A before-signing change-order checklist for the reason, exact added and deleted scope, drawings and product changes, alternatives, itemized price and credits, markup, schedule impact, permits, warranties, and authorization.
6 items to check
The change record should distinguish owner preference, design revision, concealed condition, code correction, contractor error, product unavailability, allowance selection, or other cause because responsibility and price treatment may differ.
A change order should describe exact locations, quantities, dimensions, products, labor, demolition, protection, testing, patching, cleanup, and work removed from the original agreement.
Before approval, the owner should understand feasible repair, replacement, deferment, or design alternatives and whether the proposed solution affects structure, waterproofing, fire safety, energy performance, accessibility, compatibility, or maintenance.
The net change price should follow the contract method and show enough detail to understand added cost, deleted-work credit, allowance use, labor or unit rates, subcontractor amounts, material, equipment, tax, overhead, and profit.
A change should identify added or saved calendar time, procurement lead time, inspection or design approval, permit revision, lender approval, warranty effect, and changes to later trades or access.
The final change order should have a unique identifier, date, linked documents, signatures or permitted electronic approval, revised contract sum, revised completion date, and distribution to all affected parties before the changed work proceeds.
Use this checklist before authorizing work that changes the signed scope, product, quantity, price, or schedule. Except for genuine emergency protection allowed by the contract or law, do not rely on a text message, verbal instruction, or unexplained invoice line as the complete change record.
A pre-signing contract checklist for legal identity, property, detailed scope, plans and selections, dates, permits, price and payment milestones, change orders, cancellation, dispute terms, warranties, closeout documents, and lien risk.
A payment-approval checklist for confirming the milestone definition, installed work, inspections, correction status, stored materials, approved change orders, payment math, conditional lien waivers, and remaining balance before releasing funds.
A final-payment checklist for completed scope and punch list, final inspections and occupancy approvals, manuals and warranties, as-built records, final invoice and credits, state-specific lien waivers, payment evidence, and warranty contacts.
A pre-hire verification checklist for matching the contractor legal identity, license status and classification, disciplinary record, liability insurance, workers compensation, bond, and expiration dates.