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Contract termsConstruction Law Insights / Scope revisions & approvals
How Do Construction Change Orders Work?
How construction teams document changes in scope, cost and time, and why disagreements arise.
The Short Answer
What you should know first.
A change order is usually a documented modification to the original contract, often addressing scope, price, schedule or another agreed term. The required approval process depends on the contract.
Key Considerations
Important factors to evaluate.
The relevant contract terms, records and law help determine how these questions apply to a particular construction project.
Follow approval procedures
Contracts may require written requests, supporting cost information and designated signatures.
Change order disputesTrack time and costs
Labor, materials, equipment, schedule effects and productivity records can support the evaluation of a change.
Delay claimsPreserve field directions
Emails, meeting notes and instructions can be relevant even when the formal change order is disputed.
Contractor dispute servicesA Practical Starting Point
Organize the facts before deciding on next steps.
Construction disputes can involve short notice periods and overlapping obligations. A clear set of records helps make any review more productive.
Describe the changed condition or instruction clearly.
Identify cost and schedule impacts with supporting records.
Follow notice and approval steps in the agreement.
Keep a consistent log of pending, rejected and approved changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common follow-up questions.
Does an oral instruction count as a change order?
That depends on the contract and applicable law; some agreements impose strict written-change requirements.
Can changes affect project completion dates?
Yes. A change may influence the schedule, but entitlement to extensions depends on the contract and evidence.
Can extra work be disputed after completion?
Yes. Payment may turn on authorization, documentation and applicable legal rules.
Need guidance on a construction matter?
Each project and agreement is different. Contact AW Construction Law to discuss the circumstances, relevant documents and possible next steps.