What Happens If You Want to Make Changes After Construction Has Started?
Building your dream home is an exciting process, but even with careful planning, it’s common for homeowners to change their minds about certain details once construction begins. Maybe you’ve seen a new tile you love, decided to upgrade your benchtop, or want to move a window for better natural light. But what actually happens if you want to make changes after your new home build is already underway?
Understanding What a “Variation” Means
In the building world, any change made to the original construction plans or contract is called a variation.
This could include:
- Adjusting the layout (e.g. moving internal walls)
- Changing materials, finishes, or fittings
- Adding new features like extra power points or downlights
- Altering plumbing or electrical layouts
Variations can happen for many reasons, sometimes due to design preferences, availability of materials, or practical improvements discovered on site.
Why Changes Can’t Always Be Made Easily
Once construction has started, your home is already following a strict building schedule and approved plans lodged with local councils and certifiers.
Changing those plans can affect not only the trades on site but also the approvals, inspections, and structural requirements. For example:
- Moving a wall might require fresh engineering certification.
- Changing tiles could delay other trades waiting for floors to be finished.
- Electrical upgrades might mean re-routing conduits or opening completed walls.
That’s why most builders, including Aveling Homes, encourage clients to finalise their design decisions during pre-construction and pre-start stages.
Still, life happens, and some changes can be accommodated if handled the right way.
How the Variation Process Works
If you decide you’d like to make a change, the process usually looks like this:
- Submit your request to your building supervisor or client liaison.
- The builder reviews it for feasibility, cost, and timing impact.
- If approved, a Variation Document is issued outlining the change, extra costs (if any), and revised completion time.
- Once signed by both parties, the variation becomes part of your building contract.
Nothing can be changed on site until the variation has been formally approved in writing, this protects both you and the builder.
Costs and Time Delays to Expect
Every variation is unique, but it’s good to expect that:
- There may be extra costs for materials, labour, or rework.
- Construction could pause while new parts are ordered or approvals updated.
- Variation fees might apply to cover admin and coordination.
However, making changes early (e.g. during framing rather than after plastering) can minimise the impact.
Your site supervisor will always advise whether the change is practical and worth pursuing.
When Changes Might Not Be Possible
Some variations simply can’t be made once construction reaches a certain stage, for example:
- Moving plumbing or drainage after the slab is poured
- Altering roof pitch or structure after trusses are installed
- Changing the home’s footprint after council approvals
These aren’t just costly, they could breach your building permit or impact structural integrity.
If a change isn’t possible, your builder will explain why and help explore alternatives that still achieve your vision.
The Best Way to Avoid Stressful Variations
While variations can be managed, prevention is always better than cure.
To avoid mid-build headaches:
- Take your time during pre-start, ask questions, compare samples, and visualise each space.
- Visit display homes to see materials and finishes in real life.
- Discuss potential future upgrades before signing off on plans.
A well-prepared client is an empowered one, and it means fewer surprises during construction.
Wanting to make a few tweaks during construction is perfectly normal. The key is to communicate early, stay realistic, and work closely with your builder to make sure changes are handled the right way. At Aveling Homes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from your first design meeting to the final handover, ensuring your home turns out exactly how you’ve envisioned it.