Change orders can quietly destroy profit if they are not handled properly. By setting expectations early, documenting every change, and using Bolster’s interactive estimates, contractors can manage scope changes clearly, protect margins, and avoid unpaid work.
As a contractor or homebuilder, scope changes are unavoidable. They might seem small at first, but every adjustment means more work than what was originally agreed upon.
Some homeowners understand that changes affect pricing. Others assume the extra work will be absorbed into the original quote. When expectations are not aligned, contractors often end up doing unpaid work just to keep the relationship intact.
Over time, small changes add up. Extending a fence, upgrading finishes, or adding landscaping may feel harmless, but together they can turn a profitable job into one that barely breaks even.
Unbilled change orders slowly chip away at your margins. What starts as a small favor to keep a client happy can quickly add hours of labor and material costs that never make it onto an invoice.
Many homeowners underestimate the cost and effort of mid-project changes. When they see an updated bill later, frustration builds. This disconnect often leads to tense conversations and strained relationships.
There are two points where scope changes typically happen. During the quoting phase, and after the contract has been signed.
Changes requested during quoting are not true change orders. They are part of planning. Many contractors rush this phase and miss a major opportunity.
By walking homeowners through all options and upgrades upfront, you can eliminate the majority of future change orders before the project even starts. This reduces friction later and often increases the overall project value.
Once work is underway, scope changes need to be handled carefully. These are true change orders, and how you manage them determines whether you keep or lose money.
Set expectations early and reinforce them often. Clients should understand that any changes will affect pricing and timelines. This should be written into the contract and reinforced whenever a request is made.
No matter how small, every change should be documented immediately. Revised pricing should be approved before work begins. This protects you from absorbing extra costs and ensures transparency.
Contracts should clearly explain how change orders are handled. Having this outlined upfront prevents disputes, financial losses, and legal complications later.
Managing multiple projects while tracking scope changes, updating pricing, and collecting approvals can feel overwhelming. Even with best practices in place, things can slip through the cracks.
This is why many contractors are turning to Bolster to manage change orders more efficiently without damaging client relationships or profit margins.
Bolster helps contractors address scope changes before and during construction. Interactive proposals allow homeowners to explore options early, reducing surprises later.
If changes happen mid-project, Bolster handles the heavy lifting.
Homeowners can request material upgrades or scope changes directly within the original estimate. Pricing updates instantly, so there are no surprises at the end of the job.
All conversations, approvals, and notifications live in one system. Both contractors and homeowners stay aligned without juggling emails, texts, or calls.
Every adjustment is documented and stored in one place. This creates a transparent history that protects you from unpaid work and prevents misunderstandings.
Manual updates, miscommunication, and undocumented changes cost contractors real money every year. Bolster helps eliminate these issues by making scope changes clear, trackable, and profitable.
Protecting your margins means using systems built for how construction actually works. Bolster gives you the tools to manage change orders confidently, save time, and keep your profits intact.