Effect of changes in design on construction contracts

2022-05-30

The impact of changes in design on construction contracts can be significant and can have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved in a construction project. Here are some of the key effects:

Delays: Changes in design can result in delays in the construction process, which can impact the overall schedule and timeline for the project. This can result in additional costs and may also impact the quality of the finished product.
Increased Costs: Changes in design can result in increased costs for materials, labor, and equipment. These additional costs can be significant, especially if the changes occur late in the construction process.
Disputes: Changes in design can result in disputes between the parties involved in the construction project. These disputes can arise over issues such as the cost of the changes, the impact on the construction schedule, and the allocation of responsibility for the changes.
Quality Issues: Changes in design can result in quality issues, as the original design may no longer be suitable for the construction process. This can result in the need for additional testing and quality control measures, which can increase costs and result in further delays.
Contractual Issues: Changes in design can result in contractual issues, as the original contract may not adequately address the impact of changes in design. This can result in disputes over payment and the allocation of responsibility for the changes.

In conclusion, changes in design can have a significant impact on construction contracts, resulting in delays, increased costs, disputes, quality issues, and contractual issues. It is important for construction professionals to be aware of these effects and to have appropriate measures in place to mitigate them, such as clear and detailed contracts that address the impact of changes in design. By doing so, they can help to ensure the success of their construction projects and avoid costly and time-consuming disputes.