What To Do When a Client Says You Didn't Adhere to a Change Order

In order for construction projects to be completed on time and on budget, you need seamless coordination between all parties and, whenever possible, minimal change order requests. But the reality is change orders are commonplace in Miami commercial construction projects. Therefore, handling them efficiently and effectively becomes key to keeping the build on track.

While you invariably do your part to manage client expectations related to change orders, misunderstandings or misinterpretations can arise and lead to disputes where a client claims that you did not adhere to one. Read more about what you can do if a client makes an allegation about a change order request against you.

Challenging a Change Order Allegation

During pre-construction, you and your client will review in detail every phase of construction, every nuance of the design and every penny of the budget. Yet inevitably, there will be a change order once work gets underway.

If at this point or once the project is completed your client claims you didn’t adhere to the change order, a dispute can arise. If the dispute is big enough, it can lead to construction litigation.

To address the claim, start by reviewing the construction contract and the change order document. What are the modifications to the original scope of work, and how do they impact the timeline and/or budget?

Regardless if you are accused of failing to complete construction in a timely manner, failing to adhere to plans and specifications, or not adhering to a change order, the first step to remedy this situation is always the same: Look at your agreements and documents.

Know When to Engage an Attorney

It’s also a good practice to engage an experienced South Florida construction litigation attorney even if you hope never to pursue a case against your client. Often a lawyer can help you resolve the issue out of court through less costly means such as mediation or arbitration.

When a client claims you did not adhere to a change order, it is crucial to address the situation promptly and professionally. Our team at Quintana Law, PA can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.