Construction Manager how-to

How to Process a Change Order

Clear change order management protects the budget and relationships.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Clear change order management protects the budget and relationships. In short: document; get; review, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Document the change request and its source.

  2. Get pricing from affected subcontractors.

  3. Review pricing for scope, quantities and markups.

  4. Assess schedule impact.

  5. Submit the change order to the owner with backup.

  6. Get written approval before work proceeds and update the budget.

Safety reminders for construction managers

  • Lead daily safety briefings and enforce the site safety plan
  • Walk the site regularly to spot hazards
  • Make sure subcontractors are trained and wearing PPE
  • Investigate incidents and near-misses promptly

RFI · Submittal · Change order · CPM schedule · Critical path · Look-ahead schedule: see the full construction manager glossary.

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