The Construction Phase / Managing Construction Changes

Approving or rejecting proposed changes

When it comes to managing a construction project, there are bound to be changes and deviations from the original plan. As the homeowner, you have the right to approve or reject proposed changes to the project. However, this can be a tricky process, as it requires balancing your vision for the project with the realities of the construction process and the contractor's expertise. In this section, we will discuss how to effectively evaluate and approve or reject proposed changes to ensure the success of your construction project.

Evaluating Proposed Changes

Before you can approve or reject a proposed change to your construction project, it's important to carefully evaluate the impact of the proposed change on the project timeline and budget. This involves considering the scope of the change, the materials and labor required to implement the change, and any potential delays or complications that may arise. You should also consider how the proposed change will impact the overall quality and functionality of the finished project.

To evaluate a proposed change effectively, you should start by reviewing the original project plan and the proposed change in detail. It can be helpful to consult with your contractor or subcontractor to ensure that you fully understand the proposed change and its implications. Once you have a clear understanding of the proposed change, you should then evaluate the potential impacts on the project timeline and budget.

When evaluating a proposed change, it's important to keep in mind that even small changes can have a ripple effect throughout the project. For example, a change to the location of a light fixture may seem minor, but it could require rewiring and other modifications that could significantly impact the project timeline and budget. It's important to carefully consider all potential impacts before making a decision. Your contractor and build team can also help here, and are experts at knowing how painful or not a change may be.

Communicating with Contractors and Subcontractors

Once you have evaluated a proposed change and determined its potential impacts, it's important to communicate the proposed change to your contractor or subcontractor. This should be done in a clear and concise manner, outlining the proposed change and its potential impacts on the project timeline and budget.

It's important to approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen to your contractor's perspective. Your contractor has experience and expertise that can be valuable in evaluating proposed changes and finding the best solutions to any issues that may arise.

During these conversations, it's important to establish a clear understanding of the proposed change and its implications. You should also discuss any potential alternatives or modifications that could achieve the same goal with less impact on the project timeline and budget. By working collaboratively with your contractor, you can find the best solution to any issues that may arise while ensuring the success of your construction project.

Approving or Rejecting Proposed Changes

Once you have evaluated a proposed change and communicated with your contractor, it's time to make a decision. You can either approve the proposed change or reject it, based on your evaluation of the potential impacts and your overall goals for the project.

If you decide to approve the proposed change, it's important to ensure that it is implemented effectively and efficiently. This may involve coordinating with your contractor to adjust the project timeline and budget, as well as sourcing any additional materials or labor required to implement the change. Make sure you keep track of these changes and record them with an EcoHome project or some other method.

If you decide to reject the proposed change, it's important to clearly communicate your reasoning to your contractor and work collaboratively to find an alternative solution that achieves your goals while minimizing impact on the project timeline and budget.

In either case, it's important to maintain open communication with your contractor throughout the process. By working together to evaluate and address proposed changes, you can ensure the success of your construction project while minimizing any delays or complications.