A change order is a written agreement that updates your original scope, cost, and timeline once work begins. You avoid surprises by finalizing every material choice, fixture, and layout detail before the first hammer swings. When the plan is set in stone on paper, the physical work stops being a guessing game.
Why do most budgets fall apart once the walls come down?
Most budget surprises are decided in the first two meetings, long before anyone breaks ground. If you start with a vague allowance instead of a specific tile or cabinet, you aren't building a budget; you're building a hope.
Once we pull back the drywall in an Alpharetta home, we often find the "bones" don't match the original blueprints. If your design isn't locked down, every discovery feels like a new expense rather than a managed adjustment. Pick your finishes early so the price tag stays fixed.
Does a change order always mean I’m paying more?
Not always. It just means the math has shifted. A change order is a record of a decision, not just an invoice for an extra.
Sometimes you find a better way to route the plumbing that saves you time, or you decide the tile you picked in the showroom just doesn't catch the light the way you wanted. When we process a change, we calculate the difference in materials and the labor to install them. You sign off on the new number before we order a single board. No surprises.
How do I stop "Scope Creep" from eating my savings?
Scope creep happens when you add "just one more thing" without checking the checkbook. It’s the bathroom remodel that turns into a full plumbing re-pipe or the kitchen upgrade that shifts into a total structural move.
You’re worried that one small pivot will spiral into a project you can't afford.
To stop this, keep a "wish list" separate from your primary contract. If you want to add crown molding or swap out the lighting during the process, we price it out immediately. You decide if that item brings enough value to your home to justify the dip in the budget. It keeps you in the driver’s seat.
What is the difference between a "Discovery" and a "Choice"?
A discovery is what the house hides; a choice is what you decide to do about it. When we tear into an older home near downtown Alpharetta, we might find rot or an electrical system that won't pass modern code.
You want a home that’s as safe as it is beautiful.
We treat these as "discovery" change orders. We show you the problem, explain the fix required by the county, and provide a clear path forward. These are inevitable in renovation. Choices, on the other hand, are the fun parts—the hardware, the paint, the faucets. We handle choices during the planning phase so they never become a panicked last-minute scramble.
Frequently asked questions
What if I change my mind about a tile mid-install? If the material hasn’t been ordered or installed, we update the plan. If the contractor is already mid-set, the cost includes the labor to remove what’s there and install the new selection.
Who is responsible for the cost of unforeseen structural issues? The homeowner is responsible for the material and labor to fix or update the home. We are responsible for identifying these issues early and giving you the full picture so you can decide how to proceed.
Are there administrative fees for every change? We charge for the time spent documenting the change and updating the procurement schedule. It keeps the project organized and ensures every trade partner is on the same page.
Talking it through with a builder
You shouldn't have to guess what your home will cost when the work is finished. If you’re ready to look at your plans and iron out the details, give us a call at Kade Homes & Renovations. Let’s sit down and make sure your project is built on a plan you can trust.