The Change Order

Overview

A change order is a written, signed modification to the original estimate or contract, capturing additional (or removed) scope, adjusted price, and schedule impact. Its existence is what keeps "while you're at it" from bankrupting the builder or surprising the client.

When to Write One

• The client asked for something new ("could we also...")
• The site revealed something unexpected ("behind this wall is...")
• The client removed something ("skip the tile upgrade...")
• The schedule shifted for any reason
• The materials changed

If any of these happen and you don't write a change order, you have accepted scope creep as a gift. Burbridge accepts few gifts.

Principles

• Write it immediately. Memory degrades. Signed paper doesn't.
• Price it completely. Parts, labor, time, demolition, cleanup, permit impact.
• Get the signature before the work. Every time. Every time.
• Number them sequentially. CO-001, CO-002. Future you needs the trail.

"Friendly agreements are not contracts. They become contracts when they go wrong." — Burbridge, unfortunately