If you’ve ever worked with a contractor, you’ve probably heard the term “change order.” For many homeowners, it brings to mind surprise costs and frustration. (Fun fact: there’s a yacht named Change Orders—which says a lot about how profitable they can be for the wrong kind of builder.)

At Carolina Decks, our goal is simple: we don’t want you to be surprised by change orders.

How We Keep Pricing Clear Up Front

We believe in transparent, detailed proposals so you know what you’re signing off on. Here’s how we build clarity into every deck or porch project:

• Design & Pre-Construction – We work through the details in advance so nothing big is left to chance.
• Selection Documents – Materials, finishes, and upgrades are chosen before the job starts, so expectations are clear.
• Thorough Proposals – Our scope of work is carefully written to cover the full project, not just the bare minimum.

Why Change Orders Happen with Other Contractors

Unfortunately, not every builder takes the same care. Many change orders come from issues that could have been prevented with better planning up front, such as:

• Vague proposals without clearly defined features and scope
• Underestimating materials or labor
• Not anticipating code and inspection requirements
• Overlooking site-prep or structural adjustments

These are the kinds of headaches we work hard to prevent.

When Change Orders Are Legitimate

That said, some conditions truly can’t be predicted until construction is underway. In those rare cases, a change order protects both the homeowner and contractor by clearly documenting the adjustment. Examples might include:

• Soil issues – discovering unstable ground that requires helical piers or extra support
• Electrical limitations – an existing panel that can’t handle the new load for added lighting or outlets
• Hidden conditions – things underground or behind walls that weren’t visible before work began

These situations are the exception, not the rule—but when they arise, we address them openly and fairly

Bottom Line

At Carolina Decks, we don’t treat change orders as a profit center. Our priority is giving homeowners confidence that their deck or porch addition will be built on budget and without surprises. To make planning even easier, we offer a free pricing guide to help you start visualizing your space and the features you’d like to include.”

Ready to start planning your outdoor space? Contact Us to schedule your free estimate. We’ll talk through your project and show you how our process keeps things clear from day one.