{"id":12171,"date":"2025-02-03T19:28:33","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/?p=12171"},"modified":"2025-02-03T19:28:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:28:35","slug":"buildzoom-project-pulse-february-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/buildzoom-project-pulse-february-2025","title":{"rendered":"BuildZoom Project Pulse &#8211; February 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM-1024x697.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM-768x523.png 768w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM-1536x1045.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.13.00\u202fPM.png 1910w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-heading\">Client Highlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/images.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12177\" width=\"406\" height=\"122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/images.png 409w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/images-300x90.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.26.41\u202fPM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12176\" width=\"408\" height=\"244\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Lemon Hair Tree Salon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our clients, Bernie &amp; Carmen, at<strong> Lemon Hair Tree Salon in Plano, Texas <\/strong>were concerned about getting their new salon opened within the original budget and timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Bernie &amp; Carmen based their budget goal around another franchisee in Dallas who completed a <strong>similar buildout for<\/strong> <strong>$116K.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Initial estimates came in from<\/strong> <strong>$155K-$199K.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>After three rounds of bid revisions &amp; value engineering, <strong>our clients signed for<\/strong> <strong>$97.4K, <\/strong>well within the budget for the buildout. The winning bidder was Jay from JM Design Construction.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-heading\">Contractor Highlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/images.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12174\" width=\"289\" height=\"306\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/contractor\/j2-commercial-development\"><strong>J2 Commercial Developme<\/strong>nt<\/a><\/strong> 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 &amp; commercial space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>BuildZoom Partner<\/strong>                                                       Since 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BuildZoom Score<\/strong>                                                           Their BuildZoom score of 120 ranks in the top 1% of 222,249 Texas licensed contractors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Previous projects include<\/strong> Cold Stone Creamery, Blaze Pizza, Great Harvest Bread Company, Koko FitClub, Earthwise Pet Supply, Chick-Fil-A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project Types<\/strong>                                                             Restaurant buildouts, commercial construction, tenant improvements<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-heading\">New Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Great Greek in Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re thrilled to share the opening of our client\u2019s new restaurant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegreatgreekgrill.com\/scottsdale-az-the-block\">The Great Greek<\/a>, in Scottsdale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The franchisees were concerned because they originally signed a contract with a design-build firm to do the drawings &amp; complete the buildout. Upon completion of the designs, the firm quoted them a price 30% higher than what they originally discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BuildZoom helped procure additional quotes, value engineer the plans and ultimately helped the franchisees sign with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/contractor\/level-11-design-build-llc\">Level 11 Design Build<\/a> for $520,000, over $200,000 less than their original contractor quoted them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"872\" height=\"1018\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.10.35\u202fPM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.10.35\u202fPM.png 872w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.10.35\u202fPM-257x300.png 257w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.10.35\u202fPM-768x897.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-heading\">Pro Tip of the Month<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Change Orders: What\u2019s Legit, What\u2019s Not &amp; How To Navigate Them<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Change orders can impact your budget and timeline, so it\u2019s crucial to know what\u2019s legitimate and what\u2019s not.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A legitimate change order is a necessary, reasonable modification<\/strong> to the original contract that arises due to unforeseen circumstances or the client\u2019s explicit request. These are typically well-documented, agreed upon by all parties, and align with standard construction practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A non-legitimate change order is unnecessary or unjustified<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick guide to help you identify and address change orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>\u2705 Legitimate Change Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Necessary &amp; Justified &#8211; Often Unavoidable<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These arise due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory changes, or client-approved modifications. They are well-documented and align with standard construction practices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Unforeseen Conditions:<\/strong> Hidden mold, asbestos, or structural issues uncovered during demolition or construction.<\/li><li><strong>Code Compliance Updates: <\/strong>Local regulations or health department codes may mandate the installation of a larger or higher quality grease trap than initially planned.<\/li><li><strong>Owner-Requested Additions: <\/strong>Upgrades like premium finishes or adding equipment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Non-Legitimate Change Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Unnecessary &amp; Questionable \u2013 Should Be Scrutinized<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These often stem from poor planning, contractor miscalculations, or unjustified cost increases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Poor Planning: <\/strong>Rushed designs leading to mid-project revisions.<\/li><li><strong>Contractor Mistakes<\/strong>: Miscalculations in labor or materials passed onto you.<\/li><li><strong>Overpriced Adjustments:<\/strong> Inflated costs for minor changes, like moving an outlet.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>\u26a0 Avoidable Change Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Preventable with Better Planning<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>These result from gaps in coordination, unclear project requirements, or incomplete designs and planning.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Inconsistent Franchise Standards: <\/strong>Failing to align project specs with franchisor requirements.<\/li><li><strong>Last-Minute Material Swaps: <\/strong>Not finalizing finish selections early enough.<\/li><li><strong>Permitting &amp; Code Delays: <\/strong>Missing early coordination with local authorities.<\/li><li><strong>Incomplete Scope Definition: <\/strong>Overlooking key details, leading to costly adjustments.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>How To Handle Change Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><strong>Review Before Approving:<\/strong> <\/strong>Always request documentation, pricing breakdowns, and contractor justification<strong>.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><strong>Compare to the Contract: <\/strong><\/strong>Ensure the change aligns with the original scope and costs.<\/li><li><strong><strong>Negotiate &amp; Get a Second Opinion:<\/strong><\/strong> If a charge seems excessive, question it or seek an alternative.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>The Best Defense? Preconstruction Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>While some change orders are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper preconstruction planning. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early involvement ensures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2714 Thorough Site Assessments<\/strong> \u2013 Avoid unexpected conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2714 Detailed Design Reviews<\/strong> \u2013 Reduce errors and missing details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2714 Coordination with Franchisor Standards<\/strong> \u2013 Prevent mid-project adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2714 Detailed Contractor Bid Review<\/strong> \u2013 Ensure the full scope of the project is accounted for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2714 Contract Review <\/strong>\u2013 Verify proper measures are in place to address change orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>At BuildZoom, we help franchise owners navigate preconstruction planning, ensuring a smoother, cost-effective buildout with fewer surprises.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinking about your next project? Let\u2019s get ahead of change orders before they happen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM-1024x384.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM-1024x384.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM-768x288.png 768w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM-1536x577.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-12.25.03\u202fPM.png 1950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><p><strong>Ready to introduce a franchisee or client to BuildZoom?&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1XT3XZRT1e96ifB8SCDFjzMC5arMhu24LDFcR8izY7Po\/edit\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for the Intro email<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-background-dim\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-11956\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-724x1024.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled-design-79-1448x2048.png 1448w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button popmake-11957\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\"><strong>Get More Project Pulse Updates on Our Newsletter!<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- \/wp:post-content --><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Client Highlight Lemon Hair Tree Salon Our clients, Bernie &amp; Carmen, at Lemon Hair Tree Salon in Plano, Texas were concerned about getting their new salon opened within the original budget and timeline. Bernie &amp; Carmen based their budget goal around another franchisee in Dallas who completed a similar buildout for $116K. Initial estimates came [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3027,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[50,7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-12171","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-projects","7":"category-buildzoom","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3027"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12171"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12171\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.buildzoom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}