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Discussion Forum

Change Order Forms

Isamemon | Posted in Business on April 21, 2005 10:30am

I am starting this as a separate thread<!—-> <!—->

So now that I have survived by the skin of my teeth

And all of you that helped me through that, THANK YOU

<!—-> 

Any one recommend a good change order form from a ready print company <!—->

Or one that they have produced<!—->

When I find what I think is the best one for me, Ill share it as well. <!—->

Also I already sent a warning to my subs that no more change orders with out it in writing and signed by the owner or myself, but has to still go through me and get my signatures.<!—->

AND CHANGE ORDRS MUST INCLUDE PRICE<!—->

<!—-> <!—->

I also told them that no more working direct with my clients <!—->

That if they want to arrange a walk through and change things, I have to be there.<!—->

But any of you have anything really good in writing related to this like a letter to subs, Id be interested too.<!—->

Im not just asking for me, I think many many of us can benefit from my experience<!—->

<!—-> <!—->

The school of hard knocks has expensive tuition

 

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Replies

  1. User avater
    SamT | Apr 21, 2005 10:46pm | #1

    Isa,

    Here's one. May need a litle tweaking.

    1. Isamemon | Apr 24, 2005 07:38pm | #10

      Ive noticed you as well as some others alsways list a new total of the entire contract on the change order , as well as just the change itself

      Is this critical , to have the new grand total ???

      is it ok to leave out on a field copy ?

      1. User avater
        SamT | Apr 24, 2005 10:35pm | #11

        Isa,

        Yeah, I think it's critical. It keeps the client aware at all times of the grand total.

        And maybe can keep you out of court trying to explain why you should be paid the new amount when the last dated document the client possesses has the original contract amount on it.

        I also update the contract completion date on all CO's for the same reasons.

        The CO should answer

        What (is being added/removed from the contract)

        Who (intiated the CO)

        Why (Client request, Structural/Engineering issues)

        How much (For the CO and The new total)

        When (Will the CO be done and when is the new contract finish date)

        The Request For Bid Addendum you send to the subs only needs to tell them what to do and when to start. It needs to ask for how much money and time they need.

        The RFBA's should be signed by a principle of the subs' business, or by someone authorised in writing by a principle.

        SamT

  2. gdavis62 | Apr 21, 2005 11:18pm | #2

    One thing to consider, on your up-front contract, is a section to name those authorized to sign change orders.

    My contract, straight out of the JLC "Contractors Legal Kit" has it.  All parties signatory to the main contract name and show signatures of those authorized to sign change orders.

    Let's say you entered into a contract with Joe and Doris Smith, to build them a vacation home.  They live two states away, and often will travel separately on weekends to review progress.  They may have an adult son who lives in the place they are building this new dream home.

    The contract clause that deals with this might name Joe, Doris, and Joe Junior as those who, each alone, can sign change orders.

    This can be important in dealing with out of town clients, or even those that live nearby.  With everybody busy working and traveling today, sometimes you cannot get all parties there when you need them.

    1. Isamemon | Apr 22, 2005 12:24am | #3

      Gene,

      How did you do that.How did you know thta was part of the problem I delt with.

      Out of state owners, only here one time a month for a few days

      make changes .......disappear.........have a cow when bill is due

       

      again, thanks all of you

       

    2. Isamemon | Apr 22, 2005 12:25am | #4

      Im checking that leagalkit right now

      RIGHT NOW

  3. cutnnail | Apr 22, 2005 02:44am | #5

    Here's another one...

    calvin.

  4. davidmeiland | Apr 22, 2005 04:45am | #6

    Isa.... wait wait WAIT!

    The sub NEVER gets the Owner's signature on anything. Never!

    You are the general contractor and as such you have the PRIME CONTRACT for the job, the contract with the Owner. It has your signature and the Owner's signature on it.

    You also have SUBCONTRACTS with all your subs. Those have your signature and the sub's signature.

    If the owner requests a change... say more lights and switches.... you deal with the electrician and get a SUBCONTRACT CHANGE ORDER from him. You take the price of that change, and turn it into a PRIME CONTRACT change order. Once the Owner signs that change with you, you sign the change with the sub.

    You need to be sure you are doing it this way. There are two levels of contracts and two levels of change orders.

    There can be three levels if your subs are subbing work out to others. You would not be involved at that level.

    Your subs do not even need to know who the Owner is. In fact, it's usually better if they don't.

  5. User avater
    JeffBuck | Apr 22, 2005 07:27am | #7

    "I also told them that no more working direct with my clients"

     

     

    Did U tell the customers too?

     

    They are as much if not more of the problem.

     

    And ... boiler plate attached to the contract ... that they signed ...

     

    "any and all change orders and/or additional work orders will be signed for by both parties(home owner and contractor) and paid for IN FULL prior to starting any change order and/or additional work."

     

    Thinking that woulda got ya outta any mess in the first place.

     

    Jeff

      Buck Construction 

       Artistry in Carpentry

            Pgh, PA

    1. Isamemon | Apr 23, 2005 05:58pm | #8

      Yes owners are bing told not to work with my subs, without my permission

      for example, I don tneed to be at the carpet subs wharehouse to pick colors, if thy know the price range

      or the plumber to look at toilets, again if thy know the price range

       

      thanks, I laso agreewith the statement dont let the sub sign with the homeower Ill rethink that, but I should still get the subs signature on what the cost is....TO ME

      1. User avater
        JeffBuck | Apr 24, 2005 08:51am | #9

        but I should still get the subs signature on what the cost is....TO ME

         

        definitely. That's simple be "their" change order form for U to sign.

        Just means everyone is one the same page.

         

        Jeff  Buck Construction 

           Artistry in Carpentry

                Pgh, PA

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