Here’s a quick overview if you’re short on time:
A change order is any addition or modification made after your original deck contract is signed. Some change orders are homeowner-requested upgrades like privacy walls, lighting, or larger stairs. Others happen because hidden conditions are discovered during demolition, such as rotted framing behind the ledger board.
At Legacy Decks, we work hard to minimize surprises by doing as much planning and design work upfront as possible. When change orders are needed, they’re clearly documented, approved by the homeowner through JobTread, and priced before work continues. The earlier you communicate possible upgrades or ideas, the smoother and more cost-effective the process usually is.
What Is a Change Order When Building a Deck?
If you are planning a deck project, you may hear the term “change order” during the design or construction process. For many homeowners, the phrase sounds intimidating at first. In reality, change orders are a normal part of construction and are simply a structured way to document changes to the original project scope.
At Legacy Decks & Outdoor Living, we believe homeowners should fully understand how the construction process works before work begins. That includes understanding how changes are handled if new ideas come up during the build or if hidden conditions are uncovered after demolition starts.
Simply put, a change order is anything added, removed, or modified that was not included in the original signed proposal.
For example, some common deck change orders include:
- Adding electrical outlets
- Installing deck lighting or can lights
- Upgrading railing selections
- Adding a privacy screen
- Extending stairs
- Expanding the deck size
- Repairing hidden structural rot discovered during demolition
The purpose of a change order is actually very homeowner-friendly. It creates transparency. Instead of unexpected costs being folded into the project behind the scenes, every adjustment is clearly outlined, priced, approved, and documented before work proceeds.
The Most Common Change Orders on Deck Projects
1. Homeowner-requested upgrades
These are optional enhancements or additions homeowners decide they want after signing the contract.
The most common examples we see are:
- Floor outlets
- Deck under-pinning
- Additional lighting
- Support post wraps
- Accent lighting packages
Privacy walls and upgraded design features are also common additions once homeowners begin seeing the project take shape in real life. Sometimes homeowners realize they would like a little more screening from neighbors or want to enhance how the space functions for entertaining.
At Legacy Decks, we encourage homeowners to discuss any ideas they are even considering during the planning phase. Even if you are undecided, mentioning possibilities early helps our design team and project managers plan ahead for wiring, framing, measurements, and material lead times.
2. Hidden conditions discovered during demolition
Some change orders simply cannot be predicted upfront.
A great example is discovering rot behind the existing ledger board once the old deck is removed. Because this area is concealed inside the structure, it is often impossible to fully evaluate until demolition begins.
If rot or structural damage is discovered, repairs may be necessary to ensure your new deck is built safely and correctly. While nobody loves unexpected findings, addressing them properly protects your home long-term and ensures the new structure meets safety standards.
This is one reason experienced deck builders stress proper demolition, inspection, and framing practices rather than simply building over existing problems.
Why Planning Ahead Helps Reduce Change Orders
One of the best ways to minimize change orders is thorough upfront planning.
At Legacy Decks, we spend significant time during the design and consultation process discussing how homeowners plan to use their outdoor space. That includes conversations about:
- Lighting preferences
- Privacy needs
- Furniture layouts
- Grill placement
- Electrical access
- Traffic flow
- Future upgrades
The more detailed the planning phase is, the fewer surprises typically occur during construction.
That said, construction is still a dynamic process. Sometimes homeowners think of new ideas once they physically see the deck layout in person. Other times, site conditions or municipal requirements create adjustments that were not visible during the original design phase.
The goal is not to eliminate every possible change order. The goal is to communicate clearly, plan proactively, and manage changes professionally when they arise.
How the Change Order Process Works at Legacy Decks
Once your project enters production, your primary point of contact becomes your project manager. If you want to make changes during construction, your project manager will guide you through the process.
Here’s what typically happens:
Step 1: The homeowner requests a change
This may involve adding a feature, modifying a design detail, or discussing an issue discovered during construction.
Step 2: Pricing and coordination begin
Some changes are simple. Others require coordination with electricians, suppliers, permit offices, or specialty manufacturers.
For example, custom privacy screens may require field measurements and overseas manufacturing lead times. Electrical changes may require subcontractor estimates or additional permits depending on the municipality.
Because of this, pricing is not always immediate.
Step 3: A formal change order is created
The change is documented inside JobTread, the same system Legacy Decks homeowners use for project communication and payment schedules.
The change order includes:
- The scope of the modification
- Associated costs
- Any timeline impacts
- Homeowner approval requirements
Step 4: The homeowner reviews and approves the change
Nothing is automatically added to your bill. Homeowners review and approve every change order before work proceeds.
This protects both the homeowner and the builder by keeping communication transparent and documented throughout the project.
Can Change Orders Affect the Construction Timeline?
Sometimes, yes.
Smaller changes may have little or no impact on the overall construction schedule. However, larger modifications or specialty upgrades can extend timelines depending on:
- Material lead times
- Permit approvals
- Subcontractor scheduling
- Custom fabrication requirements
- Engineering revisions
For example, adding electrical work midway through a project may require coordination with an electrician and potentially additional inspections in some Upstate South Carolina municipalities.
In certain situations, there may be short pauses onsite while pricing, permits, or logistics are finalized. That does not necessarily mean the project is off track. It is often part of properly coordinating the change so the work is completed correctly.
Are There Limits to What Can Be Changed?
Technically, almost anything can be changed during construction — but major structural changes become increasingly complex once framing and construction are underway.
For example:
- Extending the size of the deck after framing begins
- Changing decking materials mid-project
- Completely redesigning stairs
- Switching framing systems
These types of modifications often involve additional labor, material orders, engineering considerations, and scheduling coordination.
That is why early communication is so important. The earlier ideas are discussed, the easier and more cost-effective it usually is to incorporate them into the project.
Change Orders Are About Transparency — Not Surprises
At Legacy Decks, we view change orders as a communication tool, not a sales tactic.
Our team works hard upfront to thoroughly design projects, clarify scope, and educate homeowners before construction starts. But construction projects occasionally evolve, and hidden conditions sometimes appear once demolition begins.
A well-managed change order process ensures:
- Homeowners stay informed
- Pricing remains transparent
- Safety issues are addressed properly
- Project expectations stay aligned
- Every decision is documented clearly
Most importantly, it gives homeowners confidence that their project is being handled professionally from start to finish.
If you are planning a custom deck, screen porch, or outdoor living project in Greenville or the Upstate South Carolina area, our team would be happy to walk you through the entire design and construction process before work begins.
Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Project?
Legacy Decks & Outdoor Living specializes in custom decks, screen porches, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces designed specifically for Upstate South Carolina homes.
Contact Legacy Decks today to get started on your outdoor living project—with everything handled the right way from day one.
