
This is where a good template comes in handy.Īnyone who is party to a contract can submit a construction change order. And the easiest way to do it? Simply fill out a change order template and submit it. It is critical to have a paper trail and a signed agreement before you perform any work. Operating on a handshake deal is a big risk to your bottom line when changes are afoot. Read More: Why Architects Deny Change Orders (and Four Reasons They Accept Them) Beware changes on a handshake On smaller commercial projects and residential work, there are often fewer systems in place and a handshake is sometimes as formal as changes get. Then, the change order itself is issued by the Architect, based on numbers negotiated with the contractor. Typically, a contractor will issue a Request for Information (RFI) to get the ball rolling on a change. In large commercial work, the construction change order process is often spelled out in the General Conditions of the Owner/Contractor agreement. If payment is delayed, having an approved change order will protect your right to file a mechanics lien. It will affect your ability to submit a payment application. However, the GC or owner may approve the use of another template as long as it contains the required information.Īn approved change order becomes part of the original contract, with all the protections that contract provides. On projects that use AIA contract documents, you may be required to use the AIA G701 Change Order. Who should use a change order?Įveryone with a contract to fulfill - general contractors, subcontractors, and sub-subcontractors - should have an approved change order before they do any work which is not called out in the initial contract documents, provided that work affects the cost or schedule of the contract. And using a clear change order template can save you a lot of time. These can even be affected by the timeliness of the responses to proposed change orders. Whether liquidated damages are assessed.When substantial completion is achieved.The dates agreed to in construction change orders can affect: The emphasis is often placed on the monetary changes, but many of the disputes over changes have to do with schedule delays or changes. Any schedule delays or changes required because of that work.The cost changes made necessary by that work.So, the change order itself documents those changes by establishing the following as clearly as possible: What’s included in a construction change order?Ī change order documents any revision to the scope of work that affects cost or time.
