Sixth Step: Kitchen Remodeling is the sixth and final article of a series of six articles helping home owners learn about the full kitchen remodeling process. This article follows "Fifth: Kitchen Remodeling" article

You are now aware of some common delays that can occur during construction and have learned how to prepare for them. In this Sixth Step: Kitchen Remodeling article, we will talk about one of the most important and common issues that exist in almost every construction remodeling project, the change order. A change order is an amendment to the original contract for additional work that was not included in the original contract. Change orders are issued by the general contractor when additional work is needed. It requires the client's approval before the general contractor can proceed with the additional work.

There are many factors that contribute to the creation of a change order. A change order can be created because the client requests additional work. For example the client requires the exterior of the house to be painted and that was not in the initial contract. In this case the general contractor will issue a change order that states the additional service (Exterior Painting) along with its cost. This change order has to be approved by the client before this additional work can be added to the original contract.

Another reason for a change order is when additional work becomes evident to the general contractor during the demolition process. A contractor might have included the removal of a wall but the demolition reveals that before the wall could be removed some plumbing and gas lines have to be redirected. This additional work will also create a change order which has to be approved by the client.

Sometimes the city or county inspectors require an update to a different area of the house or where the construction is to bring the house up to code. There are laws in place that allow local cities or counties enforce health and safety codes to update or upgrade their residence to be at par with the existing codes. Such items can be added to the original contract through a change order to satisfy the city and county requirements .

There are two things for the home owner to consider when dealing with a change order. If the change order is generated and it is based on your request for additional work, you may go ahead and approve it if you agree with the price. You may also shop around and see if you can find a better deal. However, take in to consideration the delays this can cause in your project. Usually, the general contractor can take care of most of the home owner’s extra requests. If not, he will direct them to the right places that can help the client in a timely fashion. The other type of change order will be either for an unexpected item that was not included in the original contract which became evident during demolition, or it is a requirement of the city or county authorities to upgrade or update an item in your residence. Both of these change orders can be approved with a little due diligence. The homeowners need to make sure they are getting a good deal by investigating the additional work and getting an estimated cost of completion from other sources.

Homeowners should always request to receive all change orders in writing and to get a copy of the change order once they have approved the work. The change order should list in detail the work that will be performed and total cost of labor and material to complete the work.

Now, that you know what change orders are and how to deal with them from this Sixth Step: Kitchen Remodeling article, you can start looking forward to when your kitchen remodeling work is completed and has passed the final inspection. At this time the homeowner should walk through the remodeled area with the general contractor to go over some minor items that might have been missed and/or require the attention of the general contractor. The general contractor will make a list or obtain the list from the home owner and then complete the work in the following days. The work is completed when the homeowner is satisfied with the completed work and the contractor is paid his dues. At this time the homeowner should ask the contractor for a release upon receiving the final payment.

I hope you have enjoyed these articles. You may refer to our blogs for more informative articles regarding construction, remodeling, real estate buy/sell, and mortgage loan financing and refinancing. Amiri Realty and Rockstrong are your one stop shop for all your Real Estate, Mortgage Loan and construction projects. We serve you better....