An unexpected problem can change a job. Before approving the extra charge, ask what was found, what the contractor wants to do about it and how that differs from the work you already agreed to buy.
A photo can help show the problem. The contractor still needs to explain what it means for the repair.
Find the original work description, exclusions and allowances. Then ask which part is being added, removed or replaced.
Fictional example: A contractor opens a wall for a pipe repair and reports damage beyond the agreed area. Ask where the additional damage is, why the proposed repair extends farther and what the extra work includes.
Separate work needed to complete the agreed job from an optional improvement offered while the wall is open. You can discuss them together without treating them as the same decision.
| Change | What the new price needs to explain |
|---|---|
| More of the original repair | Added area or quantity and the additional charge |
| Different equipment | Removed item, replacement item and price difference |
| Extra work you request | Added work, charge and any schedule effect |
An allowance also needs an explanation. Ask what the original amount covered and how the adjustment was calculated.
The revised document should make the new total clear, including credits for work or equipment removed. Check whether access, wall repairs or timing changes too.
The Contractors Board recommends written change orders signed by both parties. For contracts covered by NRS 624.970, changes to work or price must be agreed in writing and incorporated into the contract as change orders. The statute includes requirements for their contents and acceptance.
Don't rely on a conversation about “sorting the price later.” Get the proposed change and price clear before approving it.
Ask the contractor to explain the specific difference using the original agreement and change. “Where is the credit for the item removed?” is easier to answer than a general dispute over the whole bill.
Save the proposals, photos, messages and invoices. The Board can explain its complaint process; an attorney can advise on contract rights, disputed authorization and payment obligations. A guide can't decide whether you should withhold a payment.