Know the Repercussions of Making Changes

Know the Repercussions of Scope Change – Timing is Everything

When planning your Toronto home renovation, it’s easy to fall into the “while we’re at it…” trap. You might think changing a fixture or upgrading a finish is no big deal—but in the world of construction, even small changes can cause big delays.

It’s not the changes themselves that cause chaos — it’s how and when those changes are handled. Vague, undocumented, or last-minute changes are the number-one reason budgets get blown, schedules drift, and trust erodes.

In this chapter of our 7-Step Guide to Starting Your Toronto Home Renovation, we’ll walk you through why scope changes (also called variations) can derail your project timeline and budget—and how to manage them wisely.

What is a Scope Change?

A scope change, or “variation,” is any adjustment made after your building contract has been signed. This could be a structural change, a finish upgrade, or even swapping plumbing fixtures.

Every variation affects the project in two ways:

• Time – More work = more days added to your timeline.
• Cost – Extra materials, additional labour, and often administrative fees.

Reality Check: Builders & designers must update plans, reorder materials, reschedule trades, and manage inspections—all of which takes time and resources. A one-day delay in making a decision can easily ripple into a week-long delay on-site when trades and deliveries have to be re-sequenced.

Real-Life Examples: Same Change, Different Impact

Example 1: Jane’s Timely Shower Change
Jane decided to upgrade from a standard wall shower to a ceiling-mounted rain head right after signing the contract. The plumber hadn’t started work yet, so the change was simple. The plans were updated, the order adjusted, and Jane only paid the price difference plus a small variation fee. No delays.

Example 2: John’s Costly Delay
John made the exact same shower change—but after the plumbing rough-in had already been completed. The plumber had to be rebooked, pipes moved, and new fittings ordered. This added a 7-day delay, a labour charge for rework, the cost of the new fixture, and a variation admin fee.

Lesson learned: Timing matters. Even if the change seems minor, the point at which you make it will determine its cost and schedule impact.

Where It Goes Wrong – Red Flags to Watch For

Most change-order disasters start casually:

• A quick chat with a trade on site: “Can you just move this over here?”
• A vague email: “We might want to add a pot filler, how much would that cost?”
• A designer telling the cabinet maker to adjust something—without looping in the builder.

Here’s the truth: If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.
That’s not just bureaucracy — it’s about clarity, accountability, and protecting everyone involved. Without documentation:

• Work can start without approval — and without a clear cost.
• Budgets can explode with “I thought that was included” misunderstandings.
• Schedules can slip while waiting for new materials or re-booked trades.

What a Professional Change Order Process Looks Like

A good builder will have a clear, documented system for handling changes — often through a project management platform like Buildertrend. That means:

• Every change is logged with a detailed scope.
• You see an itemized price breakdown.
• You’re told how it will affect your schedule.
• You have a deadline for making your decision.

Nothing happens until you review and approve the change in writing. Once you do, everyone — the project manager, site supervisor, and trades — gets the same updated information so there are no crossed wires.

Expert Tips to Avoid Renovation Scope Creep

1. Finalize Selections Before Signing the Contract
   Choose your fixtures, finishes, and design elements early. Ideally, engage in a pre-construction phase with both your design team and builder so the majority of key decisions are made before trades are on site.
2. Understand the Cost of Variations
   Always ask how a change will impact:
   1. Your completion timeline
   2. Labour costs
   3. Admin or variation fees
3. Avoid Side Conversations with Trades Always go through your builder. This keeps the process organized and prevents costly miscommunication.
4. Insist on Documentation Even for small tweaks, get a formal change order. If you don’t see it in writing, it’s not happening.
5. Decide Quickly The longer you wait to approve a change, the more likely it will cause a chain reaction of delays — especially in Toronto’s tight construction market.

Toronto Renovation Insight

In a city like Toronto where trades are in high demand, even short delays can cause cascading issues. A single late change could push your electrician’s return visit back by weeks — delaying inspections, drywall, and flooring.

The Takeaway: Decide Early, Build Smoothly

Change orders are a normal part of construction — but the later they happen, the more expensive and disruptive they become. The goal isn’t zero changes — it’s zero confusion. Be decisive, follow the process, and work with a builder who keeps you informed every step of the way. That’s how you keep your renovation on track, on budget, and far less stressful.

Homeowner Checklist: Change Orders Without the Chaos

DO:

• Make as many design and material decisions as possible before construction begins.
• Ask your builder how each change will impact cost and timeline before approving it.
• Use your builder’s formal process (e.g., Buildertrend) to document every change in writing.
• Approve or decline changes quickly to avoid holding up trades and deliveries.
• Keep communication with trades and designers running through your builder to avoid crossed wires.

DON’T:

• Make informal “can you just…” requests on site.
• Assume small changes won’t affect cost or timing — they almost always do.
• Approve work without understanding the total cost (labour, materials, admin fees).
• Skip the paperwork — if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.
• Delay decisions — a single day’s hesitation can push work back by a week or more.