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Change orders remain one of the most frustrating issues in the construction industry, seeming to sneak up on owners and contractors to spike costs and prolong project schedules. Even when all financial and planning systems are in order, a last-minute alteration can throw everything out of sync, leaving decision-makers feeling like they have no other choice but to throw more money at the project to keep it on schedule. On average, change orders account for approximately 8-14% of all capital construction dollars. 24% of the time change orders account for over 10% of the total project costs. 

Change orders bring frustration to the construction industry, spiking costs and prolonging project schedules for owners and contractors. Even when the project is well-planned in advance and details seem in order, a last-minute alteration can throw everything out of sync...  

Change orders affect construction projects of all sizes, and can feel like they are a way of life in construction.   

Let’s start with a little bit of sarcasm. Imagine an advertisement for the latest construction estimating software; “…With click and drag speed you can choose from thousands of line items of unit cost national average data and build accurate cost estimates…blah, blah, blah! ”  

Natural disasters and mechanical failures, such as a water line break or a bridge bearing failure, can create an emergency event that requires an immediate response to stabilize the building, site or impacted area, to clean up, and to make the required repairs.