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A change order is an amendment to a construction contract between the owner, contractor, and subcontractors. Making significant changes after a project is underway has the potential to delay a project and increase costs. Greg Gavin Construction of Lawrenceburg, IN, has more than 35 years in the home-building industry, and below they provide some tips to help other home builders avoid change orders.

How a Home Builder Can Avoid Change Orders

Improve Communication

home builderChange orders most commonly occur due to a lack of communication. If there is little verbal communication between the sides working on a project, one may misunderstand a part of the project, necessitating a significant change. Keeping in good communication and holding regular face-to-face meetings throughout the project will ensure this doesn’t become a problem.

Identify Potential Issues

Certain issues could become major problems during any project. Understanding these issues prior to commencing the project and preparing for them will help to avoid the need for any significant changes. Some of these potential problems include economic changes, rising interest rates, scheduling, and weather delays.

Thoroughly Review the Contract

When going over a home construction contract, doing so carefully and thoroughly will alleviate any concerns about change orders. Just as you carefully go over a site before a project, going over the contract will ensure that you don’t miss anything that could creep up on you later. Discussing the contract with the other parties will help you solve any differences before the project gets underway.

Share the Schedule

Putting the construction schedule into a Gantt chart and sharing it with all parties will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If there are issues that arise, the schedule can be easily consulted to determine whether it will cause any delays or increase costs. Keep everyone on the same page to avoid any change orders.

Change orders are a common occurrence with construction projects that can cause headaches, but they don’t have to. Following these tips will help to ensure that the project runs smoothly without any major changes. If you’re looking for a home builder to complete your project, Greg Gavin Construction has been serving the greater Cincinnati area since 1979. For more information, call (812) 637-5202 or visit their website.

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