the cost of wood

Speaking of dormers, and the cost of vinyl, we had a meeting with Tom-builder yesterday and - among other things - talked about the ever-lurking "change order."

Now the "change order" is a potentially dangerous creature. Going one way, it's docile as a lamb. Going the other way, it bites you in the butt.

Here's how it works: If you make a change that involves the builder not having to do something he otherwise would have had to do, all's well. No problem. See? Docile.

If you make a change that involves the builder having to do something additional, watch your posterior. Box out a plyboard window seat in the guesthouse dormers? $250 each.

Man.

I thought that was high.

The king thought it was ok, though. "Cost of wood. Oh - and hinges. And they're going to have to stain it.

Right.

He's better about this than I am. Although I suspect he will shortly be challenging the traditional docile nature of the change order that's supposed to be in favor the homeowner. . . .