When building a new home, Change Orders are a normal and important part of the process. Change Orders allow homeowners to refine details, adjust selections, and improve their new construction home as the vision becomes clearer. At Kimball Construction, we process Change Orders in a structured and transparent way so you always understand cost, schedule, and scope. Because building a home involves hundreds of decisions, Change Orders often help align the final product with your goals. Therefore, understanding how Change Orders work will help you move forward with confidence.
From the first foundation pour to the final walkthrough, your new home evolves from drawings into reality. As a result, questions arise, ideas improve, and preferences sharpen. Although we plan thoroughly before construction begins, Change Orders sometimes become necessary when conditions, materials, preferences, or regulatory requirements shift. However, when handled correctly, Change Orders strengthen the outcome instead of disrupting it.
In many cases, Change Orders reflect thoughtful upgrades. For example, you may decide to install larger windows in the great room, adjust cabinet layouts, or select a different exterior finish. Because new construction homes move through clear stages, timing matters. Therefore, we encourage early decisions whenever possible. If you would like to understand the broader building process, you can also review What to Expect: From Contract to Construction on our website.
Change Orders are formal written modifications to your construction contract. Specifically, a Change Order adjusts the scope of work, price, schedule, or materials in your new home. Instead of relying on informal conversations, Kimball Construction documents each Change Order clearly so both parties stay aligned. As a result, you receive transparency and legal clarity.
A Change Order typically includes a detailed description of the change, the cost increase or decrease, and any impact on the project timeline. In addition, it references the original plans so everyone understands exactly what changes. Because we build new construction homes from approved drawings, even small adjustments can affect framing, mechanical layouts, or inspections. Therefore, we treat every Change Order seriously.
We process Change Orders as soon as a change becomes defined and priced. However, timing depends on where your home stands in the schedule. For instance, if framing has not started, structural adjustments move quickly. Conversely, if we already installed drywall, changes behind walls require more labor and time. As a result, earlier decisions reduce cost and delay.
When you request a modification, Kimball Construction first evaluates feasibility. Next, we confirm structural integrity, code compliance, and engineering requirements if necessary. Then, we gather pricing from trade partners and suppliers. After that, we prepare the Change Order for review. Because new construction follows sequencing, we also evaluate how the modification affects downstream work.
We present Change Orders inside BuilderTrend for final approval. Through BuilderTrend, you can review the description, pricing breakdown, and schedule impact in one organized location. Then, you approve the Change Order digitally. As a result, both parties maintain a documented record, and the project moves forward efficiently. We do not begin changed work until you provide written approval in BuilderTrend. Therefore, you always control your budget decisions.
Homeowners most often request Change Orders. For example, you may adjust flooring selections, upgrade appliances, or modify built-ins. However, sometimes Kimball Construction initiates a Change Order. If site conditions differ from what we anticipated, if material availability requires substitution, or if coordination between trades demands clarification, we document the adjustment formally. In addition, regulatory authorities, such as the local building department, may require plan modifications to meet code requirements or inspection standards. When that occurs, we issue a Change Order to clearly document the required change, its cost impact, and any schedule adjustment. Therefore, Change Orders protect both you and Kimball Construction by ensuring full transparency when outside authorities mandate updates.
Because new construction homes rely on coordination between trades, even a small change can create dependency effects. For instance, moving a wall affects framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, trim, paint, and sometimes flooring. Consequently, one modification can shift multiple downstream tasks. We analyze these impacts before presenting the Change Order so you understand the ripple effect.
The time required to complete a Change Order varies. If the change involves a simple product substitution before installation, we may complete it within days. However, structural or layout changes often extend the schedule. Additionally, regulatory revisions required by inspectors may pause progress until updated approvals are secured. Therefore, we always communicate both cost and schedule adjustments before proceeding.
Although Change Orders can increase the contract price, they sometimes reduce it. For example, if you remove a feature before we order materials, the Change Order may reflect a credit. However, once materials ship or installation begins, cost reductions become less likely. As a result, timely communication helps preserve flexibility.
Throughout construction, we encourage proactive discussions. If you feel uncertain about a decision, raise it early. Because new construction homes move stage by stage, earlier adjustments create fewer disruptions. Therefore, communication remains the key to successful Change Orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Change Orders in new construction homes?
Change Orders are written modifications to your construction contract that adjust scope, cost, materials, or timeline. Kimball Construction documents and prices each Change Order before proceeding.
Who can require Change Orders?
Homeowners commonly request Change Orders. However, Kimball Construction may initiate one due to site conditions, coordination needs, or material substitutions. In addition, regulatory authorities such as the building department may require changes to meet code or inspection standards.
When should I request Change Orders?
You should request Change Orders as early as possible. Earlier requests reduce labor impacts, material waste, and scheduling delays.
How do I approve Change Orders?
Kimball Construction presents Change Orders inside BuilderTrend. You review the description, pricing, and timeline impact, and then you approve digitally for final authorization.
Do Change Orders always increase the cost?
No. Change Orders can increase or decrease the contract value depending on the scope change, timing, and regulatory requirements.
How long do Change Orders take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the modification, regulatory review if required, and its impact on downstream trades. Simple substitutions move quickly, while structural or layout adjustments take longer.
Building a new construction home involves vision, flexibility, and careful planning. Change Orders give you a structured way to refine that vision while protecting your investment. At Kimball Construction, we prioritize clarity, documentation, and communication at every step. Therefore, when Change Orders arise, whether requested by you or required by regulatory authorities, we guide you through the process confidently and transparently. In the end, thoughtful Change Orders help ensure your new home reflects exactly what you want while meeting all applicable codes and standards.
