What should be included in a change order?

• A. Description of change, cost impact, schedule impact, and authorized signatures.
• B. Description of change only.
• C. Cost impact only.
• D. Schedule impact only.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a change order must fully capture the amendment to the contract: what is changing, how much it will cost, how the schedule is affected, and who approves it. The description of the change communicates exactly what new or altered work is involved, so there’s no guesswork about scope. The cost impact shows the concrete price adjustment, whether it adds funds or provides a credit, guiding payment and budgeting. The schedule impact notes any delay or acceleration and identifies revised milestones or completion dates, which helps manage deadlines and sequencing. Authorized signatures confirm both parties agree to the terms, making the change enforceable and tying it to the contract documents and payment or scheduling adjustments. Without all of these elements, the change would lack clarity, create disputes over scope or cost, or leave the schedule uncertain.