Asking questions and requesting changes are a big part of a client’s life during a custom home build. When clients start at the top, by directing questions and changes to the builder, the project stays on course. Alair Homes Grey Bruce, provides responsive, knowledgeable, expert general contractors and project managers who guide clients through their project.
Who to Approach with Questions or Change Orders?
Keeping construction on time, on budget and orderly involves a client’s expeditious product selection. Equally important is approaching the builder directly with questions or change orders.
This is crucial, no matter how minor the changes are. It is often tempting to approach workers to request these changes. This seems efficient, but it often causes miscommunication and delays.
Giving Sub-Contactors Change Orders
Even a small change sometimes has a snowball effect. Take, for instance, asking a plumber for a modification to the sink in the kitchen. He, in turn, asks the carpenter to make adjustments that comply with this inquiry. The request then passes through numerous hands. Those involved are then each charging the builder for extra time and materials. Too many cooks in the kitchen equates to additional, unexpected charges on a client’s bill.
Problems also arise, for example, if the architect or bathroom designer is approached to change the tile spec. The builder is tasked with ordering the tile. If he does not get the instructions in a timely manner, he may receive the wrong product. Again, a charge pops up on the client’s bill. The project is also likely delayed.
Where to Address Questions
In addition to refraining from passing orders to sub-contractors, clients help keep the process of building a custom home on task when they avoid asking them questions. Sub-contractors are typically friendly and receptive. However, clients should not interpret this behavior as an invitation to inquire about the project.
Say a client bypasses the builder to ask an electrician how much a particular lighting fixture costs. He may throw out a figure, unaware of other factors. The client then believes the question was answered accurately. If the questions is instead addressed to the project manager, the builder directly contacts the supplier and applies any discounts or shipping costs. The client is then provided with the precise cost. Only the builder handles change orders. This way, clients have the information necessary to decide in advance whether to proceed with the change or cancel it.
Communication
Communication is the foundation of any relationship. It is essential to a client’s relationship with their builder. Builders keep homeowners abreast of any fees associated with a change order and any limits to the number of orders accepted. This is done because changes are very disruptive: the custom home completion date gets extended, workers clock extra hours and additional supplies are ordered.
During a custom home build, the general contractor is the first and last person a client should approach with questions and change requests. Clear communication ensures that a homeowner’s project is progressing without miscommunication, confrontations and needless expenses. The takeaway is possibly the homeowner’s greatest gain — peace of mind.