As construction projects move forward, it is inevitable that they will undergo several alterations. When it comes to sustaining the budget, the schedule, the quality, and the relationships between the project’s stakeholders, the manner in which these modifications are managed through the appropriate change order procedures is of the utmost importance. Listed below are some of the most important reasons why it is essential for construction projects to have an effective change order management system:
Maintaining Cost Control
Changes nearly always result in higher expenses, which might be incurred via more materials, labour, or an extension of the time of the project. These additional expenditures have the potential to swiftly spiral out of control if there is not an organised change order mechanism in place. Before additional work is carried out, formal change orders make it possible to correctly estimate costs and obtain approval or denial from the appropriate stakeholders on those expenses. This prevents cost overruns and expansion of the project’s scope.
Keeping to the Scheduling Pattern
There is a possibility that individual activities will be delayed or that the entire project timetable will be pushed back. Through the use of change orders and effective change order management, it is possible to evaluate the influence on the timetable. In the event that it is required, the schedule can then be modified and re-established. By doing so, a realistic schedule is maintained, which can be utilised by all parties for the purposes of planning and monitoring progress.
Assuring the Quality of Work
Any modifications made to the initial scope of the project have the potential to have an effect on the quality of the job. With the help of change orders, the criteria and requirements of the work that has been modified can be stated in complete detail. The danger of quality problems resulting from changes in scope is decreased as a result of this.
Protection from the law
The creation of a legal record of modifications to the contract scope and pricing is accomplished through the use of change orders for public construction projects. In the event that contractors request additional payments without the appropriate documentation and consent being obtained through change orders, this safeguards the customer. Additionally, it safeguards independent contractors from performing additional work without the guarantee of adequate compensation.
Enhancement of Communication
Before changes can be implemented, the change order process makes it necessary for the major project stakeholders to provide their feedback and offer their agreement. The communication regarding the potential impacts on the work, time, and cost is facilitated as a result of this. Disputes can be avoided with the use of effective communication and documentation.
Winner-Take-All Negotiation
In the event that adjustments are necessary, change orders make it possible to discuss solutions that are beneficial to both parties. This is preferable to the unstructured negotiation that normally takes place when decisions regarding adjustments are made in an informal setting. Change orders that are formalised help to keep the conversation focused on locating a solution that is agreeable to both parties.
To summarise, effective change order management provides control, visibility, legal protection, and solutions that are beneficial to both parties in the event that changes are unavoidable throughout the course of a building project. One of the most important things that a successful construction project manager can do to keep the work on schedule and minimise stress between project stakeholders is to follow clear change order procedures and processes. Additionally, this is one of the most significant things that can be done. Construction projects are able to accomplish their goals and be successfully delivered despite the fact that they require certain alterations along the way: this is made possible by taking the time to manage changes through the use of intentional change order processing.