We bought a preconstruction condo in Florida in 2006, that will be finished in the fall of 2009. We found out recently that the builder now wants to change a ceiling pop-out to hide electrical work and ducts for themselves. We were not disclosed this information nor agree to the changes, do we have any way out of this contract? The new plans change significantly the aesthetics of the ceiling, reducing the pop-out size by more than half, we are the only unit effect in the building.

I think it would depend on the wording of your contract. If it's not addressed I think you would have to take the contractor to court to either block the changes or attempt to get out of the contract.

Are you just not happy with these ceiling changes, or are you looking for a way out of your contract?

What has changed hands monetarily at this point?

Did he change the ceiling to save money or was there no other way to run the ductwork?
If there was bad design, he could go against the designer if extra cost would have been involved to create the ceiling you wanted.
I think the critical fact is whether it could have been built as designed or not. If not, you should have a chance to get out of the contract if you can prove it is a deal-breaking change. You should definitely not have to pay any additional. That should be between the contarctor and architect/designer.