Checklist before approving a change

Make sure the change order spells out:

• Exactly what changes: materials, square footage, finishes or extra tasks.
• Why it’s needed: your request, an unforeseen condition or a contractor recommendation.
• Total price: labor + materials + taxes, not just a rough estimate.
• Schedule impact: Does it add days? Does it shift other work?
• Who executes it and when: avoid assumptions about responsibilities.

If something is missing, ask for it inside ReConto before you approve. It’s easier to clarify now than to fight over an invoice later.

Why most home project disputes come from undocumented changes

The majority of conflicts between homeowners and contractors don't start with the original agreement. They emerge during the project when small changes accumulate without clear documentation. A verbal "sure, we can do that" becomes a disputed invoice three weeks later.

The anatomy of a typical change order problem

Here's how it usually goes wrong:

1. Work starts based on original scope and contract
2. During execution, homeowner asks "can you also..." or contractor discovers unforeseen conditions
3. Change is discussed verbally or via text message
4. Contractor does the extra work assuming homeowner understands the cost
5. At payment time: "I had no idea that cost extra" or "you never told me it would be $X more"

This pattern repeats across thousands of home projects every year. The solution isn't avoiding changes—it's documenting them properly when they happen.

What a proper change order should include

Every change order needs five clear elements:

• Description: What exactly is changing from the original scope
• Reason: Why the change is necessary or requested
• Cost impact: How much additional (or reduced) cost, itemized
• Timeline impact: Will this delay completion? By how much?
• Approval: Written confirmation from homeowner before work proceeds

ReConto enforces this structure automatically. When a contractor or homeowner initiates a change, the system requires all five elements before it can be approved.

Common changes and what to watch for

Material upgrades: "Can we use higher-end tiles instead?"

Watch for: Price difference per unit × total units. Installation time difference if materials are harder to work with.

Scope additions: "Can you paint this extra room while you're here?"

Watch for: Labor hours × rate. Materials cost. Impact on other scheduled tasks. Timeline extension.

Unforeseen conditions: "We found water damage behind the wall"

Watch for: Diagnostic time. Repair work scope. Materials. Delay to original schedule. Whether this should have been discovered during planning.

When to approve vs. reject changes

Not every proposed change is necessary or fair. Ask yourself:

• Is this change truly necessary, or is it nice-to-have?
• Does the proposed cost seem reasonable for the scope?
• Can this wait until a future project, or must it happen now?
• Will this change affect other parts of the project?
• Do I have budget flexibility for this addition?

ReConto gives you time to think. You're not pressured to decide on the spot while the contractor is standing there.

How documented changes protect both parties

Good change management isn't about distrust—it's about clarity. When changes are properly documented:

• Homeowners know exactly what they're paying for
• Contractors get approval before doing extra work
• Both parties have a clear record if questions arise later
• Final invoices match approved changes, reducing payment disputes
• Project history is complete for future reference or resale

The best home projects aren't the ones with zero changes—they're the ones where every change was discussed, documented and approved by both parties before it happened.