'm not sure I follow you on this. I do the stuff that you mention in the paragraph above but I don't think I go into any job trying to anticipate what the HO will want to change or what I would charge for it. I don't have time in my life nor do I want to consider any of those things unless they come up, I can deal with them just as easily then as ahead of time so why waste the time if its not called for?
When someone wants a change I don't try to figure out a way for them to pay for it, meaning I'm not going to great lengths to try to accommodate a budget or a dream. The change is going to cost you(customer) what it cost me in material and time, nothing less and nothing to think about.
I cant imagine why you'd consider a resource for change orders, maybe I've oversimplified my approach to the whole change order thing but an old carpenter always told me, "the way to make money in this business is corners and change orders" He didn't mean to gouge anyone because of a change but don't give anything away on that front either.
Doug