Your kitchen remodel is humming along. It’s week eight, the cabinets are in, and you’re starting to see your vision take shape. Then you say, “Let’s add an island.” Seems simple enough—but that’s a change order. And if you’re not careful, it could cost far more than you expect.
A change order is a formal modification to your construction contract. It adjusts the original scope of work—often adding labor, materials, time, or all three. While change orders are common and often necessary, they can also become one of the biggest budget busters in a remodel. According to Houzz, 53% of remodeling projects go over budget—and vague specs and unchecked change orders are major culprits.
What Are Change Orders?
Change orders are contractual amendments issued after the original agreement is signed and work has begun. Common examples include:
- Adding a kitchen island
- Swapping countertop materials
- Discovering mold behind a wall
They’re not inherently bad. In fact, some are unavoidable. But they must be documented and priced fairly. Too often, homeowners agree to changes verbally or under time pressure—then receive a surprise invoice with inflated costs.
Why Change Orders Happen
Change orders generally fall into three categories:
Owner-Initiated Changes
You may change your mind once you start visualizing the finished space. Maybe you want a skylight or upgraded fixtures. These changes are common—and often more expensive than expected.
Unforeseen Site Conditions
Contractors may encounter issues such as mold, outdated wiring, or structural damage behind walls. These surprises often lead to both cost and timeline adjustments.
Contractor Recommendations
Sometimes a contractor suggests mid-project modifications for aesthetic or functional reasons. These can be beneficial—but also serve as upsells. Always assess necessity and value before agreeing.
The Hidden Costs of Change Orders
Change orders can bring more than just the base cost of the modification:
- Price Inflation: Without competitive pricing, contractors may add steep markups. A $2,000 kitchen island might be billed at $4,000 due to urgency or labor constraints.
- Project Delays: A small change like adding a window can stall progress by 1–2 weeks, especially if new permits or materials are required.
- Ripple Effects: Moving a wall might require electrical or plumbing rerouting, triggering thousands in extra work.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Change Orders
You can’t always eliminate change orders, but you can minimize their financial impact:
- Start with a Clear Bid Spec
The more detailed your original scope, the fewer surprises. Specify layout dimensions, materials, and exclusions in your pre-bid documentation. - Incorporate Change Order Terms in the Contract
Adding specific Change Order Terms directly into your contractor agreement – before starting work – can be a lifesaver and big money-saver. - Put All Changes in Writing
Never rely on verbal agreements. Document the change order’s scope, cost, and timeline impact—then sign before work begins. - Request Multiple Quotes
For major changes, ask for itemized breakdowns or competing bids. Even just requesting justification can reduce inflated charges. - Cap Change Order Totals
Include a clause in your contract limiting the total cost of change orders or requiring written approval beyond a set amount. - Track as You Go
Keep a running budget. Update it with each approved change to avoid a last-minute budget blowout.
Conclusion: Change Smart, Save Big
Change orders are part of the remodeling process—but they don’t have to wreck your budget. Well-managed modifications can improve your final result. But without clear specs, documentation, and cost controls, change orders can easily turn your $25,000 remodel into a $35,000 financial headache.
Be diligent, stay assertive, and always get it in writing.
