Practical Law Glossary Item 3-546-8425 (Approx. 3 pages)
Glossary
Change Order
In the context of construction projects, a writing that documents a change in a contract's scope of work or price. The change can add or deduct scope or services or result from a change in performance method.
Change orders commonly result from:
An owner-directed change.
A design conflict or deficiency.
A site condition.
Defective construction to be remedied.
A decision to escalate performance, such as overtime work.
Specific requirements are identified in agreements with project participants and customarily include:
A description of the work or services added or deducted.
The dollar value of the increase or decrease.
Any change to the time for performance of the contract.
A statement that all costs and time adjustments associated with the change have been included.