Understanding Change Orders And When To Use Them

When it comes to construction projects, it’s hard to avoid the topic of change orders. The truth is, it’s something we encounter fairly frequently, and it can be a necessary part of a build. We want to help you understand what they are, when they’re necessary, and why it’s a good idea to minimize them. 

What Are Change Orders?

A change order is a formal document used to modify the original agreement or contract for your construction project. These modifications could include changes in the scope of work, adjustments to the timeline, or variations in materials or design. Essentially, a change order alters the original terms of your project. We often see them used to address 3 main types of issues:

• Design Changes – Maybe you decide to add an extra feature, or the design evolves during the project.
• Unforeseen Issues – Something unexpected comes up, like hidden structural problems or site conditions that weren’t visible during the initial assessment.
• Material Substitutions – If there’s a need to switch materials due to availability or other reasons, a change order documents that decision.

Why Minimize Them?

While change orders are sometimes unavoidable, they can have a significant impact on your project’s budget and timeline. The more changes you make, the more the project can get delayed or increase in cost. That’s why we always encourage our clients to try to finalize their design and scope before the project starts. A clear vision and plan reduce the likelihood of changes during construction.

At Dunlap, we work hard to help our clients set a solid plan from the start to avoid unnecessary changes. However, when changes are necessary, we’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you understand the impact and helping you make informed decisions. If you’re thinking about your next project, remember: keeping changes to a minimum helps everything run smoother and more efficiently. Let’s work together to make your vision come to life! Schedule a meeting with us today.

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