Definition
A change order is a documented agreement modifying original construction plans—adding, deleting, or substituting work. Change orders specify costs and timeline impacts. Excessive change orders indicate poor planning. Late changes multiply in cost.
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Change orders document any modifications to contracted work—either additions, deletions, or substitutions. Change orders should include detailed descriptions, costs, and timeline impacts. Change orders protect both builder and buyer by documenting changes clearly. Excessive change orders indicate poor planning or scope creep. Change orders late in construction are exponentially more expensive. Minimizing change orders keeps projects on budget and schedule.
Pro Tip
Minimize change orders. Late changes multiply in cost and can delay completion significantly.
Example
A change order to relocate a door location costs $1,500 and adds 3 days to construction schedule due to framing and electrical modifications.