Change Orders

Virtually all projects change as they progress. If either you or the contractor feels something must be added or removed from the project, a change order should be filled out and signed by you and the contractor. Change orders initiated by you will likely increase the project's cost, and any additional amount for time and materials should be stated in writing.

If, for example, the plans call for a 3-foot-wide window and you now want a 6-foot-wide window, that will require different framing, and a change order is needed. Understand also that if you ask the contractor to fix something just because he or she is around, that is above and beyond the contract and you may be charged for it.

For a copy of a change order, click here.

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Punch Lists

A punch list is standard on all commercial construction and is becoming increasingly so in residential construction. It is a checklist of every item that is incomplete, not done at all, or requires fixing or replacement.

Homeowners should periodically walk through the project and keep notes on items needing repair or correction. Even if brought to the contractor's attention immediately, they may not be corrected by the job's end. Many things get overlooked during a project, some important, some cosmetic.

Keep a record and then, when the job is nearly complete, take a walk-through with the contractor to check on items you have seen and look for others as well. If you have an architect, he or she should join you.

For a copy of a punch list, click here.

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