Which document should be used to formalize the scope and price when extra work is requested after project completion?

Which document should be used to formalize the scope and price when extra work is requested after project completion?

• A. A new contract
• B. A change order
• C. A verbal agreement
• D. A purchase order

Answer: (A)

When extra work is requested after a project is completed, you need a written mechanism that updates the original agreement to reflect the new scope and the added price. A change order is the document that amends the existing contract to include the additional work, its cost, and any schedule changes. It keeps the original contract in effect while legally recording the modification, and both parties sign it to prevent later disputes. A new contract would be appropriate only if you’re starting a separate, standalone set of work that isn’t simply an addition to the original project. A verbal agreement lacks written proof and is risky for changes, and a purchase order is meant for ordering goods or services under a contract rather than adjusting work scope or terms of the existing agreement. So, for formalizing added work after completion, the change order is the proper instrument.

When extra work is requested after a project is completed, you need a written mechanism that updates the original agreement to reflect the new scope and the added price. A change order is the document that amends the existing contract to include the additional work, its cost, and any schedule changes. It keeps the original contract in effect while legally recording the modification, and both parties sign it to prevent later disputes.

A new contract would be appropriate only if you’re starting a separate, standalone set of work that isn’t simply an addition to the original project. A verbal agreement lacks written proof and is risky for changes, and a purchase order is meant for ordering goods or services under a contract rather than adjusting work scope or terms of the existing agreement. So, for formalizing added work after completion, the change order is the proper instrument.