Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can lead to unavoidable change orders during a construction project. Change orders contribute to rising costs, lengthy delays, and coordination issues. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep change orders to a minimum. Here are some steps you can take to reduce change orders and why choosing the right commercial construction company and consultants in Columbia, Missouri, can make a positive difference in your building experience.

What Causes Change Orders in Commercial Construction?

Change orders are changes that need to be made to a commercial construction project after the original plans are approved. They can happen for several reasons, including:

• Design changes - The owner (or architect) decides that part of the building should be redesigned.
• Material substitutions - Certain materials may become delayed, discontinued or too expensive.
• Unforeseen site conditions - Problems at the site may be discovered after construction has begun. These can include underground pipes, poor soil conditions or hidden damages.
• Code or compliance issues - Because commercial buildings must follow local codes and safety rules, plans may need to be readjusted to meet these requirements.

A client may also decide to request upgrades or additions to the commercial property after construction has already begun. These can include new features, extra rooms, or other improvements that weren't part of the original plan. 

What Risks Can Occur With Change Orders?

Sometimes change orders are necessary during a construction project. However, some are easily avoidable and can create big problems if they aren't carefully handled by the commercial builder. Some of the biggest risks include:

• Higher costs - Changes often require additional materials, labor and equipment. These costs add up quickly, especially if work has already been completed and needs to be redone.
• Project delays - Before any new work can begin, the team may need to order new materials, get approval, or update the construction schedule, causing significant delays.
• Budget issues - If too many changes are made, it can be difficult for the owner to stay within their budget.
• Scheduling conflicts - Because projects involve many different teams of subcontractors, changes in one aspect of the project may mean other workers may have to wait until they complete their portion of the job.
• Rework - If part of the work has already been completed, then workers may need to remove or redo something that's already been installed, which wastes time and materials.
• Contract disputes - Change orders may lead to arguments between the project owner, the commercial contractor, subcontractors, and other members of the team regarding who pays for the changes and how much time is needed for the rework.
• Miscommunication - If changes aren't clearly explained, then different people may have vastly different ideas of what needs to be redone. This can lead to mistakes or duplicate work.
• Rushed work - If several changes cause the project to fall behind schedule, then there may be additional pressure to finish the project quickly. Rushing a project can lead to lower quality of the finished work.
• Supply issues - Change orders often require different materials. If they are difficult to find or there are delays in shipment, then the project may be delayed even further.

It's not uncommon for one change to create a chain reaction throughout an entire project. For example, if you change the location of a room, it could affect the plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC systems, and the work schedules of several carefully coordinated crews. What may seem like one small adjustment can have a huge effect on your project. 

Steps To Take To Avoid Change Orders

Change orders can (and will) happen from time to time, but many of them can be avoided if your project is carefully coordinated from start to finish. Here are several steps you can take to reduce unwanted change orders on your next construction project. 

Ensure the Scope of Your Project Is Clearly Defined

A project should have a clearly thought-out plan right from the beginning. The cause of many change orders is that the project itself did not have a clearly defined scope. Before any work gets started, take the time to develop a comprehensive scope with specifics on what's included (and excluded) in every area. By making sure the client knows what's achievable with their desired budget and timeline, there will be no misunderstandings from the start. 

Build Flexibility Into the Schedule & Budget

While it's important to try to avoid change orders, sometimes it's impossible to predict every issue. By planning for contingencies from the beginning, you can soften the blow if changes do happen. A good rule of thumb is to reserve a percentage of the budget for any unforeseen expenses. It's also a good idea to build extra time into your schedule to accommodate any minor delays that could come along. 

Invest in Training and Have an Established Quality Control Process

Many times, on-site errors happen because of poor execution or misunderstandings. Before construction starts, make sure that each team member understands the quality requirements and specifications. Additionally, make sure that you have a quality control process in place for all stages and tasks involved. By having an inspection system, the project manager can catch any issues early on and ensure that everything is up to standard. 

Schedule Regular Progress Meetings and Include Every Discipline

Problems can often be solved (or avoided altogether) if you have regularly scheduled progress meetings. Bringing the right people from all areas of the project together can help identify solutions early on and avoid miscommunication along the way. 

Why Who You Work With Matters

When it comes to reducing the frequency of construction change orders, who you work with matters. The right consultants can catch errors and missing items in your blueprints before you even break ground. They can also create realistic cost models that account for local labor and material prices so surprises are kept to a minimum. Experienced construction consultants can spot site hazards, regulatory issues and logistical delays ahead of time. This way, everything remains on schedule and within budget. 

Contact PCE for a Commercial Construction Consultation

The best time to prevent construction issues is before they occur. Our consulting team at PCE Construction can help you plan ahead, identify any potential problems, and reduce your risk of costly change orders. Based in Columbia, Missouri, we are proud to offer commercial construction consulting services throughout the Central Missouri region.

Contact us today to schedule a commercial construction consultation and take the first step towards a smoother, more predictable building experience.