What is a change order, and who pays for it?

A change order is a written amendment to the construction contract that changes the scope, price or schedule after signing. Who pays depends on why it happened: owner-requested changes and genuinely unforeseen conditions are usually the owner's cost; errors by the contractor are the contractor's.

Common causes are an owner changing their mind about finishes or layout, a condition hidden inside the existing building that nobody could see from the drawings, or a requirement added by the building inspector. Each is priced and agreed in writing before the work proceeds.

Change orders are normal on remodels of existing buildings, where surprises behind walls and above ceilings are routine. What matters is how they are handled: a clear written scope at the start, a walkthrough before pricing, and every change documented and approved before it is built.

Wilson prices from a detailed scope and a site review, which heads off many avoidable changes, and documents every change in writing before it is built.

Related: Commercial General Contracting

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Last reviewed 2026-10-01