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Our contractor bought something not listed in the change order in Alabama. What can we do?

AlabamaChange Orders

Hello, I'm purchasing new home. Builder added it to changed order that upgrade to cedar mantel without corbels and add stone up to cedar mantel with 12" raised stone hearth. But stone is 7" raised. We complained it to builder through a realtor. They can't fix it because 4" was what was on that came out to the field. When change order came out, it was too late to go to 12". And also we selected all lighting fixture under budget allowance with lighting sale person. She agreed that all selected fixture cost are under budget allowance. We found that one of them has different size. We asked her about what happened to them. She said she ordered one of them with different size without notifying to us because she found we went over budget allowance. How can we solve this issue with builder? Thank you

1 reply

Mar 11, 2020

In order to keep a project on track and moving forward, it's probably a good idea to try and talk things out with the builder. Meeting with them to explain frustrations and to set expectations for the remainder of the job may be a good first step in that regard. And, as far as those expectations go, requesting that ll change orders be made in writing and approved by the owner is hardly a tough ask. And, requiring some accounting or receipts that justifies the job costing is also perfectly reasonable (if not expected). If issues continue with their builder, then an owner could dispute certain charges and withhold certain amounts that are billed by their builder. Though, if withholding will occur, it'd be wise to notify the builder in writing and to cite specific contract terms that haven't been followed. That way, it's easier to keep the dispute rational and avoid unnecessary escalation of the dispute. For more information on how to manage change orders: Change Order Form — Free Template Download and Best Practices.

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