What is a Change Order in a Construction Contract?
“No prudent individual would make a contract for the construction of a building of any magnitude without incorporating a provision somewhere making specific and definite arrangements concerning extra work.” City Street Improvement Company v. Kroh, 158 Cal. 308, 321 (1910).
Previously on our blog, we discussed how changes to construction contracts are often unavoidable, but that there are limitations to how much a construction contract can change. In this article, we will discuss the proper tool for acceptable change requests: the “change order.”
A change order is essentially an amendment to a construction contract. It represents the mutual consensus between the parties on a change to the schedule, price, work, or other contract term. Like any other contract amendment, a change order has to meet the requirements of valid contract formation (offer, acceptance, reasonable identification of changed terms, exchange of consideration, and be signed by both parties).
A change order should always be accompanied by documentation, such as original contract documents, emails discussing the change, revised plans and specifications, meeting minutes, and any other reports that might be related to the change order. Change orders and associated documents should be kept on file with all other project records. Moreover, since the statute of limitations for most construction claims is ten years, every contract, change order, and supporting document for a change order should be kept at least that long. Finally, it is especially important to determine and document the cost of a change order.
If you have questions about construction contract claims, consult an experienced attorney. Ezer Williamson Law provides a wide range of both transactional and litigation services to individuals and businesses. We have successfully prosecuted and defended various types of business, real estate, construction and property claims. Contact us at (310) 277-7747 to see how we can help you with your business, real estate or construction law needs.
