Change Orders — What Are They?

A change order is a written record of an agreed change to the original contract or scope — for example adding a pot light, switching tile or removing part of the work. A CHANGE ORDER SHOULD INCLUDE • A description of the change • The additional cost or credit (reduced cost) • The schedule impact, if any • Authorization — signatures or written approval from both parties and the date WHY IT MATTERS Verbal changes are a common source of disputes. Written change orders protect both the homeowner and the contractor.