“A change order is work that is added to or deleted from the original scope of work of a contract, which alters the original contract amount and/or completion date.” Wikipedia.

Change order #1 adds $60 to the cost of construction — $50 to ensure this remodel project complies with Austin Energy Green Building standards and rules, plus $10 in “overhead & profit” to Ranserve to incorporate this change into the build plan.

Change order #2 adds $66.57 to the cost of construction — $55.47 because the City of Austin charged that much more than we budgeted for the Water Tap Fee, plus $11.10 in “overhead & profit” to Ranserve.

Change order #3 adds $180 to the cost of construction — $150 to drain the freon from the two HVAC systems, then disconnect the units, plus $30 in O&P to Ranserve.

The Leons are now in the hole an additional $306.57.

On the other hand, a future change order will credit about $550-650 back to the Leons, because the HVAC system is going to cost that much less.

Every dollar counts.