The Payment and Change Order Rules That Protect Your Sanity (and Your Wallet)
Wed Feb 04 2026
If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a remodel, the fastest way to lose your mind (and your money) is a sloppy payment schedule and "surprise" change orders.
In this episode, I walk you through the practical payment and change order rules I used for decades—so Southeast Michigan homeowners can hire trusted contractors, stay in control, and keep projects moving without the stress.
You'll learn how to structure payments so you're never funding work that hasn't happened yet, what milestones actually matter (permits, demo completion, rough approvals, tile, and "usable completion"), and how to set a clear change order policy before your project starts.
These are real-world remodeling tips that help you avoid payment drama, reduce delays, and get better outcomes from Michigan home services pros.
Key Takeaways (FAQ Style)
Question: How much deposit should I pay a contractor for a $20,000 bathroom remodel?
Answer: Start with 10% ($2,000). A bigger upfront payment can put you at risk before any real work is done.
Question: When should the second payment happen on a remodeling job?
Answer: Pay the next 10% when permits are approved and posted. That means the job is officially ready to move.
Question: What's the smarter way to pay for demolition?
Answer: Pay on demolition complete, not demolition start. It's a simple layer of protection for homeowners.
Question: When do I release a bigger mid-project payment?
Answer: After rough plumbing, rough electrical, and rough HVAC are approved (green sticker). That milestone shows real progress.
Question: What does "usable completion" mean for the final payment?
Answer: You pay when the bathroom works and you can use it—then you can reasonably hold back a small amount for minor fixes.
Question: What counts as a change order—and how should it be handled?
Answer: A change order is either a scope change you request or an issue uncovered mid-project (like hidden damage). It should be documented, priced, and approved before extra work happens.
Question: How do I prevent surprise bills from change orders?
Answer: Set the rule upfront: no approved change order = no payment. And keep communication tight throughout the job.
Want more straightforward home renovation advice and help finding trusted contractors in Southeast Michigan?
Hit play, take notes, and then connect with me—because hassle-free home improvement is the goal.
🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM
💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/
🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone
#HireItDone #MetroDetroit #HomeRenovation
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If you're a Metro Detroit homeowner planning a remodel, the fastest way to lose your mind (and your money) is a sloppy payment schedule and "surprise" change orders. In this episode, I walk you through the practical payment and change order rules I used for decades—so Southeast Michigan homeowners can hire trusted contractors, stay in control, and keep projects moving without the stress. You'll learn how to structure payments so you're never funding work that hasn't happened yet, what milestones actually matter (permits, demo completion, rough approvals, tile, and "usable completion"), and how to set a clear change order policy before your project starts. These are real-world remodeling tips that help you avoid payment drama, reduce delays, and get better outcomes from Michigan home services pros. Key Takeaways (FAQ Style) Question: How much deposit should I pay a contractor for a $20,000 bathroom remodel? Answer: Start with 10% ($2,000). A bigger upfront payment can put you at risk before any real work is done. Question: When should the second payment happen on a remodeling job? Answer: Pay the next 10% when permits are approved and posted. That means the job is officially ready to move. Question: What's the smarter way to pay for demolition? Answer: Pay on demolition complete, not demolition start. It's a simple layer of protection for homeowners. Question: When do I release a bigger mid-project payment? Answer: After rough plumbing, rough electrical, and rough HVAC are approved (green sticker). That milestone shows real progress. Question: What does "usable completion" mean for the final payment? Answer: You pay when the bathroom works and you can use it—then you can reasonably hold back a small amount for minor fixes. Question: What counts as a change order—and how should it be handled? Answer: A change order is either a scope change you request or an issue uncovered mid-project (like hidden damage). It should be documented, priced, and approved before extra work happens. Question: How do I prevent surprise bills from change orders? Answer: Set the rule upfront: no approved change order = no payment. And keep communication tight throughout the job. Want more straightforward home renovation advice and help finding trusted contractors in Southeast Michigan? Hit play, take notes, and then connect with me—because hassle-free home improvement is the goal. 🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/ 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone 🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone #HireItDone #MetroDetroit #HomeRenovation