glitterpunkrealtor blog
Ronillie's Primary Bathroom Reno - Part 2
April 16, 2025
Whoa, this contractor is a gem! The renovation is already almost done and while also accommodating several change orders during the installation.
There was an issue in the floor with leaking pipes, rotting wood in the bathroom frame and a homeowner changing their mind on tile type and layout.
While I never recommend changing your mind so much in the middle of a project, it does sometimes happen. Let’s quickly discuss what can come up during a remodel, why a change order may occur and how to avoid them when possible. Then I promise, it will be reveal time!
Change order: a change to the planned job scope and/or materials.
- This can occur because a material becomes unavailable either due to breakage or no longer in production.
- There is damage that must be repaired before work can move forward.
- Budget is shifted so the selected material is out of budget (see item above).
- The material selected won’t work in the desired application.
- The client adds on more because the house is already torn up and YOLO.
- … or the client simply changes their mind in any other way during this process.
In this case it was a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Ronillie and I are not trained designers, but even then there are gut instincts that have to be settled first. Your designer gut is even more at attention when working on your own home, and that is the case with this project.
There were plumbing issues - involving leaks in the wall and bad drainage under the tub - that had to be repaired. Additionally, some items were missing the correct quantity when the time came to install. And then there was the complete design change of the overall color palette.
Originally there was going to be way more deep burgundy and pattern but Ronillie ultimately decided she wanted to go in a softer direction for the space used daily. I think it all turned out beautiful and I think makes the people who see it everyday very happy.
Some ways to prevent projects from getting out of control in your budget.
Budget: the amount you plan and account for in time, effort and money of your specific project.
Make a budge ahead of time. Consider the aspect of which you have the least available to you for your project. If it is time, make your decisions prioritizing the consideration of how much time is available to complete the project. Sam goes for considering access to financing and who will be completing your labor. Choosing a reputable design/build firm is ideal for massive projects like home additions, gut remodels and anything else requiring complicated work and permitting. There will be many types of trades to manage, permits to pull, inspections to pass, then designing the finishes and all this while staying on schedule and within budget.
Make a plan. Decide how your project should progress, how you will spend all your budget (is there some going to services like architects, engineers or designers?) so that there is a clear path to follow while you navigate your project. If you are not capable of managing all that because you have a day job, then you will need to consider an active project manager. This should come with almost any professional company offering full remodel services you work with even if they won’t be the designer, they still need to efficiently manage the various trades and get them paid if not already on their payroll.
Stick with the plan. It can be really tempting to make a change. Sometimes, they are necessary but most of the time, they are not and definitely expensive (again, this can mean time or money, or worse yet… both. You should think long and well about the pros versus the cons of your change. As long as it is worth it to you to suffer any ripple effects, then your wish is our command. With that said, try to stick to your plan!
Be honest. Humans have the annoying ability to convince themselves of almost anything. Like all of a sudden being an expert in the thing you hired the expert to complete. Now, I’m not saying that the customer is wrong, but I am saying that us consumer can be quite unrealistic sometimes. Just try to be very honest with yourselves about the facts your are navigating. Getting stuck in the doom loop of hypotheticals can be disastrous.
There you have it. The very simple ways you can mitigate some challenges before you start removing drywall or picking out crazy expensive finishes.
Hopefully, your choosing trusted project partners to guide you through the unknowns, are honest with yourself about how much you can manage as added responsibilities in your daily life and make decisions based on the reality you are living.
Check back each week of this 3-week renovation for the final reveal!
NV & CA Contractor: Curt’s Home Repair
The after’s are soon to come!
I am a local Las Vegas real estate agent. If you are in the Las Vegas area and need real estate help, I’m happy to be of service! Send me a text to schedule an appointment today. Or you may book an appointment online here.
