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How should project pricing and scope changes be handled?

A project price is only as reliable as the scope and assumptions behind it. The clean way to handle changes is to separate the original included work from newly discovered conditions or owner-requested changes, then price the difference before the work proceeds when reasonably possible.

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OttoServ project guidance · Updated

The answer

Here’s what actually matters.

A project price is only as reliable as the scope and assumptions behind it. The clean way to handle changes is to separate the original included work from newly discovered conditions or owner-requested changes, then price the difference before the work proceeds when reasonably possible.

What a useful price tells you

  • what work and quantity it covers
  • what products/allowances are assumed
  • what is excluded
  • what conditions are still unknown

What should trigger a change

  • owner changes the requested result/product
  • concealed site condition differs materially from the stated assumption
  • required professional/permit scope changes after review

What a change should show

  • reason
  • added/removed work
  • price or credit
  • schedule impact
  • approval record

Bottom line

The goal is not “no changes ever.” The goal is no surprise work and no mystery charges.

Related questions in this guide.

What to expect

What happens after you send OttoServ a project?

After you send OttoServ a project, the first job is to understand the work—not automatically dispatch somebody. Otto uses your description, photos and project details to identify what is clear, what is missing, whether a licensed trade or site visit is needed, and what the next decision should be.

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Choose the OttoServ path that fits your role.

The library explains the work. These pages explain how OttoServ helps move that work from a question into an organized project path.

Homeowners & property ownersRepairs, improvements and property projects without doing all the chasing.General contractorsDefined work packages, overflow capacity and project support.Real estate investorsRehab, repair, turnover and property-work decisions.Subcontractors & field partnersScoped opportunities, clear terms and documented completion expectations.

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Planning guidance, not a site assessment, construction specification or substitute for project terms. Required licenses, permits, inspections and professional responsibilities depend on the actual scope and jurisdiction.

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