July 21st, 2023
By Sofia Alonso
3 min read
If you have ever built a new home or considered doing so, you may have found out that there are many opportunities for miscommunications, changes, and modifications even while you’re already in construction. Some clients ask us how we can best avoid those potential changes that often lead to a longer timeline and a higher cost for the project.
The key to avoiding these change orders all together is to identify these items early and implement any design changes strategically to minimize costs and disruptions. Ideally, your architect and builder would work together to ensure the designs are complete, every question answered, and every detail has been pre-determined prior to the start of construction.
Unfortunately, some people experience a sort of disconnect between their design team and their builder and some details get lost in translation and lead to the builder making assumptions for your home during construction. This is what can lead to surprises and even disappointments upon move-in.
That is why in this blog, we have identified the essential stages during construction where design changes can be made more easily than other times and offer practical tips to help you navigate these milestones effectively.
The Milestone that Matters Most: Drywall
The critical milestone in construction that significantly impacts the cost and ease of design changes is the installation of drywall. Once the drywall is up, any changes to plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems would require cutting holes and causing disruptions behind the walls. To avoid this scenario, we recommend homeowners undergo a pre-drywall walk-through to catch any potential mistakes or design changes before drywall is installed.
3 Opportunities for Changes in New Home Construction
Pre-Rough-In:
This stage occurs when the house is framed, but plumbing, mechanical, and electrical installations have not yet been done. It is the ideal time to make changes to layouts, window placements, and lighting before any work would have to be undone. Seize this opportunity to communicate changes to your builder so they can work with the trades (plumbing, mechanical, and electrical) for the best chance of accommodating adjustments at the least cost.
Pre-Drywall:
During this phase, the electrician will place boxes, switches, and outlets where they are needed before they run the wires. Homeowners can participate in an electrical walk-through to identify additional switches or outlets required in various spaces. This is a good opportunity to re-consider adding additional smart home features if you have not already done so, like hardwiring motorized blinds and security cameras, as it is easier to implement before drywall is completed.
Pre-Punch List:
The punch list is the final list the builder uses to make any finishing touches to the project so this is the final opportunity for significant changes or additions before the home is completed. Although the drywall has already been installed, homeowners can still consider adding built-ins, accent tile walls, or changing flooring colors at this stage and it will be more cost effective than making these changes after the punch-list items have all been completed.
Early Design Changes are Cost-Effective:
The key takeaway is to identify design changes as early as possible. Ideally, changes should be made during the design phase to save time and money. That is why working with a design-build firm can be so advantageous to the efficiency of a project because your architect and builder are all under one roof and you avoid any disconnect between design and construction.
However, if you miss this opportunity, making changes before significant milestones, such as pre-rough-in and pre-drywall, is still more cost-effective than altering the design after drywall is in place. Moving backward in construction always comes with the highest costs.
Communication with Your Home Builder:
Working closely with your builder throughout the construction process is crucial. Request a pre-rough-in walk-through to address any concerns or design changes early on. Your builder should be accommodating and offer various walk-through stages to ensure your vision aligns with the progress of the project.
The Design-Build Advantage:
Design changes and modifications are common during home construction projects as most individuals do not know exactly what they want until they see it. That is why using 3D modeling software and virtual reality tools can make a massive difference in enhancing visualization abilities in the design phase.
To save time and cost in your project overall, it is essential to identify and communicate any changes you want to make as early as possible. Take advantage of pre-rough-in and pre-drywall walk-throughs to address any concerns and accommodate adjustments before these crucial milestones. By being proactive and staying in close communication with your architect and builder, you can ensure that your dream home is built to your specifications and lifestyle, making it a haven for years to come.
