Agreeing on construction changes and extra work

Approve a construction change only after its scope, price, and schedule effect are clear. A small request can affect several work stages. A written decision helps both owner and contractor distinguish the original work from a new order.

Identify the type of change

A change may come from your request, a design clarification, or a site finding. First establish whether it belongs to the original contract. Choosing a new material and correcting work that differs from the agreement are not the same thing.

Ask the contractor to specify what changes, why, and which plan supports it. If the impact cannot yet be priced, first agree on the investigation needed and its cost.

Check the full effect

A change decision should record:

• Work added and work omitted
• Material price changes and any return charges
• Effects on other contracts and deliveries
• A revised completion date or estimate of the impact
• The approver and decision date

For example, changing flooring can affect preparation and the heights of adjoining construction as well as the material order. Have designers and contractors assess those effects before deciding.

Keep approvals together

Name the person authorized to order changes. Maintain one change log and check the effect on the overall budget. Several small additions can amount to a significant purchase.

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s guidance (opens in a new tab) addresses agreeing on additional work in consumer renovation services in Finland. Check your own building contract and applicable terms separately, and establish a clear decision process before construction starts.

Tracking the construction budget helps incorporate approved changes into the estimate of remaining costs.