What an unfinished basilica in Bologna can teach us about planning well before construction begins.
Recently, on a visit to Italy, my wife and I walked through Piazza Maggiore on our way to Neptune’s Square. As we rounded the corner of Galleria dei Notai, we took in the view of Bologna’s Basilica, the Basilica of San Petronio.
Taking one look at this huge brick building, this old contractor instantly exclaimed:
“That building isn’t finished!”
Naturally, those who heard me make this strange declaration probably thought I must be crazy. Why on earth would they not have finished it?
My contractor brain kicked in, and I guessed out loud, “Change orders.”
Change orders are often responsible for confusion, incomplete projects, delays, and cost overruns. I was only guessing about the reason, but there was no doubt in my mind that the Basilica was not complete, so I decided to learn why.
What I learned serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering a construction project, including a custom or semi-custom home.
A Construction Project Centuries in the Making
Designed by Antonio di Vincenzo, construction started on what is now the Basilica of San Petronio in 1390. The church opened to worshipers in 1392 while still under construction.
Antonio di Vincenzo passed away sometime in 1401, relatively early in the building process, with the initial series of side chapels completed in 1479.
In 1514, a new architect was chosen, and Arduino degli Arriguzzi needed to put his own touches on the design, as architects often do.
Things had gone sideways prior to this moment in time, but Arduino’s massive expansion and redesign of the initial plan was too much for Pope Pius IV. He had enough of this “megalomaniac dream” and cut off funding.
As a result, only about a third of the marble façade was installed, leaving a raw brick look that, while distinctive, leaves the Basilica looking incomplete.
The project was not completed until 1663, was not accepted by the diocese until 1929, and was finally consecrated in 1954.
Now that is what we can all agree is missing a construction schedule.
So, as customers consider taking on a custom home or semi-custom home project, there are lessons from history about how to proceed.
Complete the Design Before Construction Begins
First, get your design completed prior to starting construction.
Often, customers get excited about their new home and want to get started before they finish picking out their finishes. The logic is understandable:
How can my tile selection or paint color impact the foundation?
The answer is threefold.
1. Finish Selections Can Affect the Structure
Some finish products weigh more than others. Porcelain tile is very heavy and often needs additional foundation supports engineered into the house.
What may seem like a decorative selection can sometimes affect decisions much earlier in the construction process.
2. Even Paint Choices Can Affect Earlier Work
Different paints can require different approaches to drywall finish.
Again, something that appears to be a decision made near the end of the project may affect work that happens much earlier.
3. Incomplete Paperwork Creates Confusion
Incomplete paperwork makes for distracted subcontractors.
Once subcontractors learn that the paperwork is incomplete or incorrect, they may stop looking at it and rely instead on their own judgment or on a phone call that may or may not be accurate.
Delayed decisions are often simply not made until it is too late.
That leaves the contractor and subcontractors with no clear way to proceed, costing both time and money.
Limit Change Orders During a Custom Home Build
Second, do everything you can to limit the changes you want to make once construction begins.
Try to evaluate whether a change is absolutely worth the possibility of errors.
There is no hard research I know of on this point, but my experience is that each change-order item can lead to two or three mistakes.
Either the change order is not written down, or only half the subcontractors get it and read it.
The worst situation is when one customer wants the change and their partner does not, leading to reversing course. Or the contractor may miss an impact point where one change affects something else.
That is why even a seemingly simple change deserves careful consideration.
A Simple Door Change May Not Be So Simple
As an example, changing the swing hand on a door seems like a simple change.
But if the electrical work is already done, a switch may also need to be moved.
If the electrical work is not done, what happens if the electrician does not read the change order because it is viewed as a trim change rather than an electrical change?
A small adjustment can quickly affect multiple trades.
So before you make that change, make sure it is important enough to be worth it.
Changes Can Affect the Craftsmen Building Your Home
Thirdly, changes are frustrating for everyone involved.
Contractors and their subcontractors enjoy working with their hands for a reason that seems obvious: they enjoy seeing a project completed.
They are satisfied by starting the day with a goal and completing that goal. Seeing the finished product gives them tremendous satisfaction.
Changes can become a major pain point because these craftsmen cannot finish what they started when things are constantly shifting.
They arrive at the job with the materials they need, and having to leave to get different materials can interrupt the progress of the day and the momentum of the project.
Ultimately, too many changes can make it more difficult for craftsmen to produce their best work.
That is not because a homeowner should never ask for a change. Sometimes changes are necessary and sometimes they are worth making.
But the fewer unnecessary changes that occur during construction, the easier it is for everyone involved to stay focused on building the home well.
Good Custom Home Construction Begins With Good Planning
So, in closing, change orders are an expense and distraction that are best avoided through a thorough design process on the front end and the discipline to see that project through to completion.
For homeowners considering a custom home in Columbia, Spring Hill, Maury County, or elsewhere in Middle Tennessee, thoughtful planning before construction begins can help reduce delays, unnecessary expenses, confusion, and avoidable mistakes.
The goal is not to eliminate the personal choices that make a custom home your own.
Quite the opposite.
The goal is to make those important decisions at the right time, so that once construction begins, the contractor, subcontractors, and craftsmen can focus on bringing that vision to life.
At Locke & Headley Homes, we believe thoughtful planning and careful craftsmanship go hand in hand. If you are considering building a custom home or building on your own land in Middle Tennessee, we invite you to contact Locke & Headley Homes to begin the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Home Change Orders
What is a change order when building a custom home?
A change order is a change to the original construction plans, selections, materials, or scope of work after those details have already been established. Depending on the change, it can affect the cost, construction schedule, materials, and work performed by other subcontractors.
How can I avoid change orders when building a custom home?
The best way to reduce change orders is to make as many design and finish decisions as possible before construction begins. Completing selections early gives the builder and subcontractors clearer information and reduces the likelihood of changes later.
Can I make changes after construction has started?
Yes, changes can be made during construction, but even small changes may affect other parts of the project. Before making a change, it is worth considering whether the change is important enough to justify the additional cost, coordination, or potential delay.
Why do builders need finish selections before construction begins?
Finish selections can affect more than appearance. Tile, paint, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and other materials may influence structural, electrical, drywall, plumbing, or installation decisions that occur much earlier in the building process.
Can change orders delay a custom home project?
Yes. Depending on the change, a change order may require different materials, additional work, coordination between subcontractors, or revisions to work that has already been completed. Making important decisions early can help keep construction moving more smoothly.