Creating Change Orders

Change orders modify your original contract sum when work is added, removed, or changed. RIVET helps you create, track, and manage change orders throughout your project.

What Is a Change Order?

A change order (CO) is a formal document that modifies the original contract. Change orders can:

• Add work - New scope not in the original contract
• Remove work - Scope removed or value-engineered out
• Modify work - Changes to specifications or methods
• Adjust time - Extensions to the contract schedule

When to Create a Change Order

Create a change order when:

• The GC requests additional or different work
• Unforeseen conditions require additional work
• Design changes affect your scope
• Work is removed or reduced from your scope
• Material substitutions affect cost

Creating a Change Order in RIVET

Step 1: Navigate to Change Orders

1. Open your project
2. Click the Change Orders tab
3. Click New Change Order

Step 2: Enter Details

Step 3: Add Line Items

You can add the change order as a single amount or break it down into line items:

• Lump Sum - Single amount for the entire change
• Itemized - Detailed breakdown by labor, materials, equipment

Step 4: Attach Documentation

Include supporting documentation:

• RFI or direction from the GC
• Revised drawings or specifications
• Material quotes
• Labor estimates
• Photos of conditions

Step 5: Submit for Approval

1. Review all details
2. Click Submit
3. The change order status changes to "Pending"

Types of Changes

Addition (Positive CO)

Adds to your contract sum. Enter as a positive number.

Original Contract: $500,000 + CO #1: $25,000 = $525,000

Deduction (Negative CO)

Reduces your contract sum. Enter as a negative number.

Original Contract: $500,000 + CO #2: -$10,000 = $490,000

No Cost Change

Modifies scope without changing cost. Enter as $0 with description of what changed.

Change Order Numbering

RIVET supports flexible numbering:

• Sequential - CO-001, CO-002, CO-003
• By type - PCO-001 (Potential), CO-001 (Approved)
• Custom - Match GC's numbering system

Managing Pending Change Orders

Pending COs are submitted but not yet approved. Keep track of:

• Total pending amounts
• Days waiting for approval
• Required follow-up dates

Best Practices

Next Steps

• Learn about the approval workflow
• Understand how COs affect billing