# Change Order in Construction

> A change order is a signed amendment that changes the scope, price or schedule of a construction contract. See an example and how SuperWise amends work orders.

Canonical: https://superwise.site/glossary/change-order/
Last updated: 2026-11-01

A signed amendment to a construction contract that adds, removes or changes work and adjusts the contract price or the completion date.

## What is Change Order (Variation)?

A Change Order, also called a [variation order](https://superwise.site/glossary/variation-order/), is a binding amendment to a construction contract. It is issued when work is added, deleted or modified against the agreed scope, and it changes the contract price, the completion date or both.

## Practical example

Midway through building a commercial complex, the client decides to upgrade the lobby flooring from standard tiles to imported marble. A change order is drawn up that lists the extra material cost, the additional labour for cutting marble and a two-week extension of the project deadline. Both parties sign it before the work proceeds.

## In SuperWise

In SuperWise a change to an approved [work order](https://superwise.site/glossary/work-order/) or purchase order is made as an amendment, which adds one to the revision number and keeps a snapshot of the earlier version. A work order revision also records the reason for the amendment, and a mapping links the old work order lines to the new ones so that billing continues across the revision.

[Budget tracking](https://superwise.site/features/estimation-vs-earned-value/)

## Related terms

- [Variation Order (Change Order)](https://superwise.site/glossary/variation-order/)
- [Work Order (WO)](https://superwise.site/glossary/work-order/)
- [Bill of Quantities (BOQ)](https://superwise.site/glossary/bill-of-quantities/)

## Related
- [Variation Order (Change Order)](https://superwise.site/glossary/variation-order/)
- [Work Order (WO)](https://superwise.site/glossary/work-order/)
- [Bill of Quantities (BOQ)](https://superwise.site/glossary/bill-of-quantities/)
- [Budget tracking](https://superwise.site/features/estimation-vs-earned-value/)