It can happen that during production you need to change things—new insights, site conditions, stakeholder feedback, etc. To help you understand what the impact will be, we’ve outlined the most common change scenarios below, and what they typically mean for timeline and costs, depending on when you request them.
A quick rule of thumb
The earlier you request a change, the smaller the impact usually is.
Changes requested after production drawings are approved often have the largest impact, because production planning is locked in and materials/hardware/appliances may already be ordered.
The project moments we refer to
Pre kick-off call: before kick-off with Cutr and your production partner.
Pre production drawing upload: before the first production drawings are uploaded by the production partner.
Post first production drawings uploaded: drawings uploaded, but not yet approved by customer.
Post production drawing approval: drawings approved by customer.
Changes and their impact
Design changes
Before we get into the stages below, it helps to clarify what we mean by a design change. Important: this is typically not a “revision” as included in your quote.
Revisions cover minor changes (e.g., small dimension tweaks, swapping a material, picking different hardware).
A design change means the design needs to be reworked (new layout, new logic, new details, etc.), which requires new design/engineering time.
(1) Pre kick-off call
Timeline: minor impact
Except for drastic scope changes (e.g., major additional elements or complexity).
Costs: minor impact
Dependent on type of design changes.
(2) Pre production drawing upload
Timeline impact: minor
Dependent on how far the production partner is with preparing production drawings.
Cost impact: possible
Potential extra design hours or extra costs dependent on design change.
(3) Post first production drawings uploaded
Timeline impact: increased (often noticeable)
New production drawing need to be made
Cost impact: increased
Extra hours for design changes will be charged
(4) Post production drawing approval
Timeline impact: potentially major
Cost impact: potentially major
Why it’s heavier at this stage: materials/hardware/appliances may already be ordered and production planning is underway. A design change can cause:
Extra design/engineering hours
Delays in production scheduling
Extra costs for already ordered materials/hardware (if they can’t be cancelled or reused)
Material or hardware changes
(1) Pre kick-off call
Timeline impact: usually none
Unless the new material/hardware is not in stock, has a longer lead time, or requires additional processing (e.g., pressing/finishing steps).
Cost impact: possible
Material/hardware price differences may apply.
(2) Pre production drawing upload
Timeline impact: usually none
Same exceptions as above (stock / lead time / processing changes).
Cost impact: possible
Material/hardware price differences may apply.
(3) Post first production drawings uploaded
Timeline impact: usually none
As long as thickness and construction logic stay compatible.
Exceptions: different thickness, stock/lead time differences, or processing changes.
Cost impact: possible
Material/hardware price differences may apply.
If changes require drawing updates, this can result in additional costs.
(4) Post production drawing approval
Timeline impact: likely
Cost impact: likely
Why it’s heavier at this stage: materials/hardware/appliances may already be ordered and production planning is underway. A material/hardware change can cause:
Extra design/engineering hours (drawings/details may need updating)
Delays in production scheduling
Extra costs for already ordered materials/hardware (if they can’t be cancelled or reused)
Timeline changes (delivery / installation date)
These changes can happen at any point and typically affect planning and logistics.
(1) Pushing delivery/installation later
Timeline impact: delivery/installation moves later (as requested)
Cost impact: possible
Storage costs may apply if items are ready but can’t be delivered/installed yet.
(2) Pulling delivery/installation earlier
Timeline impact: only possible if production capacity and lead times allow
Cost impact: possible
Rush fee may apply (extra capacity, overtime, expedited logistics, reprioritization)
Quantity changes (increase or decrease units)
(1) Pre production drawing approval
Timeline impact: usually minimal
Mainly depends on how production time changes with the new quantity.
Cost impact: yes—often
Changing quantity can affect price per unit:
Decreasing quantity often increases price per unit
Increasing quantity often reduces price per unit
(2) Post production drawing approval
Timeline impact: bigger
Materials are likely already ordered. If you need more units, additional materials must be ordered, which can add lead time.
Cost impact: high
Materials may already be purchased. If you reduce units, those material costs may still apply if they can’t be cancelled or reused.
To request a change, simply send us a message in the Messages tab of your order and describe what you’d like to adjust (and, if relevant, your preferred timing) or leave a comments on the production drawing. We’ll review it with the production partner and share the expected impact on timeline and costs as soon as possible.
Please note: we only proceed with changes once the updated scope and any cost/timeline impact are confirmed.