What is a change order?

A change order is a written, signed agreement that modifies the contract's scope, price, or schedule after work has begun.

When something changes — added scope, a different condition, an owner request — a change order captures the agreed cost and time impact and is signed by the parties. It's how a project stays contractually clean as it evolves.

A credible change order prices the work the same way the base estimate does (cost plus O&P), and only a human authorizes it.