What is a change order log?
A Change Order Request log is simply a running list of all Change Order Requests sent from a contractor to their customer. (Subcontractor to General Contractor, GC to Owner, etc.). Across the industry, Subcontractors email their General Contractor with Change Order Requests as they come up.
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What is an example of a change order?
Classic examples of change orders include the owner’s desire to move the location of a wall to accommodate some other design element, adding a window where there was none in the original plans, or changing the finish of the floors from tile to terrazzo.

How do you prepare a change order?
6 things every change order should include
- Project and contact information. The change order form should include:
- Dates of the change.
- Details of the work.
- Updated schedule.
- Cost of the change.
- Updated contract value.
- Match the payment application.
- Get it in writing — and save it.
How do you explain a change order?
A change order is work that is added to or deleted from the original scope of work of a contract. Depending on the magnitude of the change, it may or may not alter the original contract amount and/or completion date. A change order may force a new project to handle significant changes to the current project.
What are the two types of change orders in construction?
Because of these changes to budget and schedule, change orders are not acted upon until both the owner of the project and the contractor responsible for the change agree on terms and conditions. There are two types of change orders: additive and deductive.

Who can initiate change order?
A change order may be initiated by a project owner or contractor anytime during the construction process. The project’s original contract will typically stipulate the use of a particular change order form; if not, one may be created in a document, spreadsheet or even be handwritten.
How do you manage change orders?
A Quick Guide to Managing Change Orders in Construction
- Get Clarity on Scope of Work.
- Review the Construction Contract.
- Get Written Approval for All Change Orders.
- Communicate With Stakeholders.
- Understand the Impact of Change Orders.
- Final Thoughts on Change Orders.
What is the first proper step for a change order on a project?
Start the conversation.
Regardless of who initiates a potential change, the first step is for the project owner and contractor to discuss what the change is, why it’s being requested and how it will impact the project’s cost and timeline.
What is a document change order?
A change order documents makes an amendment to the original contract for additional work, substitutions, adjustments to work, or any other variation to the original agreement. In residential construction, change orders are used by contractors to add, omit, or adjust work outlined in a construction contract.
How do you control change orders?
To minimize change orders, ensure that a quality control process is in place for all stages and levels of the project. These include the design process, technical documentation, specifications and engineering changes, testing and inspection reports, and other processes and procedures in the contract requirements.
What are the three categories of change orders?
It should be adequate for a third-party to generally understand the change and its impacts. There are three parts to the description that coincide with the definition of the change order – the scope, the impact on cost, and the impact on time.
How do I review change orders?
Here are a few tips and why they’re important to follow:
- Stick to the contract. The starting point in analyzing change orders is reviewing the contract and its provisions regarding change orders.
- Stay in control. On larger projects, there are usually many change orders coming through.
- Put it in writing.
- Verify.
- Be prepared.
What causes change orders?
Some of the most common reasons for change orders include: Inaccurate specifications in the original designs or contract. Ambiguous or inaccurate drawings. Unforeseen conditions at the job site, such as obstructions that could not be planned for.
Who prepares the change order?
1 ” A change order is written instrument prepared by the architect and signed by the owner, contractor, and architect…”
What is the first stage of the change order process?
Stage 1: Unfreeze
This first stage of change involves preparing the organization to accept that change is necessary, which involves breaking down the existing status quo before you can build up a new way of operating.
What are the major reasons for change orders?
Change orders are a regular cause of cost overruns, so contractors should plan for them during each project. Common reasons for change orders include inaccuracies in the original design or contract, inaccurate drawings, unforeseen conditions at the job site, and more. Change order form submissions can be prepared for.
Why is a change order important?
A change order is needed when something significant needs to be modified in the original scope of work. It serves as a legal record of the agreement between the customer and the contractor to the new work and the price to perform it.
Who prepares change orders?
When should you issue a change order?
Some of the most common reasons for change orders include:
- Inaccurate specifications in the original designs or contract.
- Ambiguous or inaccurate drawings.
- Unforeseen conditions at the job site, such as obstructions that could not be planned for.
- Workers or materials that do not arrive or come late to the site.