What is a Change Order?

A change order is a written document that directs changes to the project that have been authorized without requiring the contractor's consent. This is often necessary in construction projects due to unforeseen conditions, design changes, or scope adjustments that arise after the project has commenced. The change order serves as an official record that modifies the original contract and can affect the project’s timeline, costs, and conditions.

The nature of its authorization without needing contractor consent is important, as it ensures that project modifications can continue to proceed smoothly without delays that might occur if contractor agreement were required each time a change is made. This process helps maintain project flow and addresses issues effectively as they come up.

In contrast, a formal request to change project scope would typically involve negotiation and mutual agreement rather than unilateral direction. While methods for resolving disputes between contractors are vital for project management and contract administration, they do not encapsulate what a change order specifically entails. A record of decisions made during project meetings, although important for project documentation, lacks the formal directive nature of a change order and does not specifically represent an amendment to the contractual obligations.