Change Order Clauses in Standard Contract Documents

Abstract

This paper provides details and a comparative review of change-order-related clauses in major standard contract agreements. The information from the review is used to highlight the impact of the contractual agreements and their general conditions on change order procedures and pricing. The main categories of analysis include the change order process, direct and overhead cost items, and overhead and profit practices and percentages. Four sets of standard contract documents are reviewed: American Institute of Architects (AIA) A201-2007 and A401-2007, ConsensusDocs 200 and 750, Engineers Joint Contract Document Committee (EJCDC) C-700 and C-523, and Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) 2-2008/Canadian Construction Association (CCA) 1-2008. The comparative review points to the prevailing confusion and conflicts related to change order procedures and pricing among owners, designers, general contractors, construction managers, and subcontractors.