Change Orders

What is a Change Order Request (COR)?

A COR is how subcontractors formally request compensation for work outside their original scope. Here's what it is, when to use it, and how to submit one correctly.

5 min read

A Change Order Request (COR) is a formal written request from a subcontractor to a general contractor asking for additional compensation or time for work that falls outside the original contract scope. It is the first step in the change order process — before any money changes hands or any schedule adjustment is made.

When to submit a COR

Submit a COR any time you're asked to perform work not included in your original contract scope, when site conditions differ materially from what was anticipated, when design changes require additional labor or materials, when owner-directed changes affect your work, or when delays caused by others impact your schedule or costs.

What a COR should include

A complete COR includes a clear description of the additional work or condition, the reason it falls outside your original scope, a detailed cost breakdown (labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and profit), the work type — Time & Material, Lump Sum, Unit Price, or Force Account — supporting documentation such as photos, drawings, daily reports, and material invoices, and the requested schedule impact if applicable.

Work types explained

Time & Material (T&M): You're paid for actual hours worked plus materials used. Requires detailed daily records. Lump Sum: A fixed price for a defined scope of additional work. Unit Price: A set price per unit of work — useful for quantities that aren't yet known. Force Account: Similar to T&M but typically involves more formal daily documentation and owner oversight.

The most common mistake

Doing the work first and asking for money later — without a written COR submitted beforehand. Most contracts require written notice before proceeding with changed work. If you don't give notice, the GC can argue the work was included in your original scope and deny your request.

Submit early, submit often

Don't wait until the end of the project to bundle up all your change order requests. Submit CORs as soon as the changed condition or directive occurs. This keeps the documentation fresh, the GC informed, and avoids disputes over what was agreed to months earlier.

This is general educational information, not legal advice. Change order procedures vary by contract. Review your subcontract for specific notice and submission requirements.

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