Construction & RenovationHomebuying Glossary
Change Order
A written amendment to a construction contract, adjusting scope, cost, or timeline mid-project.
In plain English
A change order documents any modification to the original agreed scope of work — whether it's an added feature, an unexpected repair, or a material substitution — along with its impact on cost and schedule.
Why it matters
Always get change orders in writing before work proceeds — verbal agreements about added cost are a common source of renovation disputes.
Where you'll run into it
Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover change order in context.
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