Change Orders and Construction Change Directives

Extra work should not become free work.

Change orders are one of the most common sources of construction disputes. A project may begin with one scope of work, but site conditions, owner requests, design revisions, material changes, scheduling issues, or field directives can change what the contractor is required to do.

A change order dispute usually asks: Was the work outside the original scope? Was the change authorized? Was the price agreed? Was written approval required? Did the contractor waive payment by proceeding without a signed change order? Did the owner or contractor issue a construction change directive? Did the contract require specific notice before additional compensation could be claimed?

Change orders often determine whether a contractor can recover additional payment, whether an owner can reject an invoice, and whether the unpaid amount can support a Claim of Lien or Payment Bond Claims. They also overlap with Delay Claims, because extra work can affect project sequencing, completion dates, and liquidated damages.

Montesino Law assists contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners with change order disputes, CCD claims, extra work claims, disputed scope, and related construction payment issues.