At Andries Builders, we’ve seen it time and again on our client’s faces that building a custom home is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever take. You spend weeks pouring over floor plans, picking out the perfect "Greige" for the walls, and debating the merits of quartz vs. granite. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have everything figured out before the first hammer hits the first nail. And that’s ok. Maybe while walking through the frame, you suddenly realize you want a window there. Don't worry—you aren't alone! It’s so common on fact these pivots have been given a name, Change Orders. In this week’s article we’re sharing a how we manage these updates together to keep your dream home on track and your smile intact.

What Exactly is a Change Order?

Think of a change order as a "sidenote" to our original plan. Once we’ve finalized your selections and signed the contract, any modification to the scope of work, materials, or design requires a change order. It’s our way of ensuring that everyone—from our designers to our master craftsmen in the field—is on the exact same page!

The "Ripple Effect": Why the Process Matters

You might think, "It’s just one extra outlet!" but in a custom build, every detail is connected. You might think of it like a construction domino effect. Here’s just a few examples of how one seemingly small change affects other areas:

  • Adding a Kitchen Window — Framing must be altered, exterior siding/brick adjusted, and potentially electrical wires rerouted.
  • Swapping a Light Fixture — May require a different mounting box or reinforced bracing in the ceiling.
  • Changing Tile Patterns — Might require more "waste" material to be ordered or extra labor hours for intricate cuts.

The Andries Builders Step-by-Step

We pride ourselves on transparency and integrity, so we’ve made our change order process as smooth as a freshly sanded floor:

  • The Inspiration Strike: You let your project manager or designer know you'd like to make a change.
  • The Impact Assessment: Our team looks at how the change affects the budget, the timeline, and the structural plans.
  • The Quote & Approval: we provide a clear, written estimate of the costs and any potential delays. No "surprise" bills here!
  • The Green Light: Once you sign off on the change order, we update the blueprints and get our crews moving in the new direction.

Pro Tips for a Seamless Build

While we are always happy to help you customize your space, here are a few ways to keep change orders to a minimum:

  • Visualize the Flow: During the design phase, try to "walk" through your floor plan mentally. Imagine where you’ll put your Christmas tree or where you'll plug in your vacuum!
  • Visit the Site Early: Catching a change during the framing stage is much easier (and cheaper!) than catching it after the drywall is up.
  • Trust Your Gut (and Your Designer!): If you're 90% sure about a selection but have a tiny doubt, let's talk about it before the materials are ordered.

Building with Confidence and Care

At Andries Builders, we treat every home like it’s our own. We know that as the walls go up, your vision might evolve—and that’s okay! A custom home is a living, breathing project. Change orders aren't 'problems'—they're just the steps we take to make sure your home reflects who you truly are Our goal is to walk alongside you with honesty and patience, ensuring that the final result is exactly the forever home you’ve been dreaming of.