Client Highlight
Lemon Hair Tree Salon
Our clients, Bernie & Carmen, at Lemon Hair Tree Salon in Plano, Texas were concerned about getting their new salon opened within the original budget and timeline.
- Bernie & Carmen based their budget goal around another franchisee in Dallas who completed a similar buildout for $116K.
- Initial estimates came in from $155K-$199K.
- After three rounds of bid revisions & value engineering, our clients signed for $97.4K, well within the budget for the buildout. The winning bidder was Jay from JM Design Construction.
Contractor Highlight
J2 Commercial Development is headquartered in Texas and operates across the US. Their team has decades of experience in site selection and development for retail, restaurant, fitness and general office & commercial space.
BuildZoom Partner Since 2024
BuildZoom Score Their BuildZoom score of 120 ranks in the top 1% of 222,249 Texas licensed contractors.
Previous projects include Cold Stone Creamery, Blaze Pizza, Great Harvest Bread Company, Koko FitClub, Earthwise Pet Supply, Chick-Fil-A.
Project Types Restaurant buildouts, commercial construction, tenant improvements
New Location
The Great Greek in Scottsdale, Arizona
We’re thrilled to share the opening of our client’s new restaurant, The Great Greek, in Scottsdale.
The franchisees were concerned because they originally signed a contract with a design-build firm to do the drawings & complete the buildout. Upon completion of the designs, the firm quoted them a price 30% higher than what they originally discussed.
BuildZoom helped procure additional quotes, value engineer the plans and ultimately helped the franchisees sign with Level 11 Design Build for $520,000, over $200,000 less than their original contractor quoted them.
Our team had the privilege of visiting the new restaurant just last week, pictured here. We all agree that you should try the feta fries or the grilled steak souvlaki when you visit!
Pro Tip of the Month
Change Orders: What’s Legit, What’s Not & How To Navigate Them
Change orders can impact your budget and timeline, so it’s crucial to know what’s legitimate and what’s not.
A legitimate change order is a necessary, reasonable modification to the original contract that arises due to unforeseen circumstances or the client’s explicit request. These are typically well-documented, agreed upon by all parties, and align with standard construction practices.
A non-legitimate change order is unnecessary or unjustified and may reflect poor planning, a lack of communication, or even unethical practices by contractors. These changes often stem from avoidable errors or attempts to inflate project costs without valid reasoning.
Here’s a quick guide to help you identify and address change orders.
✅ Legitimate Change Orders
Necessary & Justified – Often Unavoidable
These arise due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory changes, or client-approved modifications. They are well-documented and align with standard construction practices.
- Unforeseen Conditions: Hidden mold, asbestos, or structural issues uncovered during demolition or construction.
- Code Compliance Updates: Local regulations or health department codes may mandate the installation of a larger or higher quality grease trap than initially planned.
- Owner-Requested Additions: Upgrades like premium finishes or adding equipment.
🚩 Non-Legitimate Change Orders
Unnecessary & Questionable – Should Be Scrutinized
These often stem from poor planning, contractor miscalculations, or unjustified cost increases.
- Poor Planning: Rushed designs leading to mid-project revisions.
- Contractor Mistakes: Miscalculations in labor or materials passed onto you.
- Overpriced Adjustments: Inflated costs for minor changes, like moving an outlet.
⚠ Avoidable Change Orders
Preventable with Better Planning
These result from gaps in coordination, unclear project requirements, or incomplete designs and planning.
- Inconsistent Franchise Standards: Failing to align project specs with franchisor requirements.
- Last-Minute Material Swaps: Not finalizing finish selections early enough.
- Permitting & Code Delays: Missing early coordination with local authorities.
- Incomplete Scope Definition: Overlooking key details, leading to costly adjustments.
How To Handle Change Orders
- Review Before Approving: Always request documentation, pricing breakdowns, and contractor justification.
- Compare to the Contract: Ensure the change aligns with the original scope and costs.
- Negotiate & Get a Second Opinion: If a charge seems excessive, question it or seek an alternative.
The Best Defense? Preconstruction Planning
While some change orders are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper preconstruction planning.
Early involvement ensures:
✔ Thorough Site Assessments – Avoid unexpected conditions.
✔ Detailed Design Reviews – Reduce errors and missing details.
✔ Coordination with Franchisor Standards – Prevent mid-project adjustments.
✔ Detailed Contractor Bid Review – Ensure the full scope of the project is accounted for.
✔ Contract Review – Verify proper measures are in place to address change orders.
At BuildZoom, we help franchise owners navigate preconstruction planning, ensuring a smoother, cost-effective buildout with fewer surprises.
Thinking about your next project? Let’s get ahead of change orders before they happen.
Ready to introduce a franchisee or client to BuildZoom? Click here for the Intro email
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