change orders on Carpenter
Quick answer
If your Carpenter has change orders, the most likely cause is: Client change orders that affect material quantities — such as moving a wall, enlarging an opening, or adding built-ins — cause material waste when the originally-ordered materials no longer fit the revised scope. The carpenter eats the cost of unused materials because changing orders mid-job rarely includes material recovery line items.
Start here:
- 1. Quote change orders with material line items — even if materials are already on site, assign a cost
- 2. Document original material order quantities and costs in writing before starting
Why Carpenter gets change orders
Client change orders that affect material quantities — such as moving a wall, enlarging an opening, or adding built-ins — cause material waste when the originally-ordered materials no longer fit the revised scope. The carpenter eats the cost of unused materials because changing orders mid-job rarely includes material recovery line items.
How to reverse change orders on Carpenter
- 1
Quote change orders with material line items — even if materials are already on site, assign a cost
- 2
Document original material order quantities and costs in writing before starting
- 3
For any change order affecting framed elements, recalculate remaining material needs vs what's on site
- 4
Track which materials from original order become surplus — present this list to client as credit
- 5
Use material cost as a line in every change order, not just labor — this makes scope impacts visible
Keep change orders off this Carpenter
Include a material recovery clause in every change order: 'Materials already procured for original scope will be invoiced at cost plus 15% restocking fee if not reusable in revised scope.'