IMPACTS OF CHANGE ORDERS ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to provide comprehensive analysis of the impacts of change orders in construction projects to improve the understanding of their impacts. This understanding would be helpful for the construction professionals to be able to take proactive measures to reduce their impacts. Literature review was performed to study previous related researches and to identify factors of change orders impacts. Based on interviews with professionals in construction industry, these factors were reduced to most prominent 16 factors. Questionnaire was conducted to collect information about the perception of change order impacts by construction professionals. 102 complete responses were analyzed by using Relative Important Index (RII) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Analysis results present the most significant impacts factors of change orders were: increased project re-planning, increased in project management efforts, increased reworks/demolition works, loss of efficiency due to work interruption and delay of payments. The results of this project could lead professionals to better understanding of the impacts of change orders and take proactive measures to control and reduce their impacts.