A contractor must keep change orders on file for at least:

A contractor must keep change orders on file for at least:

• A. For one year
• B. For at least five years
• C. For ten years
• D. Indefinitely

Answer: (B)

Change orders are the official record of any approved changes to a contract, including scope, price, or schedule. Keeping these documents for a substantial period ensures you have a clear, verifiable history of what was agreed and when, which is essential if questions, disputes, or warranty claims arise after project completion. Five years is a common, practical minimum retention period for such records in the construction field, balancing the need for documentation with reasonable storage requirements. Shorter retention can leave you without evidence during potential disputes, while keeping them indefinitely is usually unnecessary. So, maintaining change orders for at least five years provides solid protection and clarity for both you and the client.

Change orders are the official record of any approved changes to a contract, including scope, price, or schedule. Keeping these documents for a substantial period ensures you have a clear, verifiable history of what was agreed and when, which is essential if questions, disputes, or warranty claims arise after project completion. Five years is a common, practical minimum retention period for such records in the construction field, balancing the need for documentation with reasonable storage requirements. Shorter retention can leave you without evidence during potential disputes, while keeping them indefinitely is usually unnecessary. So, maintaining change orders for at least five years provides solid protection and clarity for both you and the client.