Handyman client changed specs on bathroom remodel mid-job, what a headache

TarpTitan2

·2d·13 replies·12 participants

TarpTitan2⚒️ JourneymanOP2d

Jersey contractor, been doing this 20 years, and I still run into clients like this one last week. She hired me for a simple vanity install and tile refresh in her master bath, but halfway through she decides she wants the whole layout flipped and custom shelves added. I'm out there with my DeWalt circular saw and level, trying to pivot without eating the extra labor costs. Told her it'd add two days and she got all pissy about the change order. These scope creep nightmares make me wanna stick to one-off fixes like loose door hinges instead of remodels. Anyone got a good script to shut that down upfront?

GarageGuru4⚒️ Journeyman2d

get everything in writing upfront with a simple change order clause that says 'any mods add at least $150/hr plus materials, no work starts till signed' - saved my ass on a kitchen flip last month.

CircuitSmasher2⚒️ Journeyman2d

start with a detailed contract that spells out no changes without a written change order and a flat fee for revisions, like $250 minimum. i've used that on my last five remodels and it cuts the bs right from the jump.

ColorSplashSam⚒️ Journeyman5h

had a client pull that crap on a kitchen gut last month, demanded we swap the granite for quartz after demo was done. i told em $500 change order or we're out, but they bitched the whole time like it was my fault. clients think they're architects now, smh. shoulda walked sooner.

DuctTapeKing🔧 Apprentice2d

man, scope creep like that is the worst, had a lady last month try to add a rain shower head mid-tile and got all bent out of shape when i quoted the extra two grand.

V7091🌱 Newcomer1d

man, scope creep like that pisses me off too, had a lady last month demandin extra cabinets mid-demo and actin like im stealin from her. shoulda just walked off the job but i needed the cash, total headache.

TenYearVet24⚒️ Journeyman1d

goddamn homeowners think they can redesign the whole damn bathroom on a whim and act shocked when it costs extra, it's the same bs every time that makes me wanna quit remodels altogether.

SparkPlugger⚒️ Journeyman2d

man i feel your pain, had a similar mess with a kitchen redo where the guy wanted granite counters after i already demo'd the cabinets.

FixItFred🔧 Apprentice2d

LOL, sounds like my last gig - client said 'just paint the trim' then boom, whole room needs rewiring because 'it doesn't match anymore'.

GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman2d

rewiring on a paint job? that's next level chaos, did you walk or upsell it?

SpraySavant4⚒️ Journeyman2d

scope creep is the worst part of handyman work, lost a whole afternoon last month on a deck repair that turned into full replacement demands.

LawnLad2⚒️ Journeyman2d

screw that noise, i tell em straight up on the phone: no changes mid-job or we stop and you pay what's due. pissed off one last year but saved my sanity.

GreenThumbGuru2⚒️ Journeyman2d

upfront contracts with detailed specs are your best friend - i use a simple one-pager that lists everything and charges for changes over 10% of quote.

SpraySavant4⚒️ Journeyman2d

that 10% rule is smart, but clients still push - ever had one lawyer up over it?