Explain the sequence of events that follows a typical change order process.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The sequence of events that follows is typical of the change order process, although some construction contracts will require specific time frames and slightly different sequences:

1. The contractor notices a difference between actual conditions and the conditions shown in the construction documents. The contractor notifies the architect via a request for information of the varying condition and requests direction.

2. The architect must respond to the contractor regarding what needs to be done. This is normally done in Contract Clarification.

3. The contractor must determine if this clarification is considered additional work. If it is, the contractor must price the work as quickly as possible. The architect may prepare a proposal request, followed by the official Change Order Proposal (COP), which is completed by the contractor with the pricing and request for time extension.

4. If the architect agrees that the price is appropriate for the work and if the owner agrees that a change order is necessary, the architect can prepare a change order. Work is not authorized to proceed until the change order is signed by both the owner and contractor. As the processing of a change order takes considerable time, the architect might issue a change directive or field order for the contractor to proceed with the work immediately. This change directive specifies a price for the work, or a method to determine the price, such as cost-plus-a-fee. The owner must to sign the change directive. A change order may be a summary of several change directives.