Change Order
A written document that modifies the original scope, cost, or schedule of a construction contract.
A change order is a formal amendment to an existing construction contract that records any alteration to the agreed-upon work. It can increase or decrease the total project cost, add or remove specific tasks, or extend the completion date. Both the homeowner and contractor must sign the change order before any modified work begins.
Change orders arise for many reasons: unexpected conditions discovered during demo (like rotted framing behind drywall), homeowner-requested upgrades, errors in the original plans, or code requirements that were not anticipated. Each change order should itemize labor, materials, and the impact on the project schedule.
Always insist on a written change order before approving extra work. Verbal agreements about added scope are difficult to enforce and frequently lead to disputes over cost.
Real-World Example
When the plumber discovered corroded pipes behind the bathroom wall, the contractor issued a $1,200 change order to replace them before tiling could proceed.