Cost & contract · Glossary
Change order
Also called: CO
A change order is a written amendment to a signed construction contract that modifies the scope of work, the price, the schedule, or all three. Each change order must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor before the affected work begins.
Example
Discovering rotted subfloor during a bathroom tear-out typically triggers a change order adding $1,200–$4,000 to the contract.
Why this matters for renovation projects
Change order shows up on permits, contracts, or estimates that Renology covers across LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Denver. Most homeowners encounter the term once a project is already mid-flight, when there is no time to learn its mechanics without slowing the contractor. Knowing what it means before signing the contract is the difference between a clean project and an avoidable surprise. For how Renology calibrates cost ranges against permit valuations and contractor invoices, see the methodology.