Why Change Orders Are a Symptom, Not a Problem

Change orders in home construction have a bad reputation, and people often associate them with delays, cost overruns, and headaches. At JayMarc Custom Homes, we believe change orders are a symptom of deeper issues, rather than an actual problem. They reveal important insights about the planning process, communication, and how your vision is evolving. Understanding why change orders happen and how to manage them can make the difference between a stressful project and a smooth, rewarding custom home experience.

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about change orders and explain how to prevent them, including:

• What is a Change Order?
• Why Do Change Orders Happen?
• What Are the Most Common Reasons for Change Orders?
• How Do You Minimize the Potential for Change Orders?
• When is a Change Order a Good Thing?

What is a Change Order, And Why Do They Happen?

In luxury custom home building, a change order is a documented adjustment to the original construction agreement. It can mean anything from revising the design or upgrading materials to modifying the scope of work after construction begins. In custom home building, change orders are part of the process. However, frequent or costly issues can indicate that the preconstruction phase wasn’t thorough enough.

Why Do Change Orders Happen During Custom Home Construction?

Even with careful planning, seeing your home take shape in real life can spark new ideas. Many change orders are custom home project changes requested mid-build that enhance comfort, functionality, or long-term value.

Other common reasons for change orders include:

• Unclear scope & miscommunication: Important details were overlooked during the planning phase and were not included in the initial design plans.
• Client preference changes: Homeowners want new finishes or design upgrades mid-build.
• Unforeseen site conditions: Unknown structural or environmental challenges were discovered during excavation or framing.

Common Types of Change Orders in Custom Homes

• Design revisions: Altering room layouts or expanding living areas.
• Finish and fixture upgrades: Choosing different countertops, flooring, or lighting packages, or reselecting due to discontinued products or materials.
• Additional scope: Adding built-in cabinetry, outdoor kitchen, or enhanced landscaping.

The Real Problem: Flawed Planning, Not the Change Order

If change orders start stacking up, it is often a reflection of poor planning in the preconstruction and design phases. Too many unanswered questions and unaddressed details can lead to budget adjustments and timeline extensions, and when expectations aren’t fully defined, misunderstandings can lead to mid-build changes.

Planning Mistakes That Lead to Budget Surprises

• Skipping thorough design reviews before finalizing plans.
• Underestimating the cost of finishes.
• Failing to plan for potential site conditions.

Signs of Incomplete Preconstruction Planning

If you’re unsure about selections, floor plan functionality, or budget parameters before signing the construction agreement, that’s a red flag. These gaps can translate into costly change orders during the build.

At JayMarc Custom Homes, we believe in clear and consistent communication from the start. Our proven process prioritizes transparent communication to align your vision, budget, and expectations before we break ground.

Tips to Minimize Change Orders in Custom Home Building

Here are a few tips to prevent costly change orders during your custom home construction process:

1. Finalize your design before breaking ground, from choosing your floor plan to all major design decisions, to prevent expensive adjustments mid-build.
2. Choose your flooring, fixtures, and finishes early to avoid material delays or substitutions.
3. Ask, “What if” during the planning phases to consider potential upgrades or lifestyle changes that your family may need so that your builder can plan for them structurally.
4. Be realistic about your budget and include a contingency fund to cover any changes you may decide to make.
5. Communicate clearly and often to prevent misunderstandings and keep your vision on track.

How JayMarc Prevents Unnecessary Change Orders

The more you invest in planning, the fewer costly surprises occur during the building process. It may take time, but we believe it is time well spent. Our preconstruction process takes about 12 months, and we update estimates regularly to ensure predicted costs are as accurate as possible. Our proven process includes discovery and feasibility to cover property assessment, zoning, surveys, and rough budget ranges, and our define phase covers all engineering and permitting required for your build.

JayMarc’s pre-build planning process also includes:

• Collaborative design meetings to lock in every detail.
• 3D renderings + drawings to visualize rooms and finishes before construction.
• Comprehensive budgets reflecting all approved materials and fixtures.

Educating Clients Before the Build Begins

In the preconstruction planning and design phases, we guide clients through every decision, explaining how each choice affects cost, timeline, and design integrity. This proactive approach minimizes the need for unplanned construction changes. We also offer educational webinars and articles to familiarize homeowners with the custom home building process.

When Is a Change Order Worth It?

Change orders aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, some can significantly enhance your home’s livability, style, and long-term value.

Positive Change Orders That Add Long-Term Value

Examples of positive change orders include upgrading to luxury appliances, expanding a primary suite, or enhancing outdoor living areas. These changes may slightly increase cost or time, but pay off in the long run for homeowner satisfaction and resale appeal.

Adapting Plans to Fit Evolving Lifestyle Needs

Life can change between blueprint approval and move-in day. Families grow, work-from-home needs evolve, and personal preferences shift. Change orders in custom home building give homeowners the flexibility to modify their homes to fit their lifestyles.

Redefining Success in a Custom Build

Success in luxury custom construction isn’t defined by avoiding all change orders entirely. It’s about building a home that fits your vision, budget, and long-term lifestyle goals. JayMarc Custom Homes helps you prioritize must-have features, select upgrades that deliver the most value, and keep budgets transparent so every decision feels intentional.

Why Choose JayMarc Custom Homes to Build Your Custom Home

As a trusted Design-Build firm in the Greater Seattle Area, JayMarc Custom Homes brings decades of experience, award-winning design, and local knowledge to every project. From lot assessment and budgeting to design and final walkthrough, JayMarc’s refined, proven process ensures you’re supported at every stage.

With a focus on lifestyle, function, and timeless design, JayMarc custom homes are tailored to how you live, balancing luxury with livability and quality with customization.

At JayMarc Custom Homes, we believe building beautiful and functional homes is only part of our purpose. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to delivering an exceptional, personalized experience every step of the way.

Our white-glove service means you’re cared for at every touchpoint from your initial consultation to post-move-in support. We offer proprietary tools like our digital homeowner portal, educational resources like webinars and articles, and a client-first approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and peace of mind.

Ready to Build With Confidence?

At JayMarc Custom Homes, our design-build approach eliminates guesswork, streamlines communication, and gives you the flexibility to make changes when they truly matter.

Schedule your consultation today to start your custom home journey with a builder who values both precision and flexibility.

Common FAQs About Change Orders In Custom Home Building

Are change orders always a sign of poor planning?

Not always. While many change orders result from insufficient planning, others are upgrades or necessary adaptations discovered during the build.

How much do change orders usually cost?

Change order costs vary, but unplanned changes can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, especially in luxury builds. JayMarc Custom Homes minimizes these surprises with detailed pre-construction planning.

Can I avoid change orders altogether?

Not necessarily, but you can significantly reduce the potential for change orders with proper planning, realistic budgeting, and clear communication. JayMarc Custom Homes helps clients prepare from the very beginning.

How does JayMarc handle change orders during construction?

With transparency. Clients are informed of all options, pricing, and potential impacts to the timeline before approving any changes.

What’s the biggest reason homeowners request change orders?

Change orders often result from evolving personal preferences, such as upgraded finishes or layout adjustments made after seeing the space come together.