Starting a renovation project without a plan is like setting off for a road trip without a map—confusing, frustrating, and full of wrong turns. That being said, if you’re thinking about home interior remodeling in Overland Park, those plans aren’t set in stone.
Remodeling comes with surprises, as nobody can truly tell what’s going on beneath the surface until they start construction. Maybe that tile you loved doesn’t end up looking right with the new lighting, or you realize darker wood cabinets would better match the rest of your transformed space.
Whether you have a change of heart or your contractors find something unexpected, these moments don’t have to be setbacks. With the right team, they become opportunities.
The experts at Shack Built expect the unexpected, and we’re here to help you make smart, confident decisions when these things come up.
What is a “change order”?
Before construction begins, you approve the plans, timeline, and budget, and sign a contract. A change order is an amendment to that contract, changing the plans you and your contractor agreed to once construction is already underway.
Many people assume change orders are bad, but the truth is, they happen in almost every construction project. Sometimes, they’re a result of realizing one of your selections doesn’t really work in the space, or you’ve set your sights on something new. Other times, it’s because your contractors have found something that needs to be addressed to move forward safely, such as water damage or improper electrical work.
“Change order” doesn’t have to be a dirty word. What matters is how you and your team work together to handle them. At Shack Built, we approach change orders with integrity, having honest conversations about their impact and explaining your best options.
How Our Design-Build Team Handles Surprises
At Shack Built, we take a design-build approach to your remodel, which means your designer, contractor, and project manager work together from start to finish under one roof.
If you hire a designer and contractor independently of one another for home interior remodeling in Overland Park, you are responsible for keeping them on the same page. We’ll be honest, that can get stressful—fast—and the back-and-forth tends to lead to miscommunication and delays.
Shack Built’s team handles changes together, communicating clearly and acting promptly. We still keep you involved in every decision, but this way, you’re not the middleman. Not only does our approach minimize headaches, it empowers you to make informed, confident decisions, so you love your space for years to come.
→ How Our Award-Winning Team Approach an Interior Remodel in Overland Park
Here’s a look at some of the most common areas where we see changes, and how we pivot accordingly.
The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Upgrades
The kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you’re crafting photo-worthy delicacies or getting something on the table for your family, it’s a place where everyone comes together every day.
So, it’s no surprise that kitchen remodeling is the most popular home renovation. However, they’re also one of the most complex projects, requiring a lot of small pieces to come together and work flawlessly in a layout that makes cooking and entertaining feel natural.
Updating the Lighting
Many homeowners with older kitchens share the same frustration: poor lighting. Adding new light fixtures to brighten up the space may seem simple, but installing them requires making space for them.
If your ceiling’s texture is difficult to match, it may require us to re-texture a larger amount of the ceiling to patch the hole we need to make for a new light. The results are worth it, but deciding on fixtures and placement during the design phase ensures we account for these steps.
→ How Small Choices Impact Your Interior Remodel in Mission Hills
The Domino Effect of Moving Appliances
When your kitchen’s layout doesn’t work, making it flow might require moving major appliances, such as the stove or fridge, or relocating some of the cabinets. Shifting those pieces usually means we’ll have to patch the hardwood floors they used to cover. Even if the flooring extends beneath all the cabinets, we’ll probably still need to sand and refinish the area to make it match.
In some cases, people opt to refinish their entire kitchen or the main level’s floor. The extent of refinishing required impacts your project’s timeline and budget, so factor it into your plans for home interior remodeling in Overland Park.
Outdated Electrical Panels
Most homes built before 2000 have electrical panels that weren’t designed for today’s demands. We have a lot more electrical needs than we did back then, and outdated panels often don’t have enough breakers to support that larger load, and they might not meet local code requirements.
If you’ve ever noticed the lights flicker when you use the microwave or another appliance, this is why. Remember in the movie “The Christmas Story” when all the lights went out after they plugged in the Christmas lights? Their panel didn’t have the capacity to support that level of Christmas cheer. Updating your existing panel ensures everything works as it should, maximizing your investment in home interior remodeling in Overland Park.
The Rest of the Main Level
Once your new kitchen comes together, you might realize that the rest of the main floor needs a refresh, too. It’s not uncommon to notice imperfections in adjacent spaces in comparison to a new one, so you might consider including a fresh coat of paint for the main floor in your plans from the beginning.
→ Explore More Ideas for Custom Home Remodel in Shawnee
Common Curveballs in Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling is the second most common project homeowners take on. From modern bathrooms designed for couples to eclectic kids’ bathrooms, we’ve done it all. Even small bathrooms can come with big surprises, as they’re a high-traffic, high-moisture space, so planning for them makes a difference.
Hidden Mold & Rot
Mold and wood rot aren’t pretty, but they’re not uncommon, either—especially around the shower and tub. It may not cause structural damage, but it almost always requires repairs to move forward.
Valve Issues You Weren’t Aware Of
If you’ve ever had to reach under your sink to shut off the water to the faucet or toilet, and the valve just kept turning and the water just kept flowing, you should replace your valves. Old valves aren’t just an inconvenience—they can be risky during renovations. Proactively replacing them with high-quality, quarter-turn valves not only makes them easier to use, but also saves you time, money, and stress in the long run, helping prevent serious leaks.
Rethinking the Layout
Just like with kitchens, many people decide to adjust their bathroom’s layout when they invest in home interior remodeling in Overland Park. While you can move major components like a shower, toilet, or vanity to make the space flow better, it can be labor-intensive. Your contractors have to move each of these water and drain lines to a new location, and depending on the size of those lines, it can be a challenge—and sometimes expensive to do so.
Basement Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
Basement remodeling turns unused square footage you’ve already paid for into usable space.
From home gyms and bars to theatres and hidden playrooms, our basement finishing contractors help you turn concrete storage rooms into whatever your family needs, but basements require some unique strategies.
Proper Insulation
Basements naturally run cooler than the rest of your home, so investing in insulation helps make the space comfortable. At minimum, we recommend applying a spray foam to the rim joist and exterior walls to reduce the amount of outside air coming into the house and clogging your filter. This foam provides a thermal barrier between the cold concrete walls and the face of the drywall, which standard fiberglass batts that meet the minimum code requirements don’t compare to.
Planning Ahead for TV & AV Needs
If your plans for home interior remodeling in Overland Park include a space to watch movies, don’t wait until the drywall’s up to think about wiring. Whether you want surround sound or a hidden AV closet, we coordinate with AV professionals to make sure wires are hidden, outlet locations make sense, and everything works how you need it to.
Details in the Duct Work
Most homeowners don’t think about the metal vents throughout their basement ceiling, but they make a big impact on airflow and energy efficiency. Each of those ducts has little joints that can leak air, and if you don’t seal them, your furnace has to work harder, costing you more money for mediocre temperature control. We always inspect and seal ductwork to ensure your new space is comfortable.
Let’s Build Something Even Better Than You Expected
At Shack Built, we handle surprises with strategy, creativity, and transparency. Whether we find something unexpected behind a wall or you have a change of heart on a finish, we navigate bumps in the road with respect for your vision, time, and budget.
To us, home interior remodeling in Overland Park is just as much about building lasting relationships as it is about creating incredible spaces.
Transforming your house into your home requires honest communication—not just skill. Our team has your back from start to finish, and we even offer a year-long warranty after we’ve finished construction to ensure your space meets your needs and our award-winning standards.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your space, you’re in the right place. Reach out or use our virtual tool to get started.
