What Is Construction Change Directive?
Not every step of a construction project goes according to plan. What is construction change directive? This article explains. In a way that is easy for most people to understand. A construction change directive is a written order that tells a contractor to go ahead with a change in the work even if the cost or time effect isn’t fully known yet. It lets the project keep going while the details are worked out later.
People often use change directives when they need to make quick decisions. They help keep things moving and keep costs down by stopping delays. Owners use them to deal with problems that come up out of the blue, changes to the design, or urgent needs on the site. Learning how change directives work helps contractors, owners, and students understand how projects can be flexible while still following the rules of the contract.
What is the point of a Change Directive?
The main goal of a change directive is to keep work going. There are problems that need to be fixed right away on a lot of projects. If everyone doesn’t agree on the price or schedule right away, work could stop and delays could happen. The owner can approve the change right away with a change directive, which lets crews keep working without stopping.
Another important goal is to keep track of things and control them. The directive makes it clear what needs to change and who is in charge of making it happen. This makes a formal record that keeps everyone safe. It shows that the contractor didn’t do it on their own and that the owner agreed to be in charge of the change. This makes things less confusing later on.
Change directives also help projects run more smoothly. They keep things running while conversations are going on in the background. They help keep deadlines by letting work go ahead and keeping people from being idle.
When to Use Change Directives
When something unexpected happens on site, people often use change directives. These could be utility lines that are hidden, soil problems, or structural problems that weren’t there before. When these problems need to be fixed right away, the directive lets work start before the final costs are agreed upon.
They are also used when there are safety issues. A change directive gives clear permission to deal with the problem right away. This helps keep the project on track while also protecting lives and property.
Changes to the design can also cause change directives. Sometimes drawings need to be changed because of mistakes or new needs. If waiting would cause delays, the owner may give an order so that changes can be made right away. This flexibility lets projects change while still moving forward.
What Makes It Different from Change Orders
A change order and a change directive have different uses. Before the work starts, the owner and contractor agree on the cost and time changes. This is when a change order is issued. Everything is agreed upon ahead of time and added to the contract.
There is no need for agreement at the start of a change directive. It tells the contractor to do the work first and then deal with changes in cost and time later. This difference is important when time is of the essence and waiting to negotiate would slow down the project.
Knowing this difference can help you avoid conflict. Contractors should know that a directive does not take away their right to fair pay. Owners should know that the costs will be looked at again later. These tools work together to make changes go smoothly when both sides follow the rules.
What each person does and what they are responsible for
The owner is a key person in giving a change order. The owner agrees to take responsibility for ordering the change by doing this. To avoid arguments, this authority needs to be clear. The directive should be clear and detailed enough to say what needs to be done.
The contractor is in charge of doing the work which was asked of them. At the same time, the contractor should keep a close eye on the time, materials, and labor costs related to the change. You will need this information later.
Architects or engineers often help with this. They might help figure out what the change will mean and how it will affect things. To make sure that everyone is treated fairly and to avoid misunderstandings later on, everyone should know what their role is and be able to talk to each other.
Changes to Time and Cost
After the work that was directed is done, the focus shifts to how it will affect costs and schedules. The contractor sends in records that show how the change affected the cost of materials and labor as well as the length of the project. For a fair evaluation, these records need to be correct and complete.
After that, the owner looks over the submission and talks about changes. This process changes the contract in a formal way. Both sides need paperwork to come to an agreement. Having clear records at this point can help avoid fights and delays.
There is also a lot of thought given to the effects of time. Some changes may take longer than planned, while others may not change the schedule at all. Being honest about these effects helps keep your expectations in check. If done correctly, this process closes the loop and makes the project clearer again.
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Risks and Best Ways to Do Things
One danger of change directives is that they don’t always make it clear what they mean. If the directive isn’t clear, people may disagree about what work needs to be done. Written confirmation and clear descriptions help lower this risk. Everyone should know exactly what is expected of them.
Another risk is not keeping good records. It’s hard to agree on how much time and money will be lost if there isn’t proper tracking. Contractors should keep daily reports, photos, and logs about the change. Owners should quickly look over information to avoid problems. Open communication and timely follow-up are two best practices. Talking about problems on a regular basis helps solve them early.
