What If I Change My Mind During the Build?
So, you’ve spent months planning your project, the builders are finally on site…. and then… you realise, that wall doesn’t feel quite right. Or that window could be bigger. Or something just looks a bit unexpected or different now that it’s real. Or suddenly it makes sense to insulate your roof.
You’re not alone – design changes during the building phase of projects are really common. They’re not necessarily a problem, as long as they’re handled the right way. Here’s what you need to know if you’re tempted to tweak things mid-build.
It is totally normal to make changes once work starts.
Even with the best set of drawings, it’s hard to fully imagine how a space will feel until you’re standing in it. It can also be hard to understand how your planned work will impact the rest of your home. …Sometimes, things happen on site that prompt a rethink.
Maybe:
- Your builder uncovers something hidden (surprise pipework, anyone?).
- An item is no longer available, or has too long a lead time, and you need to choose an alternative.
- You spot an opportunity to improve something now that your much loved home has been peeled open.
It’s all part of the process – the key is just to make decisions with your eyes wide open.
What should I do if I want to change something?
The first step is: pause and check in with your architect or builder. Even seemingly small changes can have a knock on effect – so before anything happens on site, it’s best to talk it through.
We’ll most likely need to consider:
- What the change involves
- Whether it affects structure, regulations or layout
- How much it might cost or delay things
And then we’ll decide together whether to go ahead – or explore other options.
Remember that complying with the Building Regulations is an absolute requirement. So, any design changes need to be checked for compliance with the regulations. This is your designers and Principal Designers responsibilities.
How are changes actually agreed?
If I’m acting as your contract administrator, I’ll check any potential cost impact with the builder – and that you’re willing to pay this extra cost, then I’ll issue a formal instruction to the builder. This confirms the change in writing and keeps everything clear for everyone.
We might need to revise the drawings, adjust the contract sum or extend the completion date slightly. But the most important thing is that there’s a paper trail, so everyone knows what’s been agreed and why.
If you’re managing the builder yourself – please, please, please check any potential cost and time implications. Meaning: what will your change cost you, and will it cause your project to take longer? This must be done before you ask your builder to get on with it to avoid surprises down the line.
The best time to make changes is before the works start.
Of course, the ideal moment to fine tune your design is during the drawing stage, not on site. Changes are much quicker and almost always cheaper when we’re still on paper.
That’s why I encourage clients to take their time early on – engage in the process with us, really look at the drawings, ask questions and sit with the ideas. It’s worth it in the long run.
Design changes during construction aren’t unusual – and they don’t have to be stressful. With the right advice, a bit of planning and clear communication, it’s absolutely possible to adjust things as you go.