Effects of Delivery Systems on Change Order Size and Frequency in Mechanical Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131, Issue 9
Abstract
Change orders represent one of the largest sources of cost growth on building construction projects. Field generated, or “unforeseen” change orders can also be highly disruptive to field productivity. Design-build delivery methods can potentially help minimize change orders on construction projects. This study was performed to closely examine the effects of delivery methods on the frequency and magnitude of change orders in mechanical construction, and how design-build business practices can be used to minimize the frequency of field generated chance orders. In a study of 598 change orders occurring on 120 construction projects performed by the same contractor, the total number of change orders was found to be close to the same on design-build and design-bid-build projects, however an 87% decrease in the average number of unforeseen change orders was observed on design-build projects versus design-bid-build projects. In addition, the average size of unforeseen change orders was 86% smaller on design-build projects. A detailed and qualified presentation of the research methodology and resulting data is provided. Key attributes and business practices leading to the results are discussed and practical applications of this research for owners and contractors are provided.
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References
Hanna, A., Russell, J., Gotzion, T., and Nordheim, E. (1999). “Impact of change orders on labor efficiency for mechanical construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 125(3), 176–184.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131 • Issue 9 • September 2005
Pages: 953 - 962
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 5, 2004
Accepted: Feb 11, 2005
Published online: Sep 1, 2005
Published in print: Sep 2005
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