My change order policy, like many of my construction management systems, evolved over a period of several years. One by one, as I recognized problems with existing procedures, I took steps to improve them. The change order policy I use today ensures that all changes are clearly documented and paid for in advance. But it wasn't always that way. Before I overhauled my policy, I usually proceeded with change order work based on estimated costs and a verbal agreement. I hardly ever submitted a change order till the end of the job. In fact, I sometimes batched together thousands of dollars worth of accumulated change orders and submitted them along with the request for final payment. Most clients
