Can I put something in the contract that any work under lets say $500 and is not necessary to have a change order?
3 replies
Jun 8, 2020
Hi,
You can absolutely do that! But why would you? While I understand that memorializing change orders is frequently time consuming, I would highly recommend sending a text message to the client to confirm what they want, how long of a delay it will cause, and any changes in price. This way you are protected in the event that something goes sideways. You always want proof that you were acting with authorization.
E. Aaron Cartwright III
214-789-1354
Aaron@EACLawyer.com
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Jun 8, 2020
Thanks Aaron,
We always let our client know when a change is occurring and typically that is not the issue. The issue is coming up with the cost on the "fly". I would prefer to go about our day and notify the client that the change is happening and the reason, but not have to stop to calculate a cost on the fly with the potential of making a error. I would let them know the cost is TBD and under $500 and we will have the final cost when we have addressed the issue and have the cost finalized. It seems when we give the client the option to approve a CO even if its necessary, they hold up the job, with questions and not replying right away, and it gives them the impression they can say no, when in reality it needs to be done. I want the ability to move quickly on small issues.
Lisa
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Jun 8, 2020
Hello,
You can do this, as long as the other party agrees. I would highly recommend that you put everything in writing though, this can get you into trouble later on where they will refuse to pay for work you completed if it wasn't in the original scope or wasn't approved formally. You don't want to leave it to a verbal agreement or approval, which will be very hard to prove or enforce.
Thanks,
Karalynn Cromeens
Managing Partner
8431 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
Tel: (713) 715-7334
www.TheCromeensLawFirm.com
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