What is a change order in a construction project?

• A. A verbal agreement to extend the project timeline.
• B. A minor change in color sample only.
• C. A request to change contractor name on contract.
• D. A written modification to the approved plans, scope, or contract that adjusts cost, time, or both, and requires authorization.

Answer: (D)

A change order is the formal, written method to modify a construction contract after work has started. It documents a change to the plans, scope, or contract and specifies how cost, time, or both will be affected, and it must be authorized before the change is implemented. This ensures that any additional work, price adjustments, or schedule shifts are officially approved and recorded, preventing disputes later.

Verbal or informal adjustments don’t carry the same legal weight and aren’t documented as part of the contract, so they aren’t change orders. A minor change in color sample typically doesn’t alter the contract terms or schedule, so it’s handled through standard design approvals rather than a formal change order. Changing the contractor’s name on the contract is administrative and doesn’t reflect a change in work, cost, or timeline.