What is a change order and when does it happen?

At Neil Kelly, a change order is called an Additional Work Authorization, or AWA. It's the formal document we use any time something changes from your original contracted scope of work — whether that means adding something, removing something, or adjusting the timeline or cost of your project.

AWAs can come up for a few different reasons. Sometimes a homeowner decides mid-project that they'd like to add or modify something. Other times, an unexpected condition discovered during demolition — like rot, outdated wiring, or a structural issue that couldn't be seen beforehand — requires work that wasn't part of the original plan. In either case, your Project Manager will walk you through exactly what the change involves and what it means for your budget and schedule.

Nothing changes without your full understanding and sign-off. Every AWA is reviewed and signed by you before any new work begins, so you're always in control of your project.