By Matt Brennan • What the RFI? Episode 10
Sometimes the site needs direction before the team can agree on the final price. Episode 10 explores change directives, the situations that lead to them and the discipline needed to track the resulting work.
Lessons from Episode 10
Separate the instruction from the price agreement
A proposed change generally allows the team to seek and review pricing before authorizing the work. A change directive follows a different route under the applicable contract, allowing designated work to proceed while its adjustment is determined.
The form, authority and process depend on the project agreement. Confirm the required authorization and issue a coordinated description of the work. Do not assume that an informal instruction provides the same clarity as the contract’s formal process.
Plan the records before work starts
Define what costs and time will be recorded and how the team will review them. Labour, materials, equipment, invoices and daily records may all be relevant. Agree the review arrangements while the work can still be observed.
Matt uses uncertain site conditions and a framing example to show why the outcome can differ from an earlier estimate. A directive can help the project move, but it does not remove the need for careful cost review.
Keep the item open until it is resolved
Track the directive as an active change. Review supporting records progressively and ask questions while the team can still explain the work. Monitor the developing cost and any schedule implications with the owner.
Bring the completed records back through the contractual adjustment process. The goal is a traceable path from the authorized scope to the work performed and the eventual cost and time decision.
Your next step
Confirm the contractual route and authority.
Issue a complete description of the directed work.
Set up cost, time and field records before starting.
Review progressively and track the final adjustment.
Watch or listen to the full episode
Watch Episode 10 on YouTube or listen to The Challenges with Change Directives and read the transcript.
Related Construction Administration guides
change orders guide • proposed changes guide • construction meetings guide