Construction Change Directive template and PDF guide...
Capture scope or cost changes online, then generate an approved change document PDF. Use this when the owner and architect need the contractor to proceed with changed work...
When to use this template
Capture scope or cost changes online, then generate an approved change document PDF. Use this when the owner and architect need the contractor to proceed with changed work immediately but the price or schedule adjustment has not yet been agreed upon, avoiding project delays while the change is negotiated.
What to include
- Change directive number, project name, date issued, and reference to the original contract, along with the names of the owner, architect, and contractor.
- Description of the changed work in detail, referencing plan sheets, specification sections, and locations, with enough information for the contractor to understand exactly what work is being directed.
- Basis for pricing the change: whether the cost will be determined by lump sum proposal, unit prices from the contract, cost of the work plus a markup, or another method specified in the contract.
- Schedule impact acknowledgment noting whether the change is expected to affect the project completion date, and directing the contractor to submit a time impact analysis within a specified number of days.
- Signatures of the owner and architect directing the change, with a space for the contractor to acknowledge receipt and indicate agreement or disagreement with the proposed pricing method.
Common questions
- Can I edit this Construction Change Directive online before extra work starts?
- Yes. Update scope deltas, pricing impact, and schedule changes in-browser before execution.
- Can I save this Construction Change Directive flow for repeat change scenarios?
- Yes. With an account, save it so your team can process and document changes consistently.
- Can I generate a client-approval PDF from this Construction Change Directive?
- Yes. Export a clear PDF for signatures and project file traceability.
- How is a change directive different from a change order?
- A change order is a mutual agreement signed by all parties before the work proceeds. A change directive is issued by the owner when agreement on price or time has not been reached but the work cannot wait. The price is settled later and formalized in a change order.
- Can I refuse to do the work in a change directive?
- Under most standard contracts like the AIA A201, the contractor is obligated to proceed with the work directed. You retain the right to dispute the price and time adjustment, but you must perform the work while the dispute is resolved.
- How do I protect myself on a change directive?
- Track all labor hours, material costs, equipment charges, and subcontractor costs from day one of the changed work. Submit a detailed cost proposal as soon as possible and document the schedule impact. Good records are your best leverage in the negotiation.
- Does the architect have to sign a change directive?
- Yes, under AIA contracts both the owner and architect sign the change directive. The architect's signature confirms that the changed work is consistent with the design intent and contract documents.