Negotiating Change Orders
A workable process
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Raise | Written request describing the change and why |
| Assess | Technical impact, schedule and cost |
| Price | Against the agreed rate card where one exists |
| Approve | Named authority signs before work starts |
| Record | Update drawings, programs and the project file |
Practical advice
- Never start work on a verbal change.
- Bundle small changes to avoid administrative overload.
- Watch cumulative change against the original budget.
Change procedures should be defined in the contract. Confirm who can approve and up to what value.