How to Track Change Orders in Construction
A disciplined change-order process protects margin and reduces disputes by keeping scope, approval status, and financial impact visible.
Last updated: April 27, 2026 · Review cadence: Quarterly (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct)
- Log the change early: record source, date, and affected scope as soon as a potential change appears.
- Estimate impact: calculate labor, material, equipment, and schedule deltas with assumptions.
- Issue formal request: package scope narrative, backup detail, and requested adjustment.
- Track decisions: maintain approval status and unresolved blockers by owner.
- Close and reconcile: update budget/forecast and document lessons learned.
Change Order Control Checklist
- Unique identifier and clear change origin.
- Pricing basis and assumptions documented.
- Approval status visible to project stakeholders.
- Forecast and contract values reconciled after disposition.
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