Quick Answer: A construction change order (CO) is a written amendment to your original contract that specifies additional work, removed work, or a change in materials, along with the associated cost impact and schedule impact. Change orders are normal and inevitable in construction — hidden conditions (rot behind walls, undersized electrical panels, poorly graded subfloor) discovered during work legitimately require a change order. You SHOULD accept a change order if: (1) the work described is genuinely necessary and wasn’t reasonably discoverable before the project started; (2) the price is fair (you can request itemized materials and labor costs); (3) it’s in writing. You should QUESTION or REJECT a change order if: the contractor is adding scope that was already implied by the original contract, the pricing seems inflated without justification, or the contractor refuses to provide written documentation before proceeding.
Common Legitimate vs. Suspicious Change Orders in San Jose Construction
| Change Order | Legitimate or Suspicious? |
|---|---|
| Rotted sheathing discovered behind existing siding | Legitimate — hidden condition not visible before demo |
| Knob-and-tube wiring discovered during opening walls | Legitimate — hazard requiring code upgrade |
| Subfloor found to be uneven beyond spec during flooring removal | Legitimate if significant; verify with measurements |
| Owner-requested upgrade (higher-end tile, larger window) | Legitimate — owner changed scope |
| Permit inspector required additional structural bracing | Legitimate — inspector-required change |
| “We need more money for labor” after project is underway | Suspicious — vague, not tied to specific changed scope |
| Existing item not explicitly listed in contract as “included” | Suspicious — check if it was reasonably implied by the scope |
| Contractor claiming change order is needed for work already begun | Very suspicious — work should not proceed without written CO |
Quartz Construction provides clear, itemized change orders with material costs, labor breakdown, and schedule impact for every scope change — no verbal approvals or after-the-fact invoices. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
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Quartz Construction & Remodeling | CSLB #1003436 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Phone: (650) 749-7436
Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave #1080, San Jose, CA 95125
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Service Area: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Gatos & Bay Area
