Groundwork — Change Order #3

What's Being Requested

"Replace water-damaged subfloor section discovered during tile removal in master bathroom. Approximately 40 sq ft of subfloor needs replacement before tile installation can proceed."

Amount $1,850

Markup 15% on materials + labor (per contract)

Groundwork Analysis

Type

Unforeseen condition
Water damage beneath existing tile was not visible during pre-construction inspection. This type of discovery is common in bathroom renovations.

Reasonableness

Within range

Subfloor replacement: $25 - $50 / sq ft (typical) Your quote: $46.25 / sq ft Calculation: 40 sq ft x $46.25 = $1,850 This is in the upper half of typical range but not unreasonable for a mid-project addition.

Timeline impact

+2 days — Subfloor must cure before tile installation.

Mar 18 → Mar 20 New completion

                Confidence: High — no downstream cascade beyond tile work.
              

Budget impact

Original contract $47,500 Previous change orders +$3,200 (CO #1 + CO #2) This change order +$1,850 ──────────────────────────── New total $52,550 Over original by 10.6%

Note

You are now above the 10% typical range for change orders. This does not mean anything is wrong — 10% is a guideline, not a rule. But you should be aware as costs add up.

Cumulative Change Order History

#	Description	Type	Amount	Status
CO #1	Reroute drain line	Unforeseen	$2,400	Approved
CO #2	Heated floor outlet	Your request	$800	Approved
CO #3	Subfloor replacement	Unforeseen	$1,850	Pending
Total change orders			$5,050	10.6% of original

Your Options

Sign this change order and authorize work to proceed. Webb Construction will begin subfloor replacement.

Ask Webb Construction to adjust the scope or price before you approve. Common modifications to request:

Ask for material receipts to verify actual cost
Negotiate markup from 15% down to 10%
Ask for a not-to-exceed cap on final materials

Upload photos of the damage to get an independent assessment of whether this work is necessary and fairly priced. Typically resolved in 1 business day.

Warning: Declining unforeseen condition repairs may affect project safety or code compliance. If you decline, ask your contractor to document in writing why they recommended this work.

What You Should Know

01 You have the right to see material receipts for any change order. Ask Webb Construction for itemized receipts before or after approving. This is standard practice.
02 Your contractor is required by your contract to get written approval before starting change order work. If they start without approval, that is a contract violation.
03 Unforeseen conditions are the most common type of change order in bathroom renovations. Discovering water damage under old tile is normal. This is not a sign of contractor negligence.
04 You can request a site visit before approving. Ask to see the damaged subfloor in person. A legitimate contractor will welcome this and show you the problem directly.