Once construction begins, changes become expensive because nothing exists in isolation.
Move a wall and electrical may change. Then plumbing. Flooring. Cabinetry. Lighting. Schedule.
The more decisions you finalize before construction, the fewer expensive surprises you create.
Put specifications in writing: materials, manufacturers, models, sizes, finishes, allowances, responsibilities.
Ambiguity creates change orders.
Before approving a change, understand the ripple effect.
“Can we move this door two feet?” may sound simple until you discover plumbing is in the wall and flooring was centered around it.
Keep a contingency because something will happen.
The goal is not to eliminate every problem.
The goal is to prevent normal construction problems from destroying the project.