What are “change orders” in a construction project?

Change orders in a construction project are written agreements that modify the original contract. They are essential for addressing any necessary adjustments in the scope of work, such as changes in design, materials, or timelines that may arise during the course of a project. These modifications can occur due to unforeseen conditions, client requests, or regulatory changes.

By formalizing these adjustments in writing, change orders ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of the new terms, including associated costs and timelines. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability between contractors and clients, as it prevents disputes by documenting any alterations agreed upon during the project execution.

Other options don't accurately represent the purpose of change orders. Notifications of project completion pertain to the conclusion of a project, rather than changes within it. Requests for payment from clients relate more to billing practices than to contract modifications. Lastly, documents for employee contracts are relevant to labor agreements and not to the actual construction process or contractual changes.