You're navigating change orders with clients. How can you build transparency and trust in the process?

Change orders... the bane of every project manager's existence. 🤯 They're a breeding ground for misunderstandings, inflated costs, and strained client relationships. But it doesn't have to be that way. 🙌 The key is transparency from the jump. Lay out a clear process for managing changes, get sign-off, and stick to it religiously. No surprises. And when the inevitable change request comes in? Don't panic - it's an opportunity to reinforce trust. Explain the impacts concisely. Offer options. Get alignment. 💯 At the end of the day, honesty and accountability build stronger partnerships than constantly trying to avoid tough conversations. Embrace them.

Discuss with your client why the CO occurred to begin with. If it was a design miss or a plan mistake, and the client contracted with the architect/engineer, they may be able to go back to them for reimbursement. If the CO was brought about by unforeseen conditions [unsuitable soils, weather delays, equipment delays, AHJ driven decisions or interpretations, explain this is not within your control. However, in your service to your client, you will keep detailed records of materials and time associated with the corrective measures. Your client must understand and be comfortable knowing that you will do whatever is needed to substantiate the unbudgeted time and amount lost because of the change order.

Open and honest communication is key to managing change orders smoothly. By keeping clients informed every step of the way, we build trust. Tools like project management software, messaging apps, and video conferencing help us stay connected. Sharing information openly, answering questions promptly, and explaining things clearly prevent misunderstandings and strengthen our relationship with clients.

I totally agree. Moreover what's the situation that has lead to those changes. Whether it's external like unforeseen weather conditions or a Design revisions or change in specifications to suit site conditions. All these have to be documented in detail and by taking client into confidence. Whether such a change will have impact on Contractual Obligations like Schedule details and Scope of Work, should be analysed and it's impact on billing should be assessed.

I can't agree more communication is the key to success of every project .So communication is key to bridge the gaps of every projects

To build trust with clients during change orders, focus on transparent pricing. Break down the cost into clear categories: direct material and labor costs for the change itself, any overhead or markup you apply, and potential impacts on the schedule. Provide justifications for each cost and be open to discussing alternative solutions or materials that might be more budget-friendly. This fosters trust by showing the client exactly where their money is going and demonstrates your commitment to working collaboratively.

Change orders are output of ff: 1. Technology advancement 2. Lesson learn 3. Regulatory ammendments/ upgrade 4. Design case study/ review 5. Change on responsibility or ownership 6. QA/QC findings 7. Management Change With all 6 contributions given, change orders baseline is always the contractual agreement between Client and Contractor. The only factor for the consideration of approving it is time, cost, quality and safety. As long as its substantiated with the 4 factors, no debate should hinder the approval.. my thoughts