What Triggers a Change Order?
Change orders exist to keep projects predictable, fair, and on schedule. This guide helps you understand which changes require a formal change order and which items are already included in standard production engineering.
Changes That Trigger a Change Order
The following changes affect the approved design and require a formal change order:
Moving the building footprint
Adding or deleting square footage
Moving interior or exterior walls
Changing building elevations
Modifying roof lines or roof geometry
Changing window or door sizes or locations
What's Already Included
These items do NOT trigger a change order—they're part of standard production engineering:
Production model not matching the approved architectural drawings
Requests from the permitting office, building inspector, or builder for clarification of plans or installation manuals
Engineering fixes or corrections required due to an engineering error
Not Sure If Your Change Requires a Change Order?
Ask early. The sooner we know about a potential change, the easier it is to keep your project on track without surprises or delays.