Change Order

A change order is a written modification to the original scope of work for a construction, renovation, repair, or unit-turn project. It records what is changing, why it is changing, and whether the change affects cost, schedule, quality, or maintenance needs. In multifamily operations, change orders help keep owners, operators, contractors, and project teams aligned when field conditions or business decisions alter the original plan.

During a 20-unit renovation, the original scope calls for cabinet refacing. After demolition, the team finds water damage in several kitchens, so the contractor submits a change order to replace the damaged cabinets, add three days to the schedule, and increase the project budget.

Change orders matter because they create a clear paper trail for scope, budget, and schedule changes. For operations leaders, disciplined change-order management helps control renovation costs, reduce disputes, protect approval workflows, and improve forecasting for turns, capital projects, and occupied-unit work.