Jump to Section
Need help with a Change Order?
What is a Change Order?
A change order, or variation order, is an agreement between a contractor or subcontractor and a consumer that makes modifications to an existing construction contract. These changes can consist of addition, omission, or substitution for the work, schedule, price, or other aspect of the contract.
A change order is only successful when both the contractor and client agree on the terms.
How Change Orders in Construction Work
Change orders play a vital role in project management. They are great for making sure project management modifications can be implemented seamlessly for everyone involved. Change orders benefit consumers by itemizing modifications and they benefit contractors by creating a space where they can request extra funds or more time when needed.
What is Considered a Change Order?
A contractor or subcontractor and their client make an agreement when they decide to work together, which is typically called a construction contract . This contract includes information about the scope of the work . A change order goes into effect any time something about the original job agreement changes to modify the initial contract.
Who Prepares a Change Order?
Contractors make way for change orders by placing a “changes in work” clause in the contract. Construction lawyers help draft these special documents to make sure there is a clear pathway for all parties of an agreement to make any changes. The result is a smooth and simple workflow that helps to make changes stress-free for all involved.
Construction Change Order Example
Sarai hires a construction company to add a new roof and new windows to her home. She and the contractors agree that it will cost $20,000 and will take 6 weeks to complete the job. After the subcontractors start working they realize some needed materials went up in price, which makes the needed budget higher.
Since the contractor and subcontractor made sure to include a change order clause in their contract with Sarai, they have the freedom to make changes seamlessly:
- The contractor contacts Sarai to explain the increase in the price of the material
- Sarai decides that the new cost is acceptable and she agrees to pay more
- The contractor contacts his construction lawyer to give him the details about the higher price and his agreement with Sarai
- The construction lawyer documents the new agreement on a change order form, which outlines the new price and increased budget
- Sarai and the contractor are presented with the change order form, which they both review and sign
- The change order goes into effect, modifying the original price and allowing the subcontractors to finish the job
Browse some of our construction lawyers .
Types of Construction Change Orders
Construction variation orders are a vital part of making sure construction jobs run smoothly. They cover many different situations and are also helpful in ensuring that everyone stays informed about the unexpected.
Contractors enjoy the peace of mind knowing their customers agree on any deviations and clients can rest easy knowing that they will be notified about any changes.
Here are some examples of types of change orders in construction:
- Budget: When any changes are made to the amount of money a client can pay or the amount that a contractor or subcontractor needs to complete a project.
- Timeline: When a construction job is expected to take longer or to be completed sooner than expected.
- Cost of Materials: Sometimes, the cost of materials can change between the time an agreement is made and when the work is done. When this happens, the original contract must be modified with a change order.
- Changes in Scope of Work: It is nearly impossible to predict how a project can change from start to finish. When a client or subcontractor decides to make changes to the work being done, change orders allow for new terms to be established.
Learn more about types of change orders here .
31 projects on CC
Key Parts to Include in a Change Order
One of the most important things construction lawyers do when putting a change order together is ensuring it includes any information regarding a modification to the original agreement. There are several key parts that construction lawyers must include in a change order.
Here are a few examples of the most important aspects of any change order:
- Contract number
- Name and contact details of contractor or subcontractor
- Name and address of project
- Important dates such as deadlines, dates when change order is proposed and when it’s approved
- Information about what change is being made
- Details about any difference in price or timeline caused by the proposed modification
- An outline of the original contract terms versus the proposed changes
For more a more in-depth look at the key parts of any change order, check out this article .
Planning for Change Orders
One of the best things any contractor or subcontractor can do to protect their business is to plan for change orders. It is nearly impossible to predict whether something will go wrong on a project, so it’s always best to come prepared. Having a process in place to follow when a change needs to be made alleviates pressure for everyone.
Perhaps the easiest way for contractors and subcontractors to plan for change orders is to include a provision for them in the original contract. This ensures that all agreeing parties understand that change orders are a possibility. Including these provisions in the original contract also reduces the chance of any negative interactions, including a breach of contract .
Read more about how to prepare for a change order here .
Image via Pexels by Anamul
How to Write a Change Order
Contacting a construction lawyer is always a good idea when a contractor wants to write a change order. A change order is a legally binding document, and if the terms aren’t up to par with legislation, it could cause problems for the construction company. Construction lawyers use a multi-step process and their expertise to write change orders.
Here are a few steps lawyers take when writing variation orders:
Step One: Identify the Changes
The first step to writing any change order is identifying the changes that need to be made. Decide what you want your change order to communicate and document the changes.
Step Two: Discuss the Changes
Once you have a map of needed modifications, it is time to communicate them to the client. Make sure to come prepared to answer any questions or concerns the client might have.
Step Three: Create an Action Plan
Any changes in timeline or cost that arise from the changes should be discussed before a change order is formed. This ensures that no unexpected charges or changes are revealed in the paperwork.
Step Four: Write the Change Order
With the help of a construction lawyer, it’s time to write the change order. Include all vital information such as the contractor’s contact details and name, the budget, the timeline, and any other project-pertinent information. It’s also important to include a summary of the applied changes.
Step Five: Sign the Change Order
Now that the hard work is done, it’s time to sign the document. Make sure the contractor and the client both agree and sign the dotted line.
Here is another article about how to write a change order.
Get Help with a Change Order
Are you ready to learn more about a change order and want to get some advice from an expert? Post a project today on ContractsCounsel to start receiving bids from construction lawyers who focus on change orders.
Meet some of our Change Order Lawyers
Cynthia F.
ContractsCounsel verified
Managing Partner
11 years practicing
Free Consultation
I run a small law firm in Pasadena, CA. I have been practicing for almost 10 years and the other attorneys at my firm each have 12+ years of experience. We focus on business and employment law, protecting and defending business owners. While my clients are all sizes, I particularly enjoy helping smaller companies and individuals manage their legal needs without the high price tag.
Scott S.
ContractsCounsel verified
Principal
40 years practicing
Free Consultation
I have over 25 years' experience representing individual and company clients, large and small, in transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private offerings of securities, commercial loans and commercial endeavors (supply contracts, manufacturing agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property licenses, etc.). My particular specialty is in complex and novel drafting.
Jessica K.
ContractsCounsel verified
Litigation Attorney
5 years practicing
Free Consultation
I assist individuals and businesses across the state of Florida with contract drafting, contract interpretation, and issues that may arise because of contract terms, including demands (cease-and-desist letters) and litigation. I have experience with general service contracts, non-compete agreements, settlement agreements, and many other contracts. Please reach out if I can help you with a contract-related project!
Brianna N.
ContractsCounsel verified
Attorney
5 years practicing
Free Consultation
Brianna is a well-respected attorney with a juris doctorate degree in law from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Dowling College. Since becoming an attorney, she has practiced in various areas including business law, real estate, employment law, estate planning, and more. Brianna has very broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel and Human Resource Manager for the company. She has been involved in business for over 15 years, thus she offers a very unique skillset to her clients; not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint but be of consequence in business. She conducts risk assessments and minimizes client’s risk and exposure to potential liability. Additionally, she specializes in drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiating is a passion of hers; in law school, she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society and won the intraschool negotiation competition. Brianna believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client.
Jeff C.
ContractsCounsel verified
Outside General Counsel / Business Attorney
34 years practicing
Free Consultation
Experienced and broad based corporate/business attorney and Outside General Counsel (OGC), for start-ups, small businesses and growing companies of all sizes, advising and assisting clients with corporate and LLC formation, contracts and agreements, internet and terms of use/service agreements, trademarks and intellectual property protection, the purchase and sale of businesses (M&A), labor and employment matters, compliance and risk management, corporate governance, and commercial leasing matters. See other reviews on my website at www.ogcservices.net/reviews
Christopher J.
ContractsCounsel verified
Attorney and Counselor at Law
22 years practicing
Free Consultation
Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.
Paul S.
ContractsCounsel verified
CEO
35 years practicing
Free Consultation
I focus my practice on startups and small to mid-size businesses, because they have unique needs that mid-size and large law firms aren't well-equipped to service. In addition to practicing law, I have started and run other businesses, and have an MBA in marketing from Indiana University. I combine my business experience with my legal expertise, to provide practical advice to my clients. I am licensed in Ohio and California, and I leverage the latest in technology to provide top quality legal services to a nationwide client-base. This enables me to serve my clients in a cost-effective manner that doesn't skimp on personal service.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowChange Order lawyers by city
related contracts
other helpful articles
"ContractsCounsel puts on-demand legal services in the cloud. Not only is their service more convenient and time-efficient than visiting brick and mortar offices, but it’s more affordable too—and I’ve been universally impressed by the quality of talent provided. If you’re looking for a modern way for your small business to meet legal needs, I can’t recommend them enough!"
"This was an easy way to find an attorney to help me with a contract quickly. It was easy to work with Contracts Counsel to submit a bid and compare the lawyers on their experience and cost. I ended up finding someone who was a great fit for what I needed."
"ContractsCounsel suited my needs perfectly, and I really appreciate the work to get me a price that worked with my budget and the scope of work."
"I would recommend Contracts Counsel if you require legal work."
"ContractsCounsel helped me find a sensational lawyer who curated a contract fitting my needs quickly and efficiently. I really appreciated the ease of the system and the immediate responses from multiple lawyers!"
-p-60.f6a3b047f4d6.jpeg){kind=avatar}
"ContractsCounsel came through in a big way for my start up. Their platform put me in touch with the right lawyers for my industry and the team was as responsive as humanly possible during the whole process. I'll be back for more contract work in the future, as the lawyers they've vetted for these services are top tier."
-p-60.4f0f42e7f6e3.jpg){kind=avatar}